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CM seeks Rs 5,000 cr from Centre
e-registration service begins in Uttarakhand
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Hill states to observe Himalayan Day today
32 transgenders identified in Haridwar
Jail reforms on the anvil
Guv bids farewell to Hemkund Sahib pilgrims
Extension of 12 HODs at GB Pant varsity not illegal: VC
Nanda
Devi Raj Jaat Yatra
Corruption, poverty aid illiteracy: RLEK chief
Meeting on pulse polio eradication programme
Teachers threaten to intensify stir
Road project inaugurated
Ameen staff begin hunger strike
Pigs rule the roost on streets
Five mobile towers sealed
4-yr-old killed as car falls into gorge
Colonel Brown upset Doon Cambridge School in soccer
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CM seeks Rs 5,000 cr from Centre
Dehradun, September 8 Submitting a letter to the Prime Minister, Harish Rawat stated that the road from Rudraprayag to Kedarnath via Gaurikund was damaged due to the natural disaster. He added that the state government worked on a war footing to get the roads repaired and opened them for the yatra. He said that it was required to build two tunnels between Guptkashi and Kedarnath as alternate routes. The CM has requested a special package of Rs 1000 crore to reconstruct Kedarnath Dham as well as Kedar Puri and for the rehabilitation of people in the Rudraprayag-Sonprayag-Gaurikund-Lincholi belt. It was also necessary to re-develop basic infrastructural facilities in Kedarnath Dham. He told PM Narendra Modi that the outline of the state government’s vision for rehabilitation of Joshimath-Lambagad-Shri Badrinath Dham and construction of ropeways for the pilgrims of Hemkund Sahib as well as Valley of Flowers had been prepared. He said that this required a special package of Rs 500 crore. The CM said that owing to the disaster last year, the 10 km stretch around Uttarkashi city had become highly sensitive and required work on slope stabilisation as well as flood control along with re-development of Uttarkashi-Harsil-Gangotri and Gomukh. This also required a special package of Rs 500 crore. The Chief Minister Harish Rawat has requested a special package of Rs 1000 crore so that the Kumaon division’s settlements along Gauri Ganga and Dhauli Ganga rivers situated in Pithoragarh district could be protected from floods. He said that the urban areas along the rivers which included Madkot, Bangapani, Jauljeevi, Dharchula, Tawaghaat, etc were highly sensitive and required to be developed. Along with this, development was also required at all seven stages of Kailash Mansarovar yatra. Harish Rawat emphasised on the need for construction of the road from Tanakpur- Jauljeebi along the Kali river running on the India-Nepal border. Harish Rawat said that respecting the sentiments of the people of Uttarakhand, Gairsain was being developed as the summer capital of the state. Work was in progress to develop the secretariat, Vidhan Sabha and other related amenities at Gairsain. Along with this, a 100 km road connecting KV, Navodaya schools, base hospital and other important places had to be constructed on priority. Thus a Rs 250 crore special package had to be approved for this. The CM said that Uttarakhand was a power deficit state. In the recent past, it had received techno-economic clearance, environmental and forest clearance from the Indian government for its projects. Now, only investment clearance was pending. He added that Uttarakhand like all Himalayan states must get its share of Central assistance in the ratio of 90:10. He said that in the meeting held by the National Development Council (NDC), the Union Forest Minister had given an assurance on granting Green Bonus status to Uttarakhand, but this had still not been granted. He has sought an immediate inquiry into this matter. The CM told the PM that over 5 crore people would participate in the Ardh Kumbh mela to be held in 2016. The CM has invited Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Shri Kedarnath and has expressed hope for support on the issues raised by the state government.
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e-registration service begins in Uttarakhand
Dehradun, September 8 After inaugurating e-registration service in a function held at district headquarters campus today, state Finance Minister Indira Hridayesh said that strict instructions were given to officials to work for betterment of e-registration service. She instructed officials to make more use of on-line services in the government departments. Dr Hridayesh cleared that strict action would be taken against those fail to perform as per the desired standards. She applauded efforts of stamp and registration department for e-registration service. Speaking on the occasion, Dilip Jawalkar, Additional Secretary (Finance), said that e-registration service would be used for assessment and registration of land, public data entry, downloading of registered documents, etc. He said that self-assessment of land would be also available through e-registration service. Jawalkar informed said that data entry work would be done in English and Hindi languages. He said that beneficiaries can register their documents in deputy registrar’s office through e-registration service. He said that hard and soft copies of registered documents would be given to beneficiaries after the completion of the registration process. Secretary (Finance) Bhashkaranand, Dehradun District Magistrate Chandresh Yadav, Pratap Singh Shah and others were present. |
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Hill states to observe Himalayan Day today
Dehradun, September 8 A brainchild of Padam Shri receipant Dr Anil Joshi, who is also the founder president of the Himalayan Environmental Studies and Conservation Organisation (HESCO), the day is a binding force among various environment conservation organisations and also the Central and state environment institutions in the Himalayan states of the country. “It has been observed that people of the Himalayas states have little say when it comes to the conservation of the Himalayas. To draw the country’s attention towards the issue, we collectively decided to observe September 9 as Himalayan Day,” said Dr Joshi. Environmentalist and social activist Suresh Bhai said the Central government had been insensitive towards the concerns of the Himalayan states. Suresh Bhai, who has been working with the people of Uttarkashi, said the rampant construction of hydropower projects was ruining the hills and the residents of the areas were the worst hit. He said natural disasters have hit the Himalayan states frequently and political parties had shown little commitment for the issue. Citing an example of Uttarakhand, Dwarika Prasad Semwal of the Jaree Sansthan, an NGO working in the Garhwal hills, said the state had faced one of the deadliest disasters last year but the policy makers did not come up with effective measures to prevent such disasters in future. He said justice was still to be done to the Himalayan states as the environment degradation would have serious ramifications for the country. |
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200 take part in ‘gyan deeksha’ ritual
Haridwar, September 8 More than 200 students, who completed distance education courses in various subjects this year, participated in the ritual. Apart from distance education staff members, students were addressed by Dev Sanskrit University and Shantikunj spiritual ideologues too. The function began with lighting of the traditional lamp by Vice-Chancellor Sharad Paradhi. Paradhi said Dev Sanskriti University was the educational institute wherein besides degree-based education, students were given moral values too. He said via distance education, Dev Sanskriti University is also providing employment to youth, who hail from Delhi, Chandigarh, Lucknow, Raipur and other cities. “Most of the students are now operating their own yoga centres. They are empowered to basic educational qualifications and moral-cultural values,” said Paridhi. Distance education director Mahendra Sharma said “gyan deeksha” was an integral part of Dev Sanskriti University which has been based on the “guru-shishya”. Rituals were performed by students under the guidance of Jitendra Mishra. Registrar Captain MK Sharma (retd), distance education coordinator Dr Raman Singh, Ashwani Sharma, Gyan Sharma among others were present. |
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32 transgenders identified in Haridwar
Haridwar, September 8 This information was shared by Uttarakhand Backward Classes Commission chairperson Ashok Verma ,while taking a review meeting of departmental officials at the state guest house, Damkoti, here today in the evening. In Haridwar 13, Lakshar 1 and Roorkee 18 transgenders have been identified. Notably, on January 17,2014, as per state government record, a number of transgenders in Haridwar were stated to be zero, but later the government clarified that it was a typing error. Ashok Verma said that a clarification had been sought from the concerned employee and officials to ensure that it was a mistake and not deliberately done. This is being done as per directives of apex court, as transgenders have been brought under the purview of other backward classes. The Supreme Court had in its April,2014, decision given transgender status as the third gender and directed the government to treat them as a socially and economically backward class. Taking cognizance of complaints regarding delay in providing of scholarships to OBC students, the commission chairperson Ashok Verma also directed the concerned officials to ensure there is no delay in providing scholarships. Other members, including Shamim Ahmed, Om Pal, Chaman Singh, Shakeel Ahmed Ansari, Arjun Nath Goswami, Chief Development Officer Ranjana, ADM JS Nangiyal, SDM Beer Chand Budhiyal, district welfare officer Anil Saini and district information officer Manoj Shrivastava, were present during the meeting. |
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Jail reforms on the anvil
Dehradun, September 8 The Department of Home has proposed wide-ranging reforms, including immediate release of the inmates, who have completed 14 years in jail and are either old or suffering from ailments. The department has also proposed legal assistance to the prisoners whose families are in jail besides improving the infrastructure. “We had started assessment of the conditions prevailing in the jails sometime ago. I had undertaken a tour of the Haldwani jail and had spoken to the prisoners. The District Magistrates have been asked to prepare a list of the prisoners who have completed 14 years in jail and are either old or suffering from any ailment,” said MH Khan, Secretary, Department of Home. Of all 11 jails in Uttarakhand, including a Central Jail and 10 district jails, Dehradun, Roorkee, Nainital, Haridwar jails and Haldwani sub-jail are overcrowded. There are several inmates whose families are either languishing in the jail or cannot approach lawyers to take up their cases, “These people are in dire need of legal assistance and we will soon provide assistance to them through the office of the District Magistrate,” said Khan. During a recent visit by government officials, around 10 per cent of the inmates were found to be suffering from one or the other mental disorder. “These prisoners can be termed as medically insane and require medical certification from a psychiatrist so that they could be provided treatment. The District Magistrates have been asked to look into these issues,” said Khan. Further to ameliorate the suffering of the undertrials who travel long distances without food during hearing in the court, the government is planning to arrange video-conferencing for them. “This will end their hardships. Due to the procedural requirement, the inmates are taken to the court early in the morning without food,” said Khan.
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Guv bids farewell to Hemkund Sahib pilgrims
Dehradun, September 8 On the occasion, the governor spoke about the glory, sincerity, strong will, laboriousness, courage and capacity to face adverse circumstances found in the Sikh community. He said they had the quality of defending the country’s glory and integrity. He said that Guru Nanak Dev had worked for the welfare of humanity. The governor expressed devotion and gratitude towards him on behalf of the entire society. He wished all the pilgrims all the best and said that it was a spiritual experience for him to be present among them. Before the formal departure of the pilgrims, the governor listened to the shabad kirtan and Gurbani at the gurdwara. A siropa and framed photographs of Guru Nanak Dev and Guru Gobind Singh were presented to the governor by the gurdwara management committee, jathedars and representatives of the sangat on the occasion. According to the Hemkund Sahib managing committee, the portals of Hemkund sahib would be closed on October 10. The pilgrims who are going to the gurdwara would be provided free food, boarding and lodging facilities by the committee en route at different gurdwaras. Present on the occasion were ADC Y.S.Rawat, Satpal Malhotra, Harpal Singh Sethi, office bearers of various gurudwara managing committees and several devotees. |
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Extension of 12 HODs at GB Pant varsity not illegal: VC
Dehradun, September 8 Terming the extension of 12 HODs, who completed their five-year tenure on May 31, as an interim arrangement till fresh appointments are made, the VC said it was not illegal, as was being projected by some board members. It may be recalled that irked over the step taken by Prasad to extend the tenure of 12 HODs, Dr Virender Singh Lather, a board member of the university, had written to Governor Aziz Qureshi demanding quashing of orders. In the letter, the board members had termed the extension as illegal and against the University Act. Coming to his defence, Prasad said the extension was given within the frame of University Act. “As per the Act and statutes of GBPUAT, the Heads of the Departments are appointed through a prescribed selection process amongst professors in the department for a term of five years which can be extended for a further period of five years.” The selection committee comprised of the Vice-Chancellor as chairperson, faculty dean, one HOD, an expert to be nominated by the Vice-Chancellor and one expert to be nominated by the Director General Indian Council of Agricultural Research, New Delhi, he said. Prasad said since the selection procedure was likely to take time, an interim arrangement is made allowing the present HoDs to continue till the regular selection on the posts is approved by the board of management. “The interim arrangement was intended to ensure unobstructed functioning of the university. However, the orders issued by the office of the Additional Personnel Officer somehow were not very clear about the period of such stop-gap arrangement which has led to some confusion,” he said. “To remove the confusion, the APO has been directed to issue an amended order clearly stating that the present incumbents have been allowed to continue working as HoDs as a stop-gap arrangement till a regular selection on the posts is approved by the board.” “This interim arrangement was made in accordance with the powers vested in the Vice-Chancellor vide Section No. 12(6) of the University Act. Thus, there is no illegality involved in making such interim arrangement for ensuring smooth functioning of the university,” he added. |
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Met predicts more rain in state
Dehradun, September 8 The state Meteorological centre has predicted light to moderate rainfall in higher areas of the state. The vehicular flow of traffic remained disrupted due to frequent landslides along the Char Dham Yatra route. The data compiled by the State Emergency Operations Centre of Disaster Mitigation and Management Centre (DMMC), highlighted that vehicular flow of traffic is halted at Chodi, nearly 1.5 km ahead of Gaurikund due to landslides, and small four-wheelers are permitted upto Sonprayag on the Rishikesh-Kedarnath National Highway (NH-109). The vehicular flow of traffic on the Rishikesh-Badrinath National Highway (NH-58) is opened to traffic while 18 routes were blocked for vehicular traffic. The Rishikesh-Gangotri National Highway (NH-108) and the Rishikesh-Yamunotri National Highway (NH-94) is opened to traffic. The incessant rain has triggered landslides in the higher areas of the state. The vehicular flow of traffic is disrupted on Guptkashi-Kalimath road at Kavilta. The Uttarkashi-Lambgaon-Srinagar roads are blocked due to mudslides after rain lashed higher parts of the state. District administration officials said PWD and BRO personnel were working round the clock to clear debris along the Char Dham Yatra route in order to ensure smooth flow of vehicular traffic in the higher areas of the state. The officials said blocked routes would be reopened to traffic soon, but incessant rain is hampering efforts of the departments. The Met department has predicted light to moderate rainfall in higher areas of the state. The light to moderate rain or thundershowers would occur at a few places, especially in Dehradun, Tehri, Pauri and Nainital districts. The rain may occur at isolated places especially in Chamoli, Rudraprayag and Pithoragarh districts of
Uttarakhand. |
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Workshop on bamboo at FRI begins
Dehradun, September 8 The workshop is being conducted under the sponsorship of the Bamboo Technical support Group (BTSG)-Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education (ICFRE), Dehradun, and financially supported by the National Bamboo Mission, New Delhi. Farmers of Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh are taking part in the training. Sandeep Kujur, head extension, said bamboo was an important species and a main source of income for a poor man. He said farmers would certainly be benefitted by this training and they would apply the technological know-how in bamboo farming. Dr Vimal Kothiyal, Assistant Director General (Research Planning), ICFRE, expressed his views on this occasion. He gave a brief account of the BTSG-ICFRE and quoted that a wide coverage of technical know-how was a need of this course and farmers should take benefit of this training. Jayshree Ardey, officiating director, FRI, and chief guest of the session, also addressed participants and said knowledge on bamboo farming and its utilisation should be given in detail and they should also be given practical demonstration through field visits. She mentioned that exposure visit would motivate them to adopt technologies and they could improve their livelihood. Umesh Kumar, Deputy Conservator of Forests, offered vote of thanks to all present at the inauguration function. The mastering of programme was done by Dr Charan Singh, Scientist-D, of the extension division. All heads of the FRI divisions, resource persons, Ranbir Singh scientist and members of team of the extension division of the institute were present on the occasion. The training is being conducted from September 8 to 12. |
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Nanda
Devi Raj Jaat Yatra
Dehradun, September 8 Director General of Police (DGP) BS Sidhu applauded the SDRF personnel for their exemplary services in the high altitude areas during the yatra. “Almost 150 SDRF personnel were deployed during the yatra for search, rescue, crowd and route management operations. They have lived up to the expectations and did a wonderful job throughout the yatra,” said BS Sidhu. According to Sanjay Gunjyal, Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG), SDRF, “Lives of 23 pilgrims were saved due to the prompt action by the SDRF personnel deployed at different places on the route.” Officials said the SDRF personnel arranged food for pilgrims at Patal Nauchanya, Shila Samudra, Chandaniya Ghat, Lata Khopdi and Tatada. The teams managed the crowd of 24,000 pilgrims at Bedni Bugyal and took immediate measures to prevent a stampede-like situation. The SDRF team was led by DIG Sanjay Gunjyal and Deputy Commandant Navneet Singh Bhullar. Four inspector-rank officers, nine sub-inspectors and 154 constables were part of the SDRF team. The DGP announced a cash reward of Rs 20,000 |
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Corruption, poverty aid illiteracy: RLEK chief
Dehradun, September 8 This was stated by Avdhash Kaushal at a function organised by the State Resource Centre (Adult Education), Uttarakhand, on the occasion of the International Literacy Day here today. Speaking on the occasion, Rural Litigation and Entitlement Kendra (RLEK) chairman Padma Avdhash Kaushal said migration, corruption and poverty were the major reasons that aid illiteracy. According to the 2001 Census, the rate of literacy was 65.38 per cent, where the rate of literacy for women was 54.16 per cent and for men it was 75.85 per cent. In the 2011 Census, the literacy rate improved to 74.04 per cent, for women it was 65.46 per cent and for men it was 82.14 per cent. In the context of Uttarakhand, the literacy rate in 2001 was 72.28 per cent that improved to 79.63 per cent in 2011. A remarkable improvement was seen in the women literacy rate that became 70.70 per cent. This signifies that people in Uttarakhand were well aware of establishing a literate society. As per directions received from the Ministry of Human Resource Development, the state resource centre (SRC) ensured that the webcast was widely seen in Haridwar, Udham Singh Nagar and Bageshwar districts. On being informed by the state resource centre, many adult education
centres (AECs) made arrangements for their beneficiaries to see the programme being webcasted. SRC director Dr Priya Zadu attended the programme at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi. At the function held at SRC, Dr Kusum Naithani, Principal, NSM Inter-College, Jahnvi Tiwari from Disha, Namrata Gulati, Mamta Thappa, Rekha Pundir, Damini Mamgin and other participated and shared their opinions. All these intellectuals were of the opinion that
to make Uttarakhand a completely literate state like Mizoram and Kerala, it was necessary that women were made literate. SRC programme coordinator Ramratan Rawat gave a vote of thanks at the end of the programme. |
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Meeting on pulse polio eradication programme
Dehradun, September 8 Speaking to the officials, Jangpangi said that during the drive special emphasis would be laid on the district near the border of Uttar Pradesh. “The task forces should ensure that every child till the age of five years is given polio drops in these areas,” he said. “On September 21, booths would be set up. Later a door-to-door campaign would be carried out for the remaining six days. The country has been declared polio free with the last case being detected on January 13, 2011. Therefore, it becomes all the more important to ensure that the disease does not make a comeback in the country,” he said. “The members of the task force would be trained for administering the drops. A massive publicity campaign would be carried out with special announcements being made in schools and colleges. Banners would also be placed at prominent places, transportation and government buildings,” said Jangpangi. |
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Teachers threaten to intensify stir
Dehradun, September 8 The agitators under the banner of Shiksha Acharya Anudeshak Sangathan gathered at old Raipur bus stand today. Parwinder Kumar, general secretary of the sangathan, said that trained and qualified teachers were not offered employment in state education department despite a memorandum having been submitted many times to officials. The agitators have threatened to intensify the agitation if the state government does not take effective steps to fulfil their demands.
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Road project inaugurated
Dehradun, September 8 Based on the proposal given by PWD, the project was sanctioned by the Congress leader, the late Devender Singh Sethi. Special prayers were held during the function. Addressing the gathering, Dhasmana said that the Congress government was committed towards the development of the state. “Despite the spate of disasters, the Uttarakhand government is bringing a lot of growth in the state. In the state capital the work of laying new sewer lines and construct roads is being carried out,” he said. Those present on the occasion included Poonam Sehgal, Anil Grover, Mahesh Sharma, Rajeev Punj, Jitender Taneja, Deewan Singh Bisht and B.P. Khantwal along with several others. — TNS
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Ameen staff begin hunger strike
Dehradun, September 8 Addressing the protesters, the speakers said that they were forced to go on hunger strike after the state government failed to listen to their demands. Those who are on hunger strike include Ajay Gupta, Kunjuvanand, Devi Singh, Shyam Singh, Abhay Kumar and Vimlesh Chamoli.— TNS |
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Pigs rule the roost on streets
Dehradun, September 8 Almost every corner of the city is under the grip of pigs, which seem to be ruling the city in the absence of DMC taking any concrete step. During the recent board meeting of the DMC, some councillors had raised the issue of pigs and the problems arising out of the same. With the city already reeling under sanitation crisis, the overflowing garbage bins have become a haven for the pigs. “The dustbins placed at the dump station are cleaned after many days. As a result they are often overflowing. The pigs along with piglets come at the place in search of food at the dump. It is only when the dump is cleared that they leave the place. We have approached the DMC several times but to no avail,” said Amit Sharma, a resident of Old Survey Road. Apart from rummaging through the garbage, the filth-covered pigs are also posing a threat to the passersby. When contacted, Mayor Vinod Chamoli said that he was aware of the menace being caused by the pigs. “We have received several complaints and are planning to take necessary action. We are planning to make a pig pen in the DMC where these stray pigs would be kept. Besides, the pig owners would be approached and a warning be issued to them. In case the problem persists, a fine would be levied on the owners,” said Chamoli. |
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Five mobile towers sealed
Dehradun, September 8 Under the pre-planned programme, officials sealed the towers belonging to Reliance and other service providers at the Ring Road, Chunna Bhatta, Aastha Enclave and Mehuwala. The MDDA ordered the demolition of towers for which orders were issued earlier. These include Surender Kaur (Race Course), Narender Kumar (Indira Gandhi Road), Om Prakash (Vidya Vihar), Malik (Mohit Nagar), Reliance Tower (Dwarika Puri), VK Dara (Kalidaas road) and Dinesh Yadav (Nehrugram). — TNS
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4-yr-old killed as car falls into gorge
Mussoorie, September 8 Naib tehsildar of Dhanaulti Manjit Singh Gill said Subodh Uniyal, along with his sister and the four-year-old nephew, were going towards Kaddu Khal when he lost control over the car near Telwani Tok and it fell into a 200-meter deep gorge. The revenue police rushed the injured to the hospital. The body of the child has been sent for a post-mortem. — TNS
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Thumping win for Grace Academy in basketball
Dehradun, September 8 Aradhana from Grace Academy scored 10 points and remained top scorer in the match. In the second match of the day, The Aryan School defeated Carmen School, Dalanwala, by 23-9 with Ayushi from the winning team scoring eight points while Tulika from Carmen School scoring six baskets. St Joseph Academy won its match against Kendriya Vidhyalaya ITBP by 25-10. From St Joseph Academy, Shristi scored maximum 20 points whereas Asha scored six points for KV ITBP. In the last match of the day, Wynberg Allen defeated Scholars Home by 35-5. Shreya from Wynberg Allen scored highest six points in the match. |
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Colonel Brown upset Doon Cambridge School in soccer
Dehradun, September 8 In the second match, Colonel Brown defeated Doon Cambridge School 5-0 with Raman Singh scoring a hatrick in the match and Vedant Bisht scoring two goals for Colonel Brown. In another match, St Jude School defeated Indian Public School 4-2 . Prashant, Pranav and Tenzing scored goals for the winning team. In the last match of the day, Raja Ram Mohan Roy defeated Seven Oaks 4-0. Nikhil and Shubham scored two goals each for the winning team. — TNS
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