PM’s Jan Dhan Yojana draws heavy rush at banks
Tribune News Service

Mussoorie, August 28
An unprecedented rush was witnessed at all branches of nationalised banks in the town for opening accounts under the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) which began in the country today.

Satish, Branch Manager of State Bank of India, Kulri, said they had never seen such a rush in the past for opening bank accounts in the town. He said by noon over 100 accounts were opened under the scheme.

Rahul Goyal, manager of Nainital Bank, said the enthusiasm to open bank accounts was unprecedented as several enquiries were being sought telephonically. He said around 100 bank accounts were opened in the bank till evening.

MC ward member Beena Panwar said people from lower strata would be benefitted from the scheme and should come in large numbers for opening their bank accounts.

Besides, many people, who already had their bank accounts, sought information on whether they could enrol under the scheme.

At some banks, previous account holders were not allowed to open account in the same name while at other banks, all individuals having accounts applied under the scheme.

However, certain private banks in Mussoorie did not show interest in the scheme. Officials of Yes Bank at Library Bazaar said as they had received no directions from their headquarters, no accounts were opened under the scheme.

CM, Maneka launch Jan Dhan Yojana
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, August 28
With the slogan ‘’Mera Khata Bhagya Vidhata,’’ the Prime Minister’s financial inclusion scheme Jan Dhan Yojana was launched in Dehradun today by Chief Minister Harish Rawat and Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment Maneka Gandhi.

Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister Harish Rawat said that the scheme was a followup on the financial inclusion scheme launched in 2011.

“The scheme aims to provide at least one bank account in each household of the country but in a state like Uttarakhand connectivity poses a huge problem. In the absence of telephones and Internet connection to reach people residing in the remote areas of the state, providing a link would be challenging,” he said.

The Chief Minister also stressed the need for flexibility in norms while extending banking services in the state.

On the other hand Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment Maneka Gandhi said: “We want to integrate the poorest of the poor with bank accounts with Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana. Today there are crores of families which have mobile phones but no bank accounts. We have to change this. The scheme aims to benefit the poor,” she stressed.

Under the Jan Dhan Yojana the person who opens a bank account will get a debit card and the family will get Rs 1 lakh insurance cover to help the family to deal with any unforeseen eventuality.

The PMJDY has set an ambitious target of bringing in more than 7.5 crore unbanked families into India’s banking system by opening more than 15 crore bank accounts (two bank accounts per household).

In Uttarakhand around 1500 camps are being organised for opening of bank accounts. On the occasion passbooks and debit cards were handed to new account holders.

All India helpline for women soon

Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment Maneka Gandhi today said that for the safety of women, the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment will soon launch an all-India helpline with a single digit number throughout the country.

Speaking with reporters today, the minister who was here to launch the financial inclusion scheme said; “The helpline would help women who travel by buses and trains to call for help in case they are attacked or threatened,” she said.

The minister said that her ministry would soon expand the short stay homes, homes for widows and one stop crisis centres that would provide legal assistance to women in distress all across the country.

Gandhi said that her government was willing to assist the state in providing succour to the women and children affected by the mid June disaster of last year. “The insurance cover being extended under the PM’s Dhan Yojana would prove helpful to people of the state who have to face the vagaries of nature every year,” she said. 

DM issues show-cause notices to departments
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, August 28
Rapping departments for their failure in resolving the complaints lodged by the general public, District Magistrate Chandresh Yadav issued show-cause notices to PWD, Dehradun Municipal Corporation and Education Department here today.

A meeting was held to review the progress of the complaints made by the public in the emergency control room set up at the district collectorate office. A total of 1,174 complaints were received in the period from June 27 to August 25. Out of these 441 complaints had been resolved by the departments concerned.

Reviewing the progress made in the unresolved cases, the DM asked the officials to take necessary action at the earliest.

More than 50 complaints were pending with Dehradun Municipal Corporation, irrigation, PWD, education and infrastructure departments. Out of the complaints received, a majority belonged to the issues pertaining to disaster.

Speaking to the officials, the District Magistrate instructed the departments dealing with disaster relief work to speed up the projects under them. “The water and electricity services should be resumed immediately in the Sarkhet area that was recently affected by heavy rains and landslide. In case the departments fail to respond strict action would be taken against them,” he added.

Those who were present in the meeting included Deepshikha Rawat, BN Chowdhary, SS Juyal, RL Bisht, Ankit Jain and Harshvardhan Mishra.

Progress reviewed

• A total of 1,174 complaints were received in the period from June 27 to August 25. Out of these 441 complaints had been resolved by the departments concerned.
• More than 50 complaints were pending with Dehradun Municipal Corporation, Irrigation, PWD, education and infrastructure departments. Out of the complaints received, a majority belonged to the issues pertaining to disaster.

Nanda Devi Yatra reaches Faldiyan
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, August 28
Termed as ‘Kumbh of Himalaya’, Nanda Devi Raj Jaat Yatra reached its 10th halt, Faldiyan village, yesterday.

Before reaching the designated halt, the yatra started from Nandkeshri and passed through Purnasera, Deval, Icholli and Hatakalyani before reaching Faldiyan.

DM for compliance with court orders on animal sacrifice
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, August 28
In the run-up to Ma Nanda Devi Mahotsava in Kumaon, Nainital District Magistrate Akshat Gupta today issued directions to his subordinate officers to ensure that no animal sacrifice takes place at the temple campus during the religious festival to be held shortly.

Presiding over a meeting of district officers, local public representatives and others, District Magistrate Akshat Gupta said the court’s directive for a ban on animal sacrifice at the temple campus in the festival must be complied with under all circumstances.

He said entry of devotees along with animals inside Nanda Devi temple is totally banned. DM Akshat Gupta suggested that the devotees must rather perform worship with coconuts and flowers.

Nanda Devi Mahotsava Samiti president Mukesh Joshi assured full cooperation with the district authorities.

He categorically held that the samiti will not allow anyone to perform sacrifice at the temple.

He further held that cleanliness will be maintained in the temple campus and the surrounding areas. Mukesh Joshi said that ban on polythene will also be strictly implemented.

District Magistrate Akshat Gupta directed for setting up of a police post at the site of the fair.

Stationing of an ambulance and fire extinguishing vehicle were also approved at the meeting.

Additional Superintendent of Police Pankaj Bhatt, Sub-Divisional Magistrate Shivcharan Diwedi, Chief Medical Office LM Upreti and other senior district officers were present at the meeting. 

Three killed in road accidents
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, August 28
Tragedy struck Dehradun city last night after three persons including two women were killed and more than 10 were injured in two different road accidents.

An accident took place on Rajpur Road near the National Institute for the Visually Handicapped (NIVH) around midnight last night after a Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) coming from Mussoorie towards the city veered out of control and hit a streetlight pole before ramming into a tree on the other side of the road.

As a result of the impact, two women sitting inside the vehicle were flung out of the car and died on the spot. The two men sitting in the front of the car were seriously injured. They were rushed to Max Hospital by ambulance in a critical condition. According to the police, the two deceased have been identified as 22-year-old Nisha and Catherine, reportedly a middle-aged woman.

The injured have been identified as 24-year-old Aditya Chaudhary, resident of Patel Nagar Dehradun, and Akash Arora, resident of Kashipur. Reported to be college students, both were coming from Mussoorie with their friends when the fatal accident occurred. Police sources have confirmed that both Aditya and Akash were under the influence of alcohol last night.

In another road mishap, a car coming from Vikasnagar on Wednesday night hit two cars, two bikes, one scooty and one pedestrian near Nanda ki Chowki. A polytechnic student was killed and around 10 persons were seriously injured. The deceased, identified as Ankit Maurya, was hit by the car when he was walking on the roadside. According to the police, Rajeev Sharma was driving the car and was drunk. Local residents stopped him near Premnagar and handed over him to the police.

Kids trained in puppet making

Dehradun, August 28
Internationally acclaimed puppeteer Padamshree Dadi Pudumjee, along with his team of five members Pawan, Vivek, Shameem, Kumari and Avinash of the Ishara Trust Foundation, is in Summer Valley School for a workshop on puppet making.

Dadi Pudumjee, founder of the Ishara Puppet Theatre Trust, was awarded the Padamshree in 2011. Many of his performances not only appeal to children but also address themes such as HIV/AIDS and substance use.

There are over 100 children involved in this workshop. Puppets as high as 14 feet and many other objects have been made by children using materials like bamboo, plywood and thermocol.

The children will finally put up a production and showcase these puppets for Summer Valley School’s 20th Founders’ Day celebrations, which is scheduled to be held in October. — TNS

Personal assistants hold protest

Dehradun, August 28
Employees under the banner of Uttarakhand Personal Assistant/Personal Officers Association took out a rally in support of their year-long pending demands here yesterday.

The agitators threatened to intensify agitation if the government did not take effective steps to fulfil their demands.

They gathered at Parade Ground and took out rally in support of their demands and raised anti-government slogans. VK Sharma, officiating chairman of the association, said a memorandum highlighting association’s demands was submitted many times to top bureaucrats, but to no avail.

He said pay anomaly, upgrade of cadre, and increase in grade-pay were few pending demands of the association. — TNS

Gorkhas celebrate Hartalika Teej
Tribune News Service

Gorkha community members dance in Mussoorie to celebrate the festival. Tribune photos: ajay ramola

Haridwar, August 28
Hartalika Teej is being celebrated with fervour and gaiety in the pilgrim city. Yesterday, a special mass food “Dar Khane Din” was observed with the community kitchen food being served to all.

Women devotees, particularly married women, observed a day-long fast, wearing red colour attires and visited Lord Shiva temples offering Ganga jal, milk, fruits and flowers at the Shivalingams.

A special evening prayer in which 108 cotton thread earthen lamps were lighted throughout the night along with bestowing of blessings by mother-in-laws was also performed. As per Gorkha Democratic Front representative Pooja Subbha, Teej festival is usually celebrated during monsoons and believed to be a ritual associated with Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.

“It’s a ritual linked with the pious love between Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. It reflects the importance of nature, happiness, spirit, change of season and community bonding,” said Uma Upadhyaya.

A cultural programme was organised at the BHEL community hall, Sector 1, yesterday in which women from Dehradun, Roorkee, Pauri Garhwal (Chilla), Raiwala, Bahadrabad, Shivalik Nagar participated in large numbers.

The programme was organised by Akhil Bhartiya Gorkha Maha Sabha Kalyankari Samiti. Narayan Prasad Sharma, president of the maha sabha, wished the Gorkha community on Haritalika Teej and shed light on the reasons behind observing this festival.

Gorkha Democratic Front president Uma Upadhyay, Gorkha Sandesh weekly editor Shamsher Bahadur, Dr Sanjay Shah, Teesta Shah, Vandana Sharma, Tanjana Thakur, Kamal

Thapa, Padma Pandey, Radha Rana, Vineeta Thapa, Anita Gurung, Chandrakala Bisht, Poona, Meenu Ale, Surya Vikram Shahi and Narayan Pandey of Multan Bhawan were prominent among participants.

Tomorrow on the pious occasion of Ganesh Chaturthi, a special ritual is done after the early morning bath. Haritalika Teej festival concludes on the fourth day also observed as “Rishi Panchami,” with women offering rituals to deities and taking bath with roots of Datiwan herb and red colour mud.

Festivities in Mussoorie

The Gorkha community celebrated Hartalika Teej held at the Mazdoor building in Mussoorie on Thursday. The Gorkha women dressed in traditional attire participated in the festivities and several traditional dance and song items were presented to mark the occasion.

Municipal Council president Manmohan Singh Mal and Mussoorie MLA Ganesh Joshi were the chief guests of the function. Both leaders wished the community members and said they had contributed to society in Mussoorie in a positive way for the past several decades.

The community members said the festival signified the reunion of Goddess Parvati with Lord Shiva and is considered auspicious for marital bliss. Women observe fast for the well being of their husbands. Several women were seen getting mehndi applied on their palms.

CMO raids health centre on villagers’ complaint
Our Correspondent

Pithoragarh, August 28
Chief Medical Officer, Almora, Dr LM Upreti raided the Primary Health Centre at Khairna today.

Villagers of the Betalghat block in Pithoragarh district had complained that after handing over to a private hospital under the public private partnership (PPP) mode, the Primary Health Centre has begun denying sufficient medical services to locals and is involved in rampant corruption.

The raids were conducted after villagers threatened to begin an agitation from September 6 against irregularities at the hospital.

“We have complained to the Chief Medical Officer that after handing over to Sheel Hospital under the PPP mode, the hospital is not giving attention towards their medical needs,” said Hitesh Shah, a local villager.

Dr Upreti said, “After inspection, we found breach of contract by the hospital under the PPP mode as medicines were not available in sufficient quality and medical officers were not present at the hospital.”

According to the CMO, the hospital has only five doctors against the signed contract of 12 doctors, and corruption was found in purchase of medicines. “Even medicines required for newly born child and her mother were purchased from outside,” she said.

The CMO not only ordered writing of adverse remarks against the absent medical and other staff members but also ordered that all the medicines be purchased from government prescribed firms and funds should be provided by the hospital management.

“We have also asked the management of Sheel Hospital, Bareilly, to ensure certain number of doctors in the hospital according to the conditions of contract under the PPP mode with the hospital management.”

Work on Unesco natural heritage centre set to take off
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, August 28
The Wildlife Institute of India Dehradun is all set for the Unesco (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation) Centre for World Natural Heritage Management and Training for Asia-Pacific region to come up. Union Minister of Environment, Forests and Climate Change (independent charge) Prakash Javadkar will be in Dehradun on August 30 to lay the centre’s foundation stone.

Natural heritage conservation in Asia and Pacific region has been facing many challenges in recent years as a result of extreme pressure on natural ecosystems due to high density of population, threats of disasters, potentially harmful economic activities and persistent poverty.

Unesco has established eight such centres in China, Norway, South Africa, Bahrain, Mexico, Italy, Brazil and Spain. According to Dr VB Mathur, Director, WII, the centre at the Wildlife Institute of India is the world’s first such centre focusing on natural world heritage.

The centre, apart from playing its role in capacity-building, knowledge-sharing and research, is expected to contribute to implementation of Unesco’s strategic programme objectives for the benefit of member states.

LPG agency launched in Mussoorie
Tribune News Service

Mussoorie, August 28
A new LPG agency run under Bharat Gas was launched near Jaypee bend today. The chief guest on the occasion, MD Bharat Gas DN Mathur, inaugurated the LPG cylinder godown by cutting the ceremonial ribbon.

Addressing the gathering here, he said with opening of another gas agency, a long-standing demand of the town’s residents would be met. Bharat Gas agent Sunil said around 10,000 connections will be given in the first phase and the bookings will start soon.

Govt teachers begin indefinite stir
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, August 28
A day after Chief Minister Harish Rawat asked government employees to refrain from strike and demonstrations, a large number of government teachers under the banner of Uttarakhand Primary Teachers Union started indefinite strike outside the Education Directorate here today.

Irked over non-fulfillment of their long-pending demands, the protesters submitted a memorandum addressed to the Chief Minister through Doiwala MLA Heera Singh Bisht.

As a part of the pre-decided move, a large number of primary teachers gathered at the Directorate’s complex and raised slogans highlighting their demands.

Addressing protesters, speakers said inter-district postings were done to fill posts meant for promotions. “This move has proved to be a blockage in the promotions of primary and junior teachers causing widespread resentment among the fraternity. The step taken by the state Education Department is unconstitutional and against the welfare of teachers. Until the transfers are rolled back, we would continue with our strike,” said the protesters.

Those who were part of the demonstration included Virender Singh Krushali, Suresh Pal, Subhash Chandra Kukreti, Rajender Singh Gusain, Rukmani Bhadola, Laxmikant, Digvijay Singh and several others.

Teachers continue with their strike

The ongoing agitation by teachers continued on Thursday. The agitators have threatened to intensify their agitation if the state government did not take effective steps to address grievances.

Addressing the agitators, Devendra Singh Bisht, state president of Shiksha Acharya Anudeshak Sangathan, lamented that a memorandum highlighting their demands was submitted many times to officials but the state government is yet to take effective steps to fulfil their demands.

He said that qualified teachers are not offered employment in the state education department despite the fact that memorandums were submitted many times to officials.

The agitators have threatened to intensify their agitation if the state government does not take effective steps to fulfil their demands. Parwinder Kumar, Khem Singh Amrish, Ramkrishan Mamgain, Beena Devi, Daulat Singh and others were present.

Stationery distributed among rain-hit Katbangla children

Dehradun, August 28
Society for Health Education and Women Empowerment Awareness (SHEWA) Jakhan, a voluntary organisation, today distributed school stationery at rain-hit Katbangla area of Dehradun.

Dr Sujata Sanjay, gynaecologist at Sanjay Orthopaedic Spine and Maternity Centre, said the aim of the society was to create awareness among children on health-related issues.

She said the society has been emphasising on better health for the feminine gender as they can help in the development of society.

SHEWA’s president Dr Gaurav Sanjay said almost 2,000 patients had benefited from these camps in the past years. He said these camps would continue. — TNS

People smoking publicly fined
Tribune News Service

Mussoorie, August 28
A team of officials, led by Deputy CMO Dr Baukhandi, visited the town under the aegis of District Tobacco Control Board and levied a fine on the people found consuming tobacco and smoking in public places today.

The team also levied fines on shopkeepers who were selling tobacco goods flouting the laid down norms.

Dr Baukhandi was accompanied by Food Safety and Standard Department officer Rachna Lal along with psychiatrist Dr Anuradha.

He inspected shops at Barlowganj, Jharipani and Mall road, and a fine of Rs 200 each was levied on the shopkeepers, who were found flouting norms.

Chopper fare hike resented
Our Correspondent

Pithoragarh, August 28
Residents of Dharchula subdivision in Pithoragarh district have resented increase in the helicopter fare from Dharchula to neighbouring high Himalayan valleys of Darma and Johar by the Civil Aviation Department and demanded that this be kept at minimum.

The helicopter fare was increased from Rs 1,000 plus taxes to Rs 5,000 plus taxes this week. “The fare was increased from Rs 1,000 plus taxes to Rs 5,000 plus taxes on the instruction of the Civil Aviation Department,” said HC Semwal, District Magistrate, Pithoragarh.

A delegation of Dharchula residents led by zila panchayat member from the area, Manjula Budiyal, met Semwal today and demanded that the increase in the helicopter fare be rolled back in the interest of poor residents of the high valleys. “The condition of track routes to Gunji, Garbiyang and Kuti villages from Tawaghat are not in a good condition as they are damaged at various places. If one has to travel to his village in a high valley he will have to risk his life to use these damaged tracks,” said Manjula Budiyal.

The helicopter service was started a month ago to facilitate convenient travel for the residents of high Himalayan valleys as due to the natural disaster last year and heavy rains this year, the track routes were not in a good condition to travel on. “Though residents have opposed hike in the helicopter fare, others have already purchased tickets at the increased rate,” said the District Magistrate. 

2 held for robbery at petrol station owner’s house
Tribune News Service

Mussoorie, August 28
Finally, the Mussoorie police today arrested two persons involved in armed robbery at the house of petrol station owner on July 12.

However, the kingpin of the gang of four accused, identified as Raju Thapa from Nepal, is still absconding and the police are on the lookout for him.

The duo have been identified as Vijay Singh Rana, aged 32, resident of Chinchu village in Surkhet district of Nepal, and Naresh Thapa, 42, a resident of Sukutia village in district Kalikot, Nepal. The accused had entered the house of a petrol station owner near Bala Hissar and robbed his family members of valuables, including cash, foreign currency and jewellery worth several lakhs of rupees on the night of July 12.

According to the police station in charge Sandeep Negi, a team led by SSI Kholia was working to nab the gang of armed robbers since the day of the crime and after receiving a tipoff apprehended the two accused from JP bend while they were trying to flee early morning today.

The police have succeeded in recovering two countrymade pistols, a sharp knife and mobile phone of the wife of the petrol station owner.

The police said that the accused nabbed today have confessed to have committed the crime during interrogation and also revealed that Raju Thapa, the prime accused, had fled without sharing the loot.

The two accused were working on daily wages as migrant labourers in the town and were residing temporarily in the premises of Gajju Lala near Gajji bend on the Mussoorie-Dehradun road.

The police said they were trying to find out whether the two were involved in other crimes committed in the town over the years.

Meanwhile, SSP, Dehradun, Ajay Rautela, has commended the Mussoorie police and has announced a cash prize worth Rs 2,500 for the team involved in solving the case.

SSI RS Kholia, SI Rajendar Singh Pujar, SI Riyaz Ahmed, constable Dharmender Singh, constable Mohd. Irshad and constable Satyendar Negi were part of the team involved in the case. The residents have praised the Mussoorie police and say they should also try to solve other cases of theft.

Garhwali music album released in Mussoorie
Tribune News Service

Mussoorie, August 28
A Garhwali music album “Preet ki Pachyaan” sung by Viresh Chandra Bharti and Meena Rana was released at a hotel in Mussoorie yesterday.

The director and producer of Parvatiya Bigul film productions, Pradeep Bhandari released the album in the presence of a large gathering of regional music lovers here.

The film is shot in the panoramic locales of Gharwal, capturing the beauty of the monsoon season, said Bhandari. He informed the gathering that the album consisted of eight songs showcasing the traditional hill culture .He further said that the songs are composed by Sanjay Kumola and the dance is choreographed by Arvind Negi. Manvendar Shaiv is the cinematographer while he directs the album.

The other artistes in the album are Harshpati Riyaal, Padam Gusain, Vijay Bharti,Shalendar Patwal,Nagendar Prasad,Sanju Dogra etc.

Roadways staff threaten to intensify stir
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, August 28
Roadways employees protested in support of their year-long pending demands here today.

The employees have threatened to intensify the agitation if the department does not take effective steps to fulfil their year-long pending demands.

The roadways employees under the banner of the Uttarakhand Roadways Employees Union protested at the roadways workshop and raised anti-department slogans.

Preetam Singh, state president of Uttarakhand Roadways Employees Union, said a memorandum highlighting the union’s demands was submitted many times to officials concerned, but the department was yet to take effective steps to fulfill their pending demands.

The protesters sought increase in grade pay, pay anomaly, government job to the next to kin of deceased employees and fill vacant posts. Ravi Pachori, Jagdish Bahuguna, Niranjanpal, Ramesh Kumar, MS Rawat, Balesh Kumar, SP Petwal, Anil Upadhayay, and Anand Kukreti took part in the protest. 

Kasiga School win football tourney in penalty
Tribune News service

Dehradun, August 28
Kasiga School won the Principal Progressive School Association (PPSA) Football Tournament after defeating Doon International School in a penalty shootout in the final match played at Gorkha Military College here today. Kasiga School won the match by winning the penalty shootout by 6-5 after both teams could not score even a single goal in the normal allotted timing. For Kasiga School, Ashutosh, Shobh, Khaw, Howos, Palden and Bablu scored the penalties. On other hand, Kastanya, Amar, Deepant , Prerak and Ashu scored penalties for Doon International.

Doon Valley drub Indian Public School 2-0

Doon Valley Public School defeated Indian Public School (IPS) 2-0 in the ongoing 13th Om Prakash Memorial Football Tournament played at Carmen School football ground here on Thursday. Rupesh scored both goals for his team in the 18th and 50th minute of the match.

In the second match of the day, Mussoorie International School was given a walkover after the opposition team, North Point School, did not reach to play the match.

Tomorrow, GRD World School will take on Carmen School while The Asian School will play against St Joseph Academy.

Grace Academy, Asian School match ends in draw

Only one match was played in the ongoing Colonel Shashi Memorial Inter-School Soccer Tournament today at Gorkha Military School. The match between Grace Academy and The Asian School ended in a 1-1 draw with Anurag scoring the first goal for Asian School in the 1st minute of the match. Flim scored the equaliser in the 13th minute for Grace Academy.

10 matches played during KV football tournament

More than 10 league matches were played in the Under-19 Football Tournament in the Kendriya Vidyalaya (KV) Regional Sports Meet at KV Forest Research Institute (FRI) here on Thursday. The host KV, FRI, won its both matches after registering comfortable victories against KV, Haldwani, and KV, Agastmuni.

In other matches, KV, Raiwala, defeated KV, Banbasa, 1-0 while KV, Pithoragarh, thrashed KV, IDPL, Rishikesh, 6-1. On other hand, KV, Upper Camp, Dehradun, registered a 2-0 win over KV, Hathibarkala Number 1, whereas KV, IMA, also won its match against KV, Railwala, 3-2 in a close encounter.

KV, Ranikhet, defeated KV IDPL, Rishikesh, 2-0, and KV, BHEL, Haridwar, won its encounter against KV, Pauri, 1-0. KV, ONGC, also won its match against KV, Haldwani, 1-0 while KV, Pithoragarh, thrashed KV, New Tehri Town, 5-0.

Nirmala College, Taj Sports Club enter hockey finals

Nirmala Inter-College and Taj Sports Club reached the finals of the sub-junior and junior division, respectively, in the six-a-side Dhyan Chand Memorial Hockey Tournament that began at the Mussoorie Modern School ground on Thursday.

In the first semifinal, Niramala Inter-College defeated RN Bhargav Inter-College by 2-0 in sub-junior division. Taj Sports emerged winners by defeating RN Bhargav Inter-College in another semifinal held in the junior division by 1-0. The final match will be played on August 29. The tournament is being organised under the aegis of the Mussoorie Sports Association.

Emphasis on promoting sports among students
Tribune News Service

Mussoorie, August 28
A decision to promote sports among school students was taken during the annual meeting of Mussoorie Schools Sports Association (MSSA) held at Oak Grove School yesterday. The heads of the more than six schools emphasised on promoting sports among the students in a big way.

It was also decided in the meeting that the students excelling in sports at the inter-school level should be given an opportunity to represent at district and state-level sports meets.

The decision on organising an inter-school Olympics in October for the budding athletes from the participating schools was also taken. The meeting also decided to promote and felicitate the students excelling in sports.

The Headmaster of Oak Grove School, K. Kumar, Principal Manav Bharti, Manjari Bakshi, Dean and Headmaster, Guru Nanak Fifth Centenary School ND Sawhney and Anil Trivedi, Principal, Mussoorie Public School, Mukesh Lal, and secretary of the MSSA Lalit Verma were present.