Judicial remand of murder accused till October 29
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, October 27
The Chief Judicial Magistrate’s (CJM) court on Monday extended the judicial custody of Harmeet Singh, accused in the sensational Adarsh Nagar multiple murder case, till October 29. He was presented before the court, as his judicial custody was getting over today.

According to Superintendent of Police (SP) City Ajay Rai, “We did not seek for Harmeet police custody as our interrogation with him is over and the result of the questioning with him and circumstantial evidences have made us sure that he alone committed the crime and killed all the four family members.”

Meanwhile, the statement of seven-year-old Kawaljeet, who is the prime eyewitness of the whole incident, was recorded under Section 164 of CrPc in front of the magistrate. Notably, Kawaljeet, who is the nephew of Harmeet, was also stabbed twice by Harmeet but he luckily survived. He is the one who told the police on October 24 morning that Harmeet killed his grandfather, grandmother, mother and sister on Diwali night.

It is to be noted that on the night of October 23, Harmeet Singh allegedly killed his father Jai Singh, his step-mother Kulwant Kaur, his step- sister Harjeet Kaur and his 3-yer-old nephew. Moreover, he also even tried to kill his seven-year-old nephew, Kawaljeet, but he luckily survived and sustained serious injuries.

medical colleges
Academic session next year

Dehradun, October 27
Medical Education Minister Harak Singh Rawat today said the government was committed to start academic sessions at Doon and Almora medical colleges by 2015-2016. While chairing a meeting today, he said the two new medical colleges would strengthen medical services in the state.

“The construction work needs to pick up pace,” he said. The government is planning to offer 200 seats in both the medical colleges every year. — TNS

Revenue workers raise anti-govt slogans
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, October 27
The agitated revenue ameen workers shouted anti-state government slogans today in support of their year-long pending demands. They threatened to intensify their agitation if the state government did not accede to their demands.

The agitators under the banner of Uttarakhand Revenue Sangrah Ameen Association gathered at Parade Ground today. The agitators shouted anti-department slogans in support of their year-long pending demands.

They said that a memorandum highlighting their demands was submitted many times to government officials but steps are yet to be taken by the state government to address their grievances.

The agitators said that pay anomaly, stationary allowance, timely promotion, reservation, etc. are the few year-long pending demands of association. They lamented that state government had given false assurance to association members that their demands would be fulfilled soon.

JP Bahuguna, US Rawat, Pawan Kumar, Rajendra Nakoti, TS Negi, Ashish, AS Bisht, SK Singh and many others were present.

Expedition returns from Kedarnath valley 
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, October 27
Exploring the terrains of Garhwal ranges and to commemorate the 50th golden jubilee year, a team of mountaineers from Golden Key Division based Engineer Regiment returned from Kedarnath valley here today.

The expedition was flagged off on September 30. In a press release issued here, it was stated that the main aim of the expedition was to familiarise the population living in the Garhwal ranges about the reputation, strengths and the valour of the Indian Army besides widening the horizon of the troops towards the varied flora and fauna of the picturesque region. 

Contract of health vans’ extended 
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, October 27
The Department of Medical Health and Family Welfare has extended the contract for running the 13 mobile health vans with Dr Jain Video on wheels till February 28, 2015.

The contract to run the health vans on public-private partnership in 13 districts of the state had ended four months ago. But due to delay in the new bidding process, the department decided to extend the contract.

In the coming days, the government will again invite bids and the terms of reference for the new partners are also expected to be reworked. The government will also introduce penalties to ensure compliance in manpower and services. 

Vendors stage demonstration
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, October 27
A day after their goods were seized by a team of Dehradun Municipal Corporation, a large number of vendors staged a protest demonstration outside the office of Mukhya Nagar Adhikari Harak Singh Rawat here today.

Alleging harassment at the hands of DMC officials, the vendors alleged that their goods were seized illegally by the team members. “The state government has given permission for setting up kiosks during the Sunday market near parade ground. However, the DMC officials issued receipts to only 50 vendors,” said Zameer Hassan.

“On Sunday the DMC officials forcibly took away our goods despite the requests for issuing receipts to the remaining vendors. It is causing a lot of problems to the vendors whose livelihood depends on the money earned from the sale at Sunday market,” said Surinder Singh.

When contacted, MNA Harak Singh Rawat said that the goods were seized from those vendors who had set up the kiosks outside the permissible limit. “We have allocated a specific place for the Sunday market. However, these vendors have started setting up their shops beyond the limit leading to traffic jams on the roads. The traffic police has raised the problem several times and therefore we decided to take stringent measures this time,” he added.

Sanjay, Surender, Ahsan, Gulshan Jatin, Ahmed and Balbir along with several others were present.

Suspend police post in charge: Residents
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, October 27
Residents of the Deep Nagar held a protest at the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) office here today. They demanded action against the bye-pass police post in charge over his alleged misbehavior with residents a day after Diwali.

They claimed that Pradeep Negi misbehaved with Nanda Rawat, a Deep Nagar resident, and his son Sohan Singh Rawat on October 24.

While submitting a memorandum, they said Nanda Rawat and his son were coming back from their relatives place when the police post in charge stopped them from going ahead. When they told him that live in Deepnagar, Negi allegedly misbehaved with them and also used baton against them. 

Chief Minister seeks Rs 9,222 cr for Ganga rejuvenation 
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, October 27
Chief Minister Harish Rawat has demanded a sum of Rs 9,222 crore for cleaning and conservation of the Ganga. Besides, the state government has requested the Union Government for right to approval of hydel projects up to 25 MW.

Addressing a meeting organised by the National Ganga River Basin Authority that was presided over by Union Minister of Water Resources and River Development Uma Bharati in New Delhi today, the Chief Minister gave detailed information about the project plan prepared by the state government for the river’s conservation. He said there were 132 settlements next to the course of the Ganga and its tributaries across Uttarakhand and the state government requires Rs 7,634 crore for home sewerage system.

A total of 730 such destinations have been identified where pilgrims visit the state for Char Dham Yatra and an amount of Rs 219 crore is required for community toilets. As many as 159 cremations grounds adjoining river areas have been identified where cremations are traditionally held. The state needs to build electric crematoriums to reduce the people’s dependence on them at an estimated cost of Rs 52.47 crore.

Rawat said 1,223 such areas have been identified in Char Dham areas and fair venues where bio-degradable toilets have to be set up at a cost of Rs 122 crore. As the infrastructure facilities mentioned are to be ultimately handed over to the urban local bodies for operation and maintenance, it is imperative that proper training and capacity-building is done. The estimated cost of the proposal is Rs 6.73 crore. Other proposals include that for Rs 3 crore 92 lakh for study of water life in Upper Ganga River and its preservation. Another Rs 15 crore 29 lakh are required to study the occupational activities of those living beside the Ganga.

He said visitor flow and heritage mapping studies are underway for River Front Development in Greater Rishikesh and Haridwar and eventually, an investment of Rs 300 crore for the initial works would be required.

To study and mitigate the adverse affects of the activities of people whose livelihood is connected to the Ganga, an amount of Rs 15.29 crore is required.

Thus, a total of Rs 9,222 crore is required under NGRBA alone to rejuvenate the Ganga in the state.

The CM stated that the Ganga and its tributaries such as Yamuna, Alaknanda, Mandakini, Ramganga and Sharda originate from Uttarakhand. Thus, it is important to save them from pollution right from the beginning.

The CM added that as the flow in the lean season is very low, the state can create many storage points, where the excess rain water can be filled in the reservoir in the peak season, and in the lean season, the required downstream flow can be ensured. The state has proposed 1 lakh water bodies for stream and spring recharge to be executed in forest, panchayat and barren areas. The state, through its own resources, has taken up rejuvenation of water bodies in Kosi of Almora district and Nayyar in Pauri district. The state is constrained due to paucity of funds, and has requested the NGRBA for assistance, to replicate these efforts in the entire catchment area.

“Now, a lot of emphasis is given on cleanliness through the Swachchha Bharat Mission. If one-fourth of this fund is given for rejuvenation and recharging of water sources that are drying up in the hills, the net flow would increase in the river, thereby increasing its self-cleansing capacity. This would also help the aquatic life in the river system, improving the river’s health. If the assistance from the Central Government can be provided, the state can demarcate area on either side of the river course for organic agriculture, so that no pesticide residue accumulates in the ground water, which would be washed into the river system. Thus, the purity of Ganga, Yamuna and other tributaries can be maintained to its original level, at the point of its flow outside the state boundary,” he added.

“Powers to sanction projects up to a certain limit may be delegated to the state government. Along with this, Uttarakhand can be the knowledge centre for Ganga and a Ganga Museum can be set up,” he went on to add.

Lobbying in BJP for RS seat still to pick up
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, October 27
Falling short of numbers the chances of Uttarakhand BJP retaining the lone vacant Rajya Sabha for which elections will be held on November 20 seem remote, and for this reason the lobbying for the seat is yet to pick up.

The term of Bhagat Singh Koshiyari occupying the lone Rajya Sabha seat from Uttarakhand will end on November 25. Besides, Koshiyari has already been elected to the Lok Sabha from the Nainital-Udham Singh Nagar parliamentary seat.

Going by the numerical strength in the Uttarakhand Assembly, the Congress is expected to have an easy ride as it has 35 MLAs on its own, while the Progressive Democratic Front (PDF) which is extending support to the Rawat government has seven MLAs in its kitty.

On the other hand the saffron party has just 27 MLAs in the house of 71 ( 70 elected and one nominated) members making things difficult for the BJP to help get its MP elected to the Rajya Sabha.

“Now that the Election Commission has announced the dates today, the party will begin the exercise of soliciting names of the candidates,” said Teerath Singh Rawat, Uttarakhand BJP chief.

However, silently the BJP camp has been mulling names of the prospective candidates and the party insiders say most of the candidates who had either lost one election or the other in the last three years, are keen to get elected to the Rajya Sabha.

Poor prospects of the Uttarakhand BJP may also spell bad news for the BJP at the Centre, that is looking to increase it’s tally in the Rajya Sabha.

Politically, the Uttarakhand BJP would not like to give a handle to the Harish Rawat government by submitting tamely to the brute strength of the Congress, without putting in a fight. But then numbers have their own tale to tell and the BJP is well aware how the Congress during the last election to the Rajya Sabha had mustered support for Mahindra Singh Mahra in 2012 with the help of its allies.

For that reason the Congress has been playing safe and despite pressure from its MLAs for a berth in the Cabinet, the leadership has not dumped the PDF.

Minister tells media to practice responsible journalism
Tribune News Service

Haridwar, October 27
Uttarakhand Tourism Minister Dinesh Dhanay has urged the media fraternity to be more responsible, mature and accountable in its news coverage. While he acknowledged the role of the media during Uttarakhand’s statehood movement, he hinted that in the aftermath of creation of Uttaranchal 14 years ago, the credibility of the media has been affected.

Dhanay was speaking at a convention organised by National Union of Journalists, Haridwar unit, here at the Press Club.

Referring to many instances where the media arrived at a conclusion and gave a verdict which was later found to be false, the minister said without undertaking proper investigation, analysis and waiting for courts’ or authorities’ decision, the media is not setting a proper example in the society.

“There is cut-throat competition, advertising and circulation pressure as also the pressure to get breaking news, but journalism is still regarded as the fourth pillar of democracy. Revenue is one thing, but without credibility, no newspaper, journal or news channel can survive for long. Readers and viewers still have immense faith in this pillar,” said the former legislator from Dharchula segment.

Industrialist UC Jain urged mediapersons to focus on largely untouched yet socially relevant news too and adhere to honesty even if many a temptation and fears come calling on their path.

Veteran journalist Dinesh Chaubey said a large number of journalists still rely on truth, hard work, social responsibility and literature, which is one of the reasons why despite growing penetration of social media and mobile, growth of the newspaper segment is on the rise.

Press Club Haridwar president Sanjay Arya talked about the difficult circumstances through which journalists pass and about the need for special laws for safeguarding them. Veteran literati PS Chauhan, Harendra Garg, Amit Sharma, Dharmendra Chaudhari, Rao Riyasat Pundir, Jai Pal Singh, Gulshan Nayyar, Lalitendra Nath, Ashwani Arora, Radhika Nagrath, Vijay Kumar Bishnoi and Sunil Dutt Pandey were also present.

Cong activists to participate in conclave on November 2
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, October 27
Kishore Upadhayay, president of the state Congress Committee, said the office bearers of the Zila Panchayat, Gram Panchayat, Nagar Panchayat and Municipal Corporation would participate in a one-day conclave of the party activists in Dehradun on November 2.

He said Chief Minister Harish Rawat would be the chief guest on the occasion and address grievances of the party activists.

Addressing mediapersons in a press conference held at Rajeev Bhavan today, Upadhayay said the party had started membership campaign across the state and would conclude on December 31.

He said the party would appoint new office bearers by July 2015.

“The party leaders are strictly instructed to contribute for organising free and fair elections,” he said.

He said the party activists would take out a “Sadhbhawna” rally to mark the death anniversary of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.

He said a delegation of the party leaders from the state would meet the party high command to apprise them about the development activities being carried out by state government on November 3.

He claimed that the state government was working round the clock to improve basic infrastructure in the higher areas of the state. 

Candidates file nomination papers for poll
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, October 27
As many as 10 candidates filed their nominations for the district planning committee elections on the first day of filing nominations at the District Collectorate here today.

Giving the details, Additional District Magistrate Pratap Sah said that those who filed their nominations included Sanjay Kumar (Buddi), Savita Chauhan (Mehuwala Mafi), Lakshmi Sajwan (Rishikesh), Pushpa Berthwal (Miyawala), Devender Negi (Bhyampur), Anita Devi (Prateek Nagar Raiwala), Suraj Singh (Vikasnagar), Radha Devi (Kalsi), Arjun Singh (Vikas Nagar) and Heera Devi (Badripur Raipur).

“Two candidates, Shiv Kumar Gautam and Harish Tiwari, filed their nominations from Rishikesh Municipal Council,” he said. 

IIT Delhi to collaborate with Dev Sanskriti University
Tribune News Service

Haridwar, October 27
Indian Institute of Technology, New Delhi and Haridwar-based Dev Sanskriti University will collaborate jointly in the field of scientific spiritualism. In this regard, a forum has been made. It will be based at the IIT Delhi campus. It is to be headed by a nodal officer and will prepare syllabus on this subject, which will be provided to educational institutes.

This was stated by pro-vice chancellor Dr Pranav Pandya here today at the university office.

Dr Pandya said inclination of one of world’s premier institutes to spirituality is a reflection on the importance of spirituality, both in one’s life and as a research subject.

Shedding light on this joint venture, Dr Pandya said a forum comprising senior members of both IIT and DSU will be carrying out a study and research on scientific spiritualism.

“The forum, to be headed by nodal officer DP Singh, will compile a syllabus on scientific spiritualism, that will be taught in various educational institutes in the country. India has been a leading civilisation as far as spirituality and religion are concerned. One hopes that this joint effort will engage the younger generation towards spirituality with scientific approach,” said Dr Pandya.

Noted scientist Dr Vijay Bhatkar welcomed the initiative, saying spirituality and science complement each other.

“Considering science complete is not apt as spirituality leads to vast aspects, which sometimes even scientific formulae or theoretical concepts cannot explain. There was need to have a spiritual scientific syllabus for educational institutes, which this joint forum will hopefully address,” said Dr Bhatkar.

Pauri residents protest paucity of doctors at district hospital
Sandeep Rawat
Tribune News Service

Pauri, October 27
Perturbed by shortage and absence of specialist doctors, medical staff and medical equipment, residents of Pauri district headquarters of Garhwal division today undertook a protest march.

Under the aegis of the newly formed Jan Chetna Manch, residents and activists gathered at the bus stand, from where they undertook a march through Kandoliya temple, SP’s office, Mall Road, Agency Square and Upper Bazaar. The march culminated at the District Collectorate office.

With placards in their hands, residents demanded placement of doctors at the district hospital, as for the past few years, more than 10 posts of doctors are lying vacant as either doctors don’t take charge or go on leave.

Jan Chetna Manch founder Dalbeer Singh Negi, who led the protest march, said the manch had staged a shutdown of shops and educational institutes earlier this month too, but the district administration took no steps on their demands. Thus, they undertook the march today and submitted a memorandum to the District Magistrate for it to be forwarded to Chief Minister Harish Rawat, state Health Minister Surendra Singh Negi and Health Directorate, Uttarakhand government.

“Despite the place being the headquarter of Garhwal division and three former Chief Ministers including the current health minister being from the district, health services not only in the district and women’s hospital but also in primary health centres in rural areas are in a dire condition. We have given another warning to the administration and the state government and will resort to intensification of the protest and even fasting if our demands are not met,” said Dalbeer.

Former BGR Constt College students union president Vijay Darshan Bisht said youths this time are with this movement as due to poor health facilities, residents are facing problems galore.

Devanand Nautiyal, who is leading another campaign, Pauri Bachao Sangharsh Samiti, said the District Hospital Pauri has become a referral centre and the situation has aggravated following creation of Uttarakhand in 2000.

“The condition was much better in Uttar Pradesh era. People of the hills are now realising that nothing much has improved since attainment of separate statehood. Hopefully, Chief Minister Harish Rawat and Health Minister Surendra Singh Negi will listen and take action to fill up the vacant posts,” said Nautiyal.

Shikha Rawat and Kusum Rawat, two locals at Women’s Hospital on Kandoliya Temple road, submitted a complaint letter at the complaint box of the hospital. The letter referred to lack of laboratory equipment, shortage of medical staff including doctors and rude behaviour of the medical staff.

Kumaon residents fail to curb littering
Our Correspondent

Pithoragarh, October 27
The clean India drive, initiated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Gandhi Jayanti, is dying down in Kumaon region as neither the people have changed their habits of throwing litter in the open nor the voluntary cleanliness drive has been followed after Gandhi Jayanti.

“Even residents in Almora have not pledged to throw litter in litter boxes installed by the Nagar Palika Parishad, the tendency is causing viral infection and contamination of drinking water as this litter is penetrating into natural water sources,” said Prakash Joshi, a resident of Kholta Mohalla in Almora town.

However, leader of Opposition in state Assembly Ajay Bhatt, though belated, led a cleanliness drive in his home town, Ranikhet on Diwali day, and sanitised campus of the District Hospital. “We have appealed to the people of Ranikhet to come forward with mission of the Prime Minister in cleaning every village and town of the country with self-initiated craze,” said Ajay Bhatt.

In Almora town, the initiative is losing its sheen as even social workers who had shown interest in Modi’s initiative on the inaugural day, have now taken back seat and not protesting the habits of people who are throwing litter in open space. In Chaukhutia market of Almora district residents are habitual of smelling stench of rotten litter thrown by people on the banks of river Ramgamga. “We have demanded to constitute the town under Nagar Panchayat status to dispose of the litter to some remote places, in the absence of civic status to Caukhutia village. We are not in a position to dispose off the litter which is polluting the river,” said Kuber Singh Kathayat, a Congress leader from Chaukhutia.

In Pithoragarh and Champawat towns, inactive Mohalla Safai committees are making it difficult for the common people to get rid of from the litter thrown by residents. “We will have to involve traders’ associations and residents in maintaining cleanliness in the town,” said Dinesh Pandey, a Champawat based journalist. 

Nishank for ‘Himalayan’ ministry

Dehradun, October 27
Haridwar MP and former Uttarakhand Chief Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank has stressed on the formation of a separate ministry for Himalayan states. He expressed concern over illegal exploitation of herbs and medicinal plants in the state.

Addressing the gathering in a two-day workshop organised on Himalaya conservation held at Wildlife Institute of India here today, Haridwar MP and former Uttarakhand Chief Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank said that state government should take more effective steps for creating awareness among villagers about importance of environment conservation.

Nishank said it is the duty of every citizen to contribute for environment conservation. He said creating awareness among villagers is the only key to revive environment. Anil Prakash Joshi, founder of HESCO, has said that geographical conditions of the state are completely different from rest of the country. He said the state government should take effective steps to improve infrastructure in higher areas of the state. The programme was organised by Himalayan Environmental Studies and Conservation Organisation, Wildlife Institute of India, Department of Science and Technology. — TNS 

ONGC Vigilance Week begins
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, October 27
The importance of ‘Ethics, Integrity, Self-Regulation, Transparency and Accountability’ as an integral part of ONGC’s work culture and an awareness drive related to vigilance aspects set the tone in the inaugural session of the Vigilance Awareness Week, which commenced at the ONGC headquarters here today.

The week-long Vigilance Awareness Week was inaugurated by Pradeep Sahariya, ED-Chief ER.

Addressing the gathering, Sahariya remarked that this should be considered as an occasion for introspection. He emphasised on the importance of transparency and strict adherence to laid-down procedures while discharging one’s official duties.

The week-long programme includes talk by SK Bhagat, DG-Rules & manuals/vigilance, followed by debate, quiz and cycle rally in the days to follow.

FRI Vigilance Week

Dr PP Bhojvaid, Director, Forest Research Institute, inaugurated a week-long Vigilance Awareness Week at a function. He administered oath to participants.

He said it was the duty of every staff member to raise awareness on importance of keeping vigil in their establishments. The staff of FRI contributed their manuscripts in an essay writing competition. 

Tanakpur-Bageshwar rail link Demand
Demonstrators threaten agitation
Our Correspondent

Pithoragarh, October 27
Fearing that if the Pancheshwar Dam is constructed, Bageshwar town would be bereft of a railway link forever, activists of the Tanakpur-Bageshwar Rail Nirman Samiti today demonstrated at the town. They threatened that if the decision to construct a railway line between the two destinations is not taken soon, the samiti would start an indefinite agitation.

“We have responsibility to fulfil dreams of our departed beloved leader Gusain Singh Dafauti, who has sacrificed his life in his struggle to fulfil the dreams of people of Pithoragarh and Bageshwar districts, who have been wanting the railway link to their towns for long,” said Kharak Ram Arya, organiser of the demonstration today.

The demonstrators demanded that the Centre should give priority to construction of rail and motor links along the Kali and Saryu from Tanakpur to Bageshwar because by providing the rail link, not only would the two districts of Pithoragarh and Bageshwar come under the railway network but also the villages along Kali river, which have been awaiting a motor link for years, would be able to market their produce.

“Construction of a big dam in place of long-proposed rail and motor links along the Kali river would not only keep the villages along the river and districts of Bageshwar and Pithoragarh backward forever, but also plunge the region into political controversy forever as there are elements in Nepal who would blackmail the Indian government on the issue of distribution of power and water after the dam is constructed,” said Arya.

The Tanakpur–Bageshwar Rail Nirman Sangharsh Samiti has been struggling for rail link to the town from Tanakpur plains, situated in Champawat district, for the last 15 years. The samiti, under its late leader Gusain Singh Dafauti, had staged a dharna and hunger strike in New Delhi and had got an in-principle nod from the then Railways Minister Mamata Banerjee to have a rail link to Bageshwar on priority.

“As for now, the government is not interested in our long-cherished dream of having a railway link to our town by sanctioning Pancheswar Dam at the place from where the proposed rail line would have passed. We have got to fight the tendency, in order to save our dream,” said Neema Dafauti, widow of Gusian Singh Dafauti. 

68th Infantry Day at IMA
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, October 27
A wreath-laying ceremony was organised to mark the 68th Infantry Day at the Indian Military Academy here today. Indian Military Academy Commandant Lt Gen Manvendra Singh along with Lieutenant General Anand Swarup (retd), senior officers, retired officers, JCOs and other ranks laid wreaths at the War Memorial.

Conveying his wishes to the infantrymen, the Commandant urged them to uphold the highest tradition of the infantry and ensure territorial integrity of the nation.

Asian School beat DFA by 190 runs 
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, October 27
Continuing its winning run, Asian School thrashed Doon Defence Academy (DFA) by 190 runs in the ongoing Nazar Khan Memorial 3rd Youth Cup Cricket Tournament match played at Rangers College ground here today.

After winning the toss and electing to bat first, Asian School displayed brilliant batting show and set a mammoth target of 317 runs for DFA. Rahul Tyagi scored a brilliant century with 145 runs and Rohan also made 80 runs. Bighuraj also contributed 60 runs in the Asian School batting innings. In reply, DFA showcased dismal batting performance and could only score 127 runs at the loss of 7 wickets in 35 overs. For DFA, Eklaya Gupta remained the top scorer with 58 runs.

In the second match of the day, Rao Cricket Academy defeated Children’s Academy by 32 runs. Batting first, Rao Cricket Academy made 146 runs in 35 overs with Kiran scoring maximum 42 runs and Deepankar contributing 22 runs. During the chase, Children’s Academy team was bowled out after making 114 runs with Shubham making highest 35 runs and Ashutosh scoring 33 runs. From Rao Cricket Academy, Kiran and Gaurav took 2 wickets each while Sachin took 1 wicket against Children’s Academy.

Victory for Doon Girls School
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, October 27
The 7th Tek Chand Memorial Basketball Tournament kicked off at Doon Girls School here today. Many reputed school teams are participating in the tournament and the first day witnessed two well fought matches.

In the first match, the hosts Doon Girls School defeated Ecolle Gobal School 38-15. Diksha Ranjan scored 10 points for Doon Girls School while Saumya remained the top scorer for Ecolle Global School with 10 points.

In the second match, Shigally Hills School defeated Aryan School 18-14 with Banus scoring highest 12 points for Shigally Hills School. For Aryan School, Shreya scored 9 points and remained the top scorer for her team.

Japanese telescope back to tourists’ delight 
Ajay Ramola
Tribune News Service

Mussoorie, October 27
Tourists are delighted to see a close-up view of Himalayan peaks through the powerful lenses of the Japanese telescope that was installed at Lal Tibba, also known as Children’s Lodge, here in 1965.

The telescope was the brainchild of then Municipal Council president Hukum Singh Panwar, who bought the powerful Kowa optical telescope from Japan at a cost of Rs 20,000, said local chronicler

Gopal Bhardwaj. During those days, the telescope was operated automatically and one had to put a 50-paisa coin to start it.

The telescope used to run for two minutes, in which one was able to see peaks such as Gangotri, Kedarnath, Yamunotri and Swargrohini.

Later, the machine was made to switch over to manual mode. The telescope remained under the Municipal Council for several years and was later leased out to contractors. For several years, due to dispute with the contractor, the telescope was removed and the viewpoint remained without the telescope, much to the dismay of tourists coming especially to see the Himalayas.

With the efforts of the Municipal Council, the same old telescope is back, and is regaling the tourists by bringing to them a view of the snowy peaks of the Himalayas. Descendants of the contractor who was leased out the telescope are operating the business here by charging each tourist Rs 10.

“The telescope has been repaired and is functioning well, bringing in hordes of tourists to the place,” said Shubham, grandson of the contractor.

Earlier, it all used to remain closed due to reasons best known to the authorities. But for the past few months, it has remained open from early morning till late night, says Shubham.

Ravi Dholakia, a tourist from Gujarat, said he had never seen the snow-clad Himalayan peaks so near through the telescope.

Unemployed diploma pharmacists protest
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, October 27
A large number of diploma pharmacists staged a protest demonstration under the banner of Uttarakhand Berozgar Diploma Pharmacists Association at old Raipur bus stand here today.

Addressing the protesters, president Manoj Tripathi said that despite having 4000 vacant posts the state government had failed to employ the unemployed diploma pharmacists in the state.

“From the past 16 years, the unemployed diploma pharmacists are running from pillar to post for getting a job. At present there are nearly 8500 unemployed youths in the state. While the successive state governments and chief ministers have given assurance from time to time, nothing concrete has been done to provide the jobs. This has caused widespread resentment amongst the youth,” he added.

“Ever since the state was separated from Uttar Pradesh, the population has increased tremendously along with the rise in number of patients. However, the state government has failed to create new posts leading to shortage in government-run hospitals and health centres. In case the government failed to fulfil our demands we would be launching a massive demonstration,” said Tripathi. 

2 constables suspended
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, October 27
During the sudden field inspection this evening, Additional Director General of Police (ADG), Law and Order, Ram Singh Meena suspended two constables of the Aaraghar police post for negligence of duty.

The two constables, Badrinath and Ravindra, were found talking on the mobile phone instead of streamlining traffic at the Aaraghar chowk. Talking to The Tribune, ADG Meena said, “The two constables were talking on the phone and were not doing their duty of maintaining the law and order and managing the traffic.” 

St Claire’s celebrates annual day
Tribune News Service

Mussoorie, October 27
St Claire’s School celebrated its annual day today. The event was titled “Xylopia 2014”. Ganesh Joshi, MLA, Mussoorie, inaugurated the event by lighting the ceremonial lamp. The chief guest commended the efforts of the school in providing quality English-medium education to the lower income group in the town.

He said education was an important ingredient in the growth of children. Students presented a Bharat Natyam dance sequence that was appreciated by the audience.

Tiny tots presented a skit highlighting environmental concerns and pleaded to save the environment.

The schoolchildren also performed kathak, garhwali folk and dandiya.

Later, the Headmaster of the school presented the annual report and highlighted the achievement of the school.

Sir Sebatian, Selvam, Mohan Petwal, Gambhir Panwar, Mohan Negi and many others were present on the occasion.

Anganwadi workers stage protest
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, October 27
Registering their anger against the state government for failure to fulfil their demands, members of the Anganwadi Karyakarti, Sevika and Mini Karamchari Sangathan took out a massive rally here today.

The protesters gathered at Parade Ground, before proceeding for the Chief Minister’s residence, they were stopped by the police personnel on their way. Later, they staged a demonstration outside the secretariat. Aanganwadi workers from various parts of the state had participated in the protest.

Leading the demonstration, morcha’s state president Rekha Negi said they had informed the Chief Minister about the problems being faced by them on several occasions, but nothing had been done so far. “A step motherly treatment was being given to us and we were forced to stage a massive protest demonstration,” she added.

The anganwadi workers should be given the status of state government employee or a salary of Rs 15,000 on the completion of 10 years’ of service, up-gradation of the anganwadi centres in the state, pension for the workers who have been employed since 2003, Rs 1 lakh as compensation while removed from service, promotion as supervisors and summer and winter vacations, were among the demands being raised by the protesters.

Jyoti Pandey, Pratima Sharma, Umesh Dhiman, Vimla Gairola, Bhagwati Joshi, Janki Parihar, Geeta Surji, Kanta Bhatt along with several others were part of the demonstration. 

Naturopathy camp in Mussoorie
Tribune News Service

Mussoorie, October 27
More than 100 persons benefited from a naturopathy medical camp held at Lakshmi Narayan Temple under the aegis of Inner-Wheel club of Mussoorie today.

The medical experts treated the patients with various transmeditational therapy modes, rieki, sujok, acupressure etc during the day-long camp here.

The patients suffering from asthma, diabetes and thyroid also participated in the camp.

The coordinator of the camp, former president of the Inner Wheel Club, Mussoorie, Neerja Pandhi, said that the objective of such a camp was to provide benefit to the people suffering from various ailments in and around Mussoorie. She also said that more camps of similar nature would be organised in the future.