DM directs EPIL officials to speed up work on flyovers 
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, November 5
District Magistrate Chandresh Kumar today reprimanded officials of the company tasked with the construction of flyovers in Dehradun and said the slow pace of construction work was causing inconvenience to the public.

The District Magistrate, at a meeting held here, told officials of Engineers Projects India Limited (EPIL) that due to their lackadaisical approach the flyovers were still incomplete, leading to traffic jams near the work sites. “The delay in the completion of the flyovers has caused widespread resentment among the people, especially commuters,” he said.

The company officials told the DM that they were forced to remove machines and other construction equipment from the construction site following a protest by local people. Chandresh asked them for the reasons as to why they had failed to inform the administration.

He instructed the officials to restart the stalled construction work at the earliest and said they would be provided adequate security. He directed City Magistrate Girish Gunwant and SP (Traffic) Pradeep Rai to prepare a daily report of the work.

Meanwhile, the DM appointed BS Mehra, Assistant Engineer, NH Division, for resolving the issues related to those whose land had been acquired for the construction of the flyovers. “A complete report pertaining to the issues has to be submitted in a week. Also, roads will be dug at night so that traffic is not obstructed during the day,” he said.

Flyovers under construction

* Ballupur chowk

* Inter-State bus terminus

* Balliwala chowk

Work on medical college hangs in balance
Nod for construction of multi-storeyed building awaited
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, November 5
The expansion work underway at the Doon Hospital for Doon Medical College has not only created chaotic conditions for staff and patients, but also raised doubts about the project meeting targets for receiving approval for the academic session beginning in 2015-16.

While the construction agency is still involved in strengthening work at the Doon Hospital, there is a little hope that the construction work at the land vacated by the PWD and Red Cross would be completed on time.

The work by the Uttar Pradesh Nirman Nigam is underway at the Doon Hospital and Dehra Khas where the new building is being constructed.

However, the Department of Medical Education’s nod for constructing a new multi-storeyed building is still awaited. The building will house an emergency ward, ICU, ICCU and operation theatres.

The nod for the construction of general OPD at the 1.2-acre land vacated by the PWD and Nagar Nigam is also awaited.

The delay is hampering work as we cannot pull down the entire Women’s Hospital to start the expansion work.

“Our work at the Doon Hospital near the emergency ward has not been able to meet the deadline as the alternate arrangement to shift oxygen chambers is yet to be made. This would allow us to complete the construction work,” said Daya Ram, project manager of Uttar Pradesh Nirman Nigam.

On the other hand, the Doon Hospital authorities are facing the blues, “We are facing trouble as the deadlines have not been met. It is a running hospital and cannot be vacated,” said Dr RS Aswal, PMS, Doon Hospital.

Felling of peepal tree put off
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, November 5
The Uttarakhand Forest Department on Wednesday postponed the felling of a peepal tree on the Chakrata Road in Dehradun.

The proposed axing of this old peepal tree for the widening of the Chakrata Road had caused much resentment among various voluntary organisations like Citizens for Green Doon and the Chukkuwala Residents Welfare Association, which had held several protests in order to save it.

The forest authorities have finally bowed to the growing pressure against the proposed axing of the tree.

Dehradun sub-divisional forest officer Gulvir Singh confirmed that the proposed felling of the tree had been postponed, as of now.

He stated that the final decision would be taken on the matter shortly.

Those opposed to the felling of the tree argue that it was the only one that is left along the entire stretch of the Connaught Place and its absence would render the entire area barren.

Ministerial staff to resume work today on HC order
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, November 5
The protesting ministerial employees called off their strike following a rap by the Nainital High Court and an assurance from Finance Minister Indira Hridayesh that their long-pending demands would be fulfiled.

The High Court today directed the Collectorate ministerial employees to call off their ongoing strike within three days. A double Bench of the court comprising Justice VK Bisht and Justice UC Dhyani directed the employees to get back to work and discuss the matter with the government after withdrawing the strike.

The court also asked the government to take action against those employees who failed to join duties within the given time. The court blamed the government for handling the matter carelessly.

Earlier on October 29, hearing the PIL, the court had ordered the Chief Secretary to impose the Essential Service Maintenance Act and “no work, no pay” against the striking employees.

The protesting staff members, who had been on strike under the banner of the Uttarakhand Federation of Ministerial Services Association, would resume work from Thursday after 54 days.

Rajender Kumar, district president of the association, said a delegation met Hridayesh at Haldwani today and later called off the strike. “The minister has agreed to our four demands and assured us to get the Cabinet approval by November 20. We demanded re-structuring of the District Collectorate, 10 per cent quota for the ministerial staff in appointment as naib tehsildar, minimum qualification for the ministerial staff to be increased to graduation from class XII and transfer of Virender Singh, steno-typist of the Tehri District Magistrate,” he added.

“Besides, the transfer orders of the steno-typist were passed on Monday. We are hopeful that our other demands will be met during the forthcoming Assembly session,” he said.

Back to duty

* The High Court on Wednesday directed the Collectorate ministerial employees to call off their ongoing strike within three days

* The court also asked the government to take action against those employees who failed to join duties

* Rajender Kumar, district president of the association, said a delegation met the Finance Minister at Haldwani and later called off the strike.

12 NSUI activists booked
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, November 5
NSUI activists held a protest against the Ramnagar police for registering cases against their party members. The police have booked 12 NSUI activists, including Rohit Pandey, who set himself on fire during a protest at Ramnagar on Tuesday. They have been charged under various sections of the IPC, Nainital SSP Vimmi Sachdeva said.

“We have started investigation in the matter. Two FIRs have been registered in the case at Ramnagar. We are now looking at the footage of the incident to know what made the protest to go out of hand,” said the SSP. She added no arrests had yet been made.

On Tuesday, members of NSUI held a protest at Ramnagar demanding release of their fellow student leaders, who, according to them, were wrongly arrested in a case pertaining to burning of bikes belonging to students of another group. They were demanding removal of the Ramnagar police station in-charge. Meanwhile, NSUI leader from Ramnagar PG College, Rohit Pandey, climbed atop a water tank and set himself on fire. He got badly injured in the incident with 70 per cent burn injuries and was taken to Safdarjung Hospital in New Delhi, where his condition is said to be stable. The police had to call a fire engine to put off the fire.

Speaking to The Tribune, DIG, Kumaon range, Ganesh Singh Martolia, said, “Strict action will be taken against all those who were there and abetted the incident.” 

Passengers at receiving end as roadways staff on strike
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, November 5
The one-day strike called by Uttarakhand Roadways Transport Corporation (URTC) employees today caused huge inconvenience to commuters, students and tourists in the state.

The movement of inter-state and intra-state roadways buses was badly affected as the agitating employees boycotted the transport service.

In a rough estimate, 1,000 out of 1,200 buses being undertaken by URTC remained parked in a workshop due to a one-day strike. The agitating employees have decided to continue the boycott of the transport service in the near future if the state government does not accede to their demands.

Movement of the corporation undertaking buses to hilly areas was not affected as other workers’ association office-bearers have decided not to join them.

Commuters were struggling hard to board other states’ corporation buses to reach their destinations.

Some commuters managed to have seats in the buses while others travelled standing to reach their respective destinations.

Septuagenarian Tilak Ram has lamented that he had to cancel his trip to New Delhi as he was unable to find a seat in the Delhi Transport Corporation bus.

Similar was the plight of TS Bisht, who planned to visit Ambala, Haryana, but could not find a seat or place to stand in the bus.

The agitating employees, under the banner of Uttarakhand Roadways Workers Union, gathered at the Inter State Bus Terminus (ISBT) here today. The agitators raised slogans against the state government.

The agitators lamented that the State Roadways Department had recently taken a decision to fill vacant posts of drivers and conductors through an outsourcing agency, that had already been labelled as blacklisted by the corporation.

Expressing his views, HR Bahuguna, state president, Uttarakhand Roadways Workers Union (URWU), has said the corporation should take effective steps to enrol contractual employees on permanent grade in the corporation.

He said a memorandum had been submitted many times to public representatives and top officials to address their grievances on October 21, but the state government was yet to take effective steps to address their grievances.

Speaking to The Tribune, DN Shukla, patron, URWU, has said a memorandum highlighting their demands, regularisation of contractual employees, cancellation of outsourcing, better pay structure etc has been submitted many times.

Ashok Kumar Chowdhury, Harendra Kumar, KP Singh, Deepak Shah, RC Sharma, Jeetandra Kumar, Neeraj Chowdhury, Rajendra Prasad, Vinay Joshi, Mohan Singh, Pramod and others were present.

BJP a worker-oriented party: Shyam Jaju
Our Correspondent

Pithoragarh, November 5
The BJP is a worker-oriented party and always keeps workers in the loop while launching any campaign at the national or state level. “Our worker-centric nature is reflected in the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi who has emerged in the party by dint of sheer struggle,” said Shyam Jaju, BJP general secretary and in charge of the party affairs in Uttarakhand, while addressing mediapersons during a training session of the party leaders and workers at Almora today.

“The BJP is not an election-time party, but is active round the year with an intention to improve not only government functioning but also the system for the betterment of the people,” he said. The party would launch a statewide membership campaign from Dehradun on November 8 in the presence of several top leaders, he added.

The state-level party leaders, including all five MPs, were present at the press conference. Hardwar MP and former Chief Minister Ramesh Pokhariyal Nishak also addressed the mediapersons. “We want a CBI inquiry into illegal activities of the mining mafia in the state and a White Paper on the reconstruction of the Kedar valley,” said Nishak.

The BJP leaders dared Harish Rawat to reveal the names of the three bureaucrats, who Speaker of the Assembly Govind Singh Kunjwal claimed were running the government.

Jaju said the BJP was a worker-centric party and always kept workers in loop while launching any campaign at the national or state level. “Our worker-centric nature is reflected in the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi who has emerged in the party by dint of sheer struggle,” he added.

He claimed that the BJP government at the Centre had started development works with building the basic infrastructure first. “The party has decided to have a road network to the Tibet border to strengthen security bases,” said Jaju.

He added such training camps brought workers closer to the party ideology and helped in developing its ideological base. “We are aiming at enrolling 10 times more members in the party in the coming days though our struggle has brought lakhs of people to the party fold, ” said Jaju.

Earlier, BJP state president Tirath Singh Rawat inaugurated the camp and said such camps helped the party cadre get closer to the party ideology and better its organisational functioning.

Inquiry against forest official ordered
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, November 5
The Uttarakhand Government has ordered a preliminary inquiry into the complaints received against SS Sharma, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF).

The decision comes against the backdrop of the recommendation of Dr Ranbir Singh, Principal Secretary, Forests and Environment, for holding a fact-finding inquiry by S Raju, Additional Chief Secretary.

“Based on the complaints brought before me against SS Sharma, I have recommended to the Additional Chief Secretary to start a fact-finding inquiry and complete it in a month. In case, the complaints against Sharma are found to be true, charges will be framed,” said Ranbir.

Sharma has been facing a barrage of charges, including those levelled by his colleague Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forest SK Datta when the latter was PCCF (wildlife). 

Book on hill villagers released

Dehradun, November 5
Vinod Barthwal, senior Samajwadi Party leader, said at the release of a book here today that everyone should contribute to the welfare and betterment of society. He added creating awareness was the only tool for women empowerment. The book, “Shikhargan”, is about the problems faced by villagers in hill areas.

Barthwal said after releasing the book that periodicals, newspapers, and magazines played a pivotal role in creating awareness among the masses. He said people were known for their bravery, and vast culture. The book authored by Anjana Uniyal Walia has chapters highlighting the problems being faced by villagers living in the hill areas. — TNS

2 constables to be given awards
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, November 5
Two constables will be given awards at the forthcoming state’s foundation day parade on November 9 for bringing laurels to the police department in various national level sports competitions held in the last one year.

According to the statement released by the police headquarters, constables Manish Rawat and Shailey Manral have been selected for the award. The Governor will give them the awards during the state’s foundation day parade on November 9 at the Police Lines.

The secretary of Police Sports Control Board, Deepam Seth, said Manish Rawat would be awarded Rs 5,000 cash along with a trophy while Shailey Manral will be given Rs 20,000 cash award. Constable Manish Rawat, who is an athlete, won a silver medal in the recently held 2nd National Open Race Walking Competition in Kochi. He also won a gold medal at the National Athletics Championship held in New Delhi. Constable Shailey Manral won the silver medal in the 63-kg category at the National Judo Championship in Himachal Pradesh.

Zila panchayat chiefs, mayors to get ministerial status
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, November 5
Presidents of zila panchayats and mayors of municipal corporations will be given the status of state ministers. They will also have the right to instal red lights on their vehicles. Chief Minister Harish Rawat said this here today while addressing a gathering of panchayat representatives, local bodies and members of cooperative banks.

He said the three-tier panchayats, nagar panchayats and members of local bodies would be provided identity cards. He said the problem of shortage of manpower in municipalities would be addressed by March next year. While drafting the ACRs of the District Magistrates, the number of meetings held between them and the panchayats would be taken into account.

The Chief Minister emphasised the importance of using the total potential of Panchayati Raj Institutions and said the active role of panchayats could improve the condition of the villages. “The state has developed a lot in the last 14 years, but not enough attention has be paid to developing economic resources,” he added.

The panchayat representatives need to step forward to perform their duties and they would get their rights automatically. They could play an important role in formulating the development plans of the state as well in their implementation. The state government had introduced the ‘Hamara Vriksha Hamara Dhan’ scheme. Similarly, the ‘Hamara Pani Hamara Dhan’ scheme would be launched to encourage rainwater harvesting. Expectant mothers would be provided iodine salt and ‘mandua’ through anganwadi centres. Women over 60 years of age would be provided lunch.

The Chief Minister added that he was working towards decentralisation of powers. “The state will soon have its own Panchayati Raj Act, which is being finalised. Block and district panchayats are being made a part of the state and centrally-run schemes and the heads of the blocks would be provided office facilities. It has been decided to reconstitute the department structure of nagar panchayats,” he said.

Panchayati Raj Minister Pritam Singh, state Congress president Kishore Upadhyay, Sanjay Kapoor, Sarojini Kainturia and members of district panchayats, village panchayats, cooperative banks, nagar panchayats and local urban bodies were present on the occasion.

CM grants Rs 10 lakh for Baikunth Chaturdasi Mela 
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, November 5
Chief Minister Harish Rawat inaugurated the Baikunth Chaturdasi Mela at Gopal Park at Srinagar in Pauri Garhwal district today. He announced Rs 10 lakh grant for the mela, besides making a series of other announcements at a public meeting at Gopal Park. He also announced Rs 50 lakh from the Chief Minister’s discretionary fund for the improvement of connecting roads in Srinagar and the beautification of the park. He ordered the setting up of a trauma centre in Srinagar.

The Chief Minister described Srinagar as the educational capital of Uttarakhand and said it had always given a direction to the state. He added his government was committed to the all round development of the state.

Srinagar municipality chairman Anoop Bahuguna coordinated the proceedings. Pauri District Magistrate Chandra Shekhar Bhatt and Pauri SP Ajay Joshi were present on the occasion. 

Seven snake species to be kept at Malsi park in Doon
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, November 5
Seven species of serpent will be part of the proposed middle zoo at Malsi in Dehradun, the foundation stone for which was laid recently.

A male and a female specie of rat snake, Indian python, banded krait, common Indian krait, Russel viper, Indian cobra and green pit viper will be part of serpent section of the zoo.

Interestingly, Uttarakhand has a high altitude zoo in Nainital but that too has a few snakes.

The proposed zoo at Malsi, known as Malsi Deer Park that came up in 1975, at present has no serpent. However, it has five eagles, two leopards, one black buck, three soft shell turtles, 62 spotted deers, 12 barking deers, two sambhars, five owls, 14 parrots and four pigeons.

Dr VP Uniyal, senior scientist of the Wildlife Institute of India, said a separate section for serpents at the proposed zoo at Malsi would enable people of Dehradun and surrounding areas enhance their knowledge about snakes. He added often a common man was little informed about various species of serpent.

The Malsi park, located on the Dehradun-Mussoorie highway, 8 km from Dehradun, is a big attraction for tourists visiting the hill resort of Mussoorie.

About 1.98 lakh tourists visited the park in 2013-14, thereby, ensuring a revenue of Rs 27.60 lakh for the state Forest Department. 

UPCL assurance to industrialists
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, November 5
SS Yadav, Managing Director, Uttarakhand Power Corporation Limited (UPCL), has assured office-bearers of Kumaon-Garhwal Chamber of Industries that effective steps would be taken to address their grievances.

He said the corporation was continuously working to upgrade the distribution and electricity transmission system in order to ensure disruption-free electricity to consumers.

The Kumaon-Garhwal Chamber of Industries officials expressed concern over the problem of low voltage and frequent power cuts in the region at a meeting held with Uttarakhand Power Corporation Limited officials today.

They lamented that power cuts had become a regular feature in the region and remote areas were among the worst affected.

Highlighting the problems being faced by industries and domestic consumers, Ashok Bansal, president, Kumaon-Garhwal Chamber of Industries, has expressed concern over the problem of low voltage between Khatima and Jaspur.

He spoke on Movakhedra-Moradabad-Kashipur 131 KV line, 132 KV Sitarganj sub-station and allotment of new electricity connections to business establishments.

After listening to them, Uttarakhand Power Corporation Limited MD SS Yadav said the problem of low voltage would be overcome once construction of the 220 KV Pithoragarh sub-station is completed in the near future.

Yadav said the corporation is continuously procuring power in order to bridge the gap between demand and availability of electricity in the state.

Ashok Kumar Goyal, RK Gupta, SK Tamta, JMS Rauthan, PC Dwivedi, RK Sharma, PC Pandey and others were present. 

Governor, CM greet people on Gurpurab
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, November 5
Governor Aziz Qureshi and Chief Minister Harish Rawat have greeted people of the state on the occasion of Gurpurab, birthanniversary of Guru Nanak, and Kartik Purnima.

In his message on the eve of the auspicious occasion, the Governor said Guru Nanak Dev is an eternal source of inspiration to society. He propagated the message of love, truth, compassion and sacrifice through his life.

He said the Gurbani of Guru Nanak would always be relevant for society as it provides strength to human emotions and creates feelings of brotherhood. He added the principles by which Guru Nanak Dev lived inspired everyone.

Rawat called upon the people to imbibe the values propagated by Guru Nanak Dev.

Protesting shiksha acharyas give govt Nov 9 deadline 
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, November 5
Shiksha Acharyas have decided to intensify their agitation if the state government does not fulfil their demands till November 9.

They lamented they had submitted memorandums of their demands many times to government officials, but the state government was yet to take steps to address their grievances.

The protesters, under the banner of the Shiksha Acharya Anudeshak Sangathan, gathered at the old Raipur bus stand here today and raised slogans in support of their demands.

Addressing the protesters, Parwinder Kumar, general secretary of the sangathan, demanded jobs in the state Education Department.

DS Bisht, Prahlad Ram, Khem Singh, Amrish Rana, and Daulat Singh took part in the protest.

Foreign students attend exchange programme 
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, November 5
A delegation consisting of students and staff members of St Francis’ College, United Kingdom, left Unison World School yesterday after completing their visit under International Exchange Programme. They arrived here on October 26.

The exchange programme gave the staff and students of the foreign school an exposure to diverse learning opportunities and new learning environment. Besides, they also experienced different teaching strategies and pedagogies, and learned many new things along with broadening their knowledge from new teachers and students around them.

A well-defined itinerary was planned for the delegation keeping in mind their safety and interest. The staff and students attended several academic lessons.

They also visited places such as Rishikesh, Gangadwar and Haridwar, which was a unique experience from them.

Moreover, the students of St Francis’ College presented a cultural show on the concluding day. The students of both schools presented a rainbow of cultural programmes.

The girls of St Francis’ College enthralled the audience with a melodious hymn to St Francis which was followed by a song ‘Maa’ from the movie Taare Zameen Par.

Spic Macay holds meeting with schools
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, November 5
The Dehradun chapter of Spic Macay held an outreach meeting at Welham Boys’ School here yesterday.

The meeting was chaired by Principal Gurmeet Bindra, who is also the patron of the Spic Macay Dehradun chapter.

Chairperson of the chapter Lalit Mohan spoke about the objectives and activities of Spic Macay and described it as a people’s movement. He said the movement was growing because schools and institutes were supporting it.

He shared several modules promoted and adopted by Spic Macay. These included classical music concerts, folk art, craft workshops, heritage walks, bird watching, talk shows, film screening, photography workshop, holistic food, scholarships, world heritage and international conventions.

Bindra shared her experiences with students and school representatives. Inspiring youths to join the cultural movement, she said, “I have been associated with Spic Macay since 1984 and my relation with the organisation has strengthened with each passing year.”

Notably, DIT University, Doon Global School, Carman School, Welham Girls’ School, The Asian School, Himjyoti School, St Jude’s School, Moravian School, Summer Valley School, Doon Girls School, IMS Unison University, Unison World School, Graphic Era University, The Aryan School and Kasiga School participated in the event.

An annual report of the programmes organised by Spic Macay was presented by Vidya Vasan at the end. She said over 370 programmes had been organised by the Dehradun and IIT, and Roorkee chapters. 

Students protest overcharging by private schools
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, November 5
Student union leaders of DAV PG College submitted a memorandum to the District Education Officer, claiming that private schools were charging the parents an exorbitant amount for admission forms.

Led by union president Paras Goyal, a delegation of students told the District Education Officer that private schools were resorting to varied means to take out money from the pockets of the parents, who were running from pillar to post for the admission of their wards.

Moreover, they claimed that a few schools were asking parents to buy uniforms and books from selected shops.

The student delegation demanded that private schools should return the form fee of those wards, who were not given admissions. They threatened to launch an agitation if the administration does not take immediate steps in the interest of parents and children.

President’s intervention sought in filling Pantnagar varsity VC’s post 
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, November 5
Highlighting the plight of GB Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Dr Virender Singh Lather, a former member of Board of Management of the university and a renowned agronomist, has sought the intervention of the President of India in the appointment of a permanent Vice-Chancellor.

Terming the present scenario as devastating for the university, Lather, in his appeal to President Pranab Mukherjee, said the university had been operating without a permanent Vice-Chancellor for the past four years. “In the past three and half years, the university has seen five Vice Chancellors taking over the charge on ad-hoc basis. Due to vested interests, the permanent appointment of the vice-chancellors is withheld. In the past too, the name of eminent agriculture scientist Dr Arvind Kumar was suggested by the search committee, but it was rejected,” he said.

“Further as a board member when I raised the issue, orders were passed for my removal in gross violation of the statute as there is no provision for removing the member before the completion of his three years’ term except on moral turpitude,” said Lather in the affidavit.

Earlier, the university was marred by a controversy after the present Vice Chancellor Mathew Prasad extended the term of five head of departments without seeking consent from the Board of Management. 

Thieves even don’t spare street vendors in Mussoorie
Tribune News Service

Mussoorie, November 5
Thieves broke the latches of a trunk kept by a street vendor near the Jhoola Ghar police station in Mussoorie last night and stole goods worth Rs 22,000.

According to the police, street vendors from the Bhotia community sell goods, mostly readymade garments, near Jhoola Ghar for the past several decades. They keep their goods in locked trunks at the same place everyday when they leave for home.

However, Namgang, a street vendor, found the latches of her trunk broken and goods worth Rs 22,000 missing this morning. She lodged a complaint of theft with the police. The police have registered a case against unidentified youths and started investigation.

22 fined for drinking in public

Mussoorie, November 5
The Mussoorie Police conducted a raid in the Hathipaon region, near Mussoorie, today and fined around 22 persons for drinking in public and creating nuisance.

The police acted on a complaint by local residents that the Hathipaon area has become a safe haven for liquor consumers, who come here from Dehradun and other places, and often create a ruckus after excessive drinking, sometimes leading to bloody brawls.

The police began penalising nuisance makers from the Gajji band to Hathipaon. SHO Sandeep Negi said 22 persons were fined for minor offences while several youths were left after a stern warning. — TNS

Young Star Club kabaddi champ
Tribune News Service

Mussoorie, November 5
Young Star Club of Mogi village was declared the kabaddi champion in the four-day rural sports and cultural festival organised by the Aglar Ghati Krida Evam Sanskritik Samiti that ended here late last evening. It defeated Sports Club Silgaon 32-19 and lifted the coveted trophy. In other matches of kabaddi, Bhadraj Club Kempty defeated Young Star Club of Khas Kudaon village 30-27 in the sub-junior division. In the junior division, Kick Sports Club of Senji village defeated Rahtore Club of Ryatt Gaon 30-26.

In the volleyball final, Aryan Club Kempty defeated Sports Club Bandasari 3-2 in the best of five sets to lift the trophy. A keen contest was seen in the last game which ended with a score of 25-23 and the Aryan Club team romping home narrowly. In the junior 500 metre race, Pritam Rana stood first while Deepak and Rishab Panwar stood second and third, respectively.

In the 500 metre race (girls category), Puja Panwar stood first, Archana Rawat second while Alisha was declared third. In the chess event, Surat Singh Panwar from Kempty stood first while Vikram Singh Panwar from Dhar Gaon was second. Member of the Mussoorie Municipal Council Sashi Rawat, who was the chief guest, gave away citations and awards to the winners. MC member Kuldeep Rawat, Virendar Panwar, Rajendar Panwar, Bharat Panwar, Mukesh Panwar, Kamal Rawat, Kishan Singh Panwar, Anil Nautiyal, Sunil Mall, Swaroop Singh and others were present on the occasion.

U’khand Police beat Vikasnagar Cricket Club 

Dehradun, November 5
The Uttarakhand Police defeated Vikasnagar Cricket Club by 67 runs in the ongoing Nazar Khan Memorial 3rd Youth Cup Cricket Tournament match played at Rangers College ground here today. 

Batting first, Uttarakhand Police scored 201 runs with Harsh Negi scoring 61 runs and Pankaj Rawat making 53 runs. In reply, Vikasnagar Cricket Club was bowled out at 122 runs with Sumit Negi making maximum 32 runs and Sameer scoring 23 runs. — TNS