Cabinet nod to doctors’ recruitment board 
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, November 20
The Uttarakhand Cabinet last night approved the setting up of a separate medical recruitment board for doctors, the Lok Ayukta amendment Bill, policy to give a push to medium, small and micro enterprises, supplementary budget and charging of fee on forms for examinations conducted through the Uttarakhand Employees Subordinate Commission.

The separate board for doctors is expected to reduce dependency on the state service commission, however for the time being, the government has already given requisition for more than 700 doctors to the commission.

By announcing the levying of fee on forms for applicants applying for jobs through the Uttarakhand Employees Subordinate Commission, the Harish Rawat government has gone on the decision that was first introduced and then taken back by the Bahuguna government, after protests by aspirants.

Now candidates belonging to the general category will have to pay a fee of Rs 200, SC and ST categories Rs100 as application fees.

The much awaited policy on the MSME is aimed at encouraging enterprises in the hills and different categories have been earmarked for giving grants and incentives.

The government also approved a textile policy under which a mega textile park will be set-up at Udham Singh Nagar (90 hectare) and mini textile parks at Munsiyari and Joshimath.

The Cabinet also approved the Lok Ayukta amendment Bill that ends the compulsory appointments of Lok Ayukta and other office-bearers within a stipulated time frame of 180 days. 

The other decisions

Bill on Gairsain Development Authority (2014) to be tabled in the upcoming Assembly session

Approval for second supplementary budget totalling around Rs 2088 crore to be tabled in the House

District cadre for pharmacists

125 sacked employees of UPNAL to be taken back

MPs and MLAs will have the final say in the approval of projects being carried through MP and MLA LAD funds

Loan waiver to government and private sugar mills

Passouts from Haldwani and Srinagar medical colleges to be given employment for a year in the same institutes

Uttarakhand government agencies will construct a guest house and handicraft emporium in Mumbai

Approval for change in land use for Mussoorie ropeway project

DMC to intensify drive against illegal dumping
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, November 20
As part of the anti-encroachment drive carried out by the Dehradun Municipal Corporation from time to time, the civic body is all set to take stringent action against those who have dumped the construction material on the road without taking permission from the authorities.

In the past seven months the civic body has collected almost Rs 70,000 through challaning the offenders. However, despite the fines there seems to be no end to the blatant violations of rules framed by the civic body for the storage of construction material.

Giving the details about plans to curb the menace, Mukhya Nagar Adhikari Harak Singh Rawat said: “Until now we were simply challaning the defaulters. However, from now onwards we would be seizing the construction material which has been dumped on the road side without the permission.”

“The material that would be seized by the civic body would be utilised in various development projects being carried out by the DMC. Further, the defaulters would also be given the option of freeing the seized goods by paying the fine,” he added.

“We have prepared a roaster of officials who would be conducting rounds in various parts of the city to check the unauthorised dumping of construction material in the city,” he added.

Manch members protest against power cuts
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, November 20
Agitated over the rampant electricity cut in the Ajabpur and nearby areas, members of the Narendra Modi Vichar Manch ghereod the office of Executive Engineer of Uttarakhand Power Corporation at Ajabpur here today.

Led by Pramod Kapruwan, district president of the manch, the protesters apprised Executive Engineer Ankit Jain about the problems being faced by villagers due to electricity cut. During the protest, members of the manch also claimed that small scale industries were under-performing due to power cuts and the department had just turned the blind eye towards the issue.

Pramod Kapruwan also said they had submitted memorandums to the department officials a number of times regarding shifting of overhead high-tension wires from residential colonies to other places but nothing had been done. Residents of Shamshergarh were also agitated over the non-installation of electricity polls in the area despite number of requests made to the officials.

During the protest, Sanjay Gularia, BD Semwal, Kuldeep Swadia, Roshan Lal Thapliyal, Raju Chandra Bhatt, Bhagwan Singh Rawat, Tara Devi, Surendranand Dhaundiyal, Kailash Kothari and many others were present.

The problems

The protesters apprised Executive Engineer Ankit Jain about the problems being faced by villagers due to electricity cut

During the protest, members of the manch also claimed that small scale industries were under-performing due to power cuts and the department had turned a blind eye to the issue

They had submitted memorandum to the department officials a number of times regarding shifting of overhead high-tension wires from residential colonies to other places but nothing had been done

Acharyas to continue protest
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, November 20
The agitated shiksha acharyas have decided to continue with their protest till their demands are fulfilled by the state government. The agitators lamented that memorandum highlighting their demands was given many times to officials but their demands were still pending.

The agitators under the banner of Shiksha Acharya Anudeshak Sangathan protested at Raipur bus stand. Expressing his views, Parwinder Kumar, general secretary of the sangathan said the association members should be absorbed permanently in the state education department.

Among others, Devendra Singh Bisht, Prahlad Ram, Khem Singh, Rattiram and Amrish Rana were present.

Plans under way to remove traffic snarls in city
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, November 20
The city is reeling under severe traffic jams these days. Traffic jams are witnessed in every nook and corner of the city whether the main Rajpur Road or other areas, causing inconvenience to people.

It takes double the time to cover a few kilometres in the city. Moreover, traffic congestion is not limited to peak hours, and is witnessed throughout the day.

Meanwhile, DIG, Garhwal range, Sanjay Gunjyal, told The Tribune that short and long term plans to reduce traffic problem in the city were being prepared and would be implemented soon. “I have told the SSP, Dehradun, to make a requirement plan in terms of the use of technology, erection of more traffic island and curves for ensuring smooth vehicular movement in the city. I will ensure that the budget is allocated for the purpose.”

Moreover, the DIG has directed the Dehradun traffic police to identity bottlenecks in the city and ensure presence of more personnel at these points so that traffic could be streamlined without causing problems to the commuters.

“Rajpur Road mostly witness traffic snarls during evening hours on Friday and Saturday due to heavy traffic movement towards Mussoorie. Another bottleneck is Haridwar Road, mainly in Dharampur, where traffic jams are frequent due to the Maukampur railway crossing and heavy traffic movement on the national highway,” said Gunjyal. To streamline traffic on Haridwar Road, we make movement of vehicles on Nehru Colony Road one-way, he added.

On the other hand, the police are also coordinating with the Municipal Corporation to find ways to remove traffic bottlenecks. “We have had a meeting with Mayor Vinod Chamoli regarding steps that could be taken to minimise traffic congestion in the city and the things are in the final stage. I am hopeful that the issues will be addressed soon,” Gunjyal said.

Notably, the traffic police say the city roads are not broad enough to support the rising number of vehicles. However, officials concerned believe that the city patrol unit has achieved success in curbing parking of vehicles in no parking zones and other traffic violations. 

Shemford Doon School celebrates annual day
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, November 20
Shemford Doon School celebrated its first annual day here today. Education Minister Mantri Prasad Naithani was the chief guest of the function. Principal Rachna Joshi presented a brief report of the annual academic and extracurricular activities of the school.

Students performed Shree Ganesh Vandana, followed by an English play ‘Finding Nemo’.

Naithani said students should work hard to achieve their goals. They should create awareness about environment conservation, he added.

The minister said students should actively participate in sports, and extracurricular activities in order to remain physically, and mentally fit.

Vijay Nagar, chairman of the school, requested parents to ensure that their wards take healthy food and keep themselves fit. He stressed on the need to inculcate moral values among children. SN Joshi, and Amol Arora were present at the function.

Residents oppose widening of Chakrata road 
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, November 20
Members of the Chakrata Road Shopkeepers and Residents Welfare Society organised a yagna as a mark of protest against the road widening plan of the Chakrata road.

Shashi Kant Goyal, a member of the society, said despite several requests the state government was bent upon snatching the livelihood of shopkeepers on the Chakrata road. “Apart from the business establishments there are several houses that would be uprooted as part of the road widening and beautification project of the government,” he added. 

Right To Service scheme reviewed
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, November 20
Reviewing the Right to Service scheme, Chief Minister Harish Rawat today directed District Magistrates through video conferencing to organise special drives in their districts to ensure that bank accounts of all social welfare pension beneficiaries under the Jan Dhan Yojana are opened by December.

He directed the District Magistrates to undertake personal monitoring on pension-related matters and ensure that no irregularity occurs in disbursement of pensions, saying the District Magistrate of the district concerned will be held accountable in case of any wrongdoing.

During his interaction with the DMs, the Chief Minister told them to work as patron of the poor and downtrodden section of the society. He asked them to take stern steps to curb rising use of drugs, saying complaints of encroachments should be taken very seriously by police and the administration.

The Chief Minister interacted with the complainants through video conferencing and directed the officials to address their concerns at the earliest. People form Haridwar, Dehradun, Uttarkashi and other districts registered complaints with the Chief Minister and apprised him of the action taken by government officials with regard to their previous complaints.

On the complaint of Budilal from Uttarkashi regarding his application relating to his daughter’s marriage going missing from the government office, the Chief Minister directed Additional Chief Secretary S Raju to inquire about the matter and address Budilal’s concerns.

Vandana Gupta is ward 22 councillor from Gobindpuri
Tribune News Service

Haridwar, November 20
BJP candidate Vandana Gupta won the byelection for ward 22 (Gobindpuri) whose results were declared today, comprehensively. For ward number 5 byelection in East Deen Dayal ward in Roorkee, Independent candidate Shrestha Rana was declared winner.

In the byelection held following the death of Jagat Gupta, his wife Vandana Gupta defeated her rival, Ajay Negi of the Congress.

Dissident from BJP Sachin Beniwal failed to give Vandana a major challenge, as he finished behind Negi.

The counting was held today from 8 am at the Municipal Corporation, where supporters of all three candidates had gathered from the wee hours.

Addressing mediapersons, an elated Vandana thanked the party activists, supporters and voters who showed confidence in her and also elected her husband previously.

Legislator Madan Kaushik, who himself monitored the election campaign for Vandana Gupta, said development done by late Jagat Gupta as ward councillor for Gobindpuri, Khanna Nagar, Awas Vikas Colony area and by Mayor Manoj Garg in the past 18 months had been testified by the voters.

Pratap seeks offices for senior Cong leaders
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, November 20
Uttarakhand Pradesh Congress Committee state spokesperson Dheerandra Pratap has demanded that Uttarakhand Chief Minister Harish Rawat should appoint senior party leaders on posts of chairman of boards and corporations in the state.

He said that the state government should take effective steps to address grievances of statehood activists.

Addressing mediapersons in a press conference held here today, Uttarakhand Pradesh Congress Committee state spokesperson Dheerandra Pratap has expressed resentment over Leader of Opposition in Vidhan Sabha Ajay Bhatt’s ‘’irresponsible remark’’ that Uttarakhand Chief Minister Harish Rawat should resign on moral grounds.

He said that Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), Nainital Vimmi Sachdeva, District Magistrate Akshat Gupta and Circle Officer (CO) RK Pharswan were transferred after Ramnagar incident in which NSUI activist Rohit Pandey set himself ablaze to register protest a few days back.

He said that a case of negligence should be registered against the SSP and the CO.

State included in five-in-one immunisation programme
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, November 20
Chief Minister Harish Rawat today officially announced Uttarakhand’s inclusion in the national pentavalent (five-in-one) vaccine immunisation programme for infants which will roll in January 2015.

While declaring the Uttarakhand state’s participation in the pentavalent vaccination programme for infants against five ailments such as diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus (DPT), Hepatitis B and HIB (meningitis) through a single shot, Chief Minister Harish Rawat said that the state will receive 30,000 pentavalent vials of vaccines on November 26 so that the programme rolls out on January 1, 2015, in the state.

“ I would urge all of you to take forward the programme which is part of national immunisation programme (NIP). We have to ensure our children do not die young and lead healthy lives,” he stressed.

Speaking further and emphasising the role of Asha workers, the CM said that the government will release the Rs 5000 yearly incentive due to them by December. “ In recognition of their services, we are also preparing a plan to set up a contributory fund for securing their future,” he added.

Health Minister Surinder Singh Negi said that despite facing acute shortage of manpower, the government was committed to overcome the problems by introducing other schemes. “Our focus is on improving facilities in the state. In some areas we have succeeded, in other areas efforts are on. We are committed to launching the free generic scheme for all, the APL-BPL insurance scheme and free diagnostic test facilities for grievously ill patients. Our plans were altered due to the change in government at the Centre but we are on the job,” he reiterated. 

Focus on field duties, CS tells bureaucrats
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, November 20
Chief Secretary N Ravi Shankar has asked bureaucrats to focus on field duties, teamwork and utilisation of modern technology for cutting down red tapism.

In his first media interaction after having held office for a month, N Ravi Shankar, who was part of the department on administrative reforms, said, “Officers need to be seen doing work on the ground. I will lead the way in going to the field after the upcoming Assembly session is over. Work has to be done in the field. I have specifically asked the District Magistrates not to come here but use technology to keep in touch with Dehradun. Our focus is on the hills and border areas. We want to bring in efficiency,” said Shankar.

N Ravi Shankar said departments such as PWD, Forest and Tourism have specifically been asked to increase coordination and speed up pending works.

Kaul appointed HNB Garhwal varsity VC
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, November 20
The Union Human Resource Development Ministry has appointed Vikram University Vice Chancellor Professor Jawahar Lal Kaul as the new Vice-Chancellor of Hemwati Nandan Bahuguna Gahrwal University, almost after eight months since the post is lying vacant.

Presently, working as the Vice-Chancellor of Vikram University in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, Professor Jawahar Lal Kaul has specialisation in international trade law and human rights.

He also went on to author a book titled ‘Human Rights and Good Governance’ and written many articles in his subject of specialisation.

Earlier, he also worked as professor in the law department in Delhi University and was the Dean of School of Law in the university as well.

He was also awarded fellowship by International Institute of Public Law and International Law, Greece, in 1990. He was awarded University Grants Commission-sponsored project ‘Globalisation’ in 2012.

It is to be noted that his name was shortlisted by a search committee, which was formed after the previous Vice Chancellor of Garhwal University retired in the month of March earlier this year.

Yoga, ayurveda India’s identity: Union minister
Tribune News Service

Haridwar, November 20
Union Minister for Ayush Shripad Nayak has termed yoga and ayurveda as a unique dual identity of India. Nayak visited Patanjali Yogpeeth in Haridwar here today. He said the Central government was commited to promoting yoga and ayurveda.

He lauded yoga guru Ramdev for reviving yoga and ayurveda with the help of Acharya Bala Krishan.

Nayak also attended the fourth Nishkam Sewa and Yoga Sadhna camp at Shraddhalayam at Patanajli Yogpeeth.

He held discussions on ayurveda concepts with Swami Ramdev and Acharya Balkrishan.

“Yoga, ayurveda along with spirituality and Vedas are distinctive identities of India. Even outside India, yoga and ayurveda have gained popularity,” said Nayak.

Appreciating the Central Government’s initiative, Ramdev said yoga and ayurveda would now be available as national medical therapy.

He said the world was looking for health, peace, happiness and harmony, which could be achieved by yoga and ayurveda.

“Work on the World Herbal Encyclopedia and World Herbal Garden is going on under the guidance of Acharya Bala Krishan, which will catapult yoga and ayurveda,” added Ramdev.

“Ayurveda is based on herbs which are grown by peasant community and tribal people. With the popularity of ayurveda and yoga the demand of herbs will increase, thereby benefiting peasant and backward community,” said Balkrishan, Vice-Chancellor, Patanjali Ayurvedic University. 

Better facilities in govt schools on the cards
BD Kasniyal

Pithoragarh November 20
In a bid to bring facilities and academics in government schools on a par with private schools, the Education Department has decided to provide sanitary, library, sports and essential extracurricular facilities under the Swacch Bharat Swacch Vidhayal campaign, which began on Children’s Day this year.

“We have also decided to give particular colours to primary and secondary schools for sanitary and identity purposes. While primary schools will bear green strips, secondary schools will have red strips on the white buildings,” said Radhika Jha, Director General, School Education.

She added all schools had been directed to paint their school buildings by the year end and funds for the purpose would be provided out of the subsidy given to them every year. “We have also decided to repair 724 toilets in all schools of the state, besides providing drinking water at 809 schools that lack the facility at present,” said Radhika.

Besides, every school had been directed to compulsorily purchase newspapers and magazines every month for students to help them update their knowledge about current affairs, she added.

Make Garsain permanent capital: Ex-MP
BD Kasniyal

Pithoragarh, November 20
Former MP from Almora Pradeep Tamta has said the Uttarakhand government should declare Gairsain as the permanent capital of the state as the building of the Secretariat and the Assembly there is nearing completion. “The state government should declare Gairsain as the permanent capital of the state to allay confusion among people,” he said.

Tamta, who spoke to this correspondent from Gairsain where he had gone to inspect an under-construction building, said Uttarakhand should follow other Himalayan states like Jammu and Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh in establishing its capital in hills. “The capital of Uttarakhand should not only reflect the feeling of the statehood agitators but it should also be between the Kumaon and Garhwal regions and reflect the true hill character of the state,” said Tamta.

He added those who were demanding the summer capital status for Gairsain should remember that instead of a summer capital a hill state should have a winter capital like JandK. “Gairsain should be the only capital of Uttarakhand as the state government has not yet started construction of infrastructure for the proposed Assembly building at Raiwala in Dehradun,” said Tamta. 

Anti-quarrying operation at Bairagi camp
Tribune News Service

Haridwar, November 20
The district administration carried out a major anti-quarrying operation on the kumbh mela land at Bairagi camp, adjacent to the Ganga, here today.

As many as 17 trucks, five trolleys and two heavy machines involved in illegal quarrying were seized from the spot by an administrative team led by circle officer Chandra Mohan Singh.

The step came in the wake of Matra Sadan ashram founder Swami Shivanand sitting on indefinite agitation at the very site of Bairagi camp, where mass illegal quarrying was being done for the past few weeks.

Swami Shivanand sat on indefinite agitation here this morning, in a surprise move that caught both the district administration and quarrying mafia by surprise.

As soon as the news about Swami Shivanand opting for agitation spread, administrative, police, intelligence officials as well as pro-Ganga activists gathered at the Bairagi camp.

At the time of filing of this report in the evening, crackdown on illegal quarrying operators was on, while the local administration was apparently making efforts to pursue Swami Shivanand to give up his agitation.

As per Brahmachari Dayanand, protege of Swami Shivanand, Matra Sadan ashram has been undertaking for the past decade save Ganga movement and has been flag-bearer of an anti-quarrying movement on the Ganga river bed in Haridwar.

Swami Nigamanand of Matra Sadan ashram had given up his life for saving the Ganga from quarrying and pollution by sitting on a 108-day indefinite strike from February 19 to June 13 in 2011. He died in Jollygrant hospital. The death, Matra Sadan ashramites alleged, occurred due to poisoning by a hospital nurse and a staff member at the behest of some administrative officials.

Seminar to focus on traditional medicinal plants
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, November 20
A two-day national seminar-cum-workshop on the theme ‘Ethnopharmacology and Drug Discovery—-Perspectives and Challenges,’ will be organised at the division of pharmaceutical sciences, Shri Guru Ram Rai Institute of Technology and Sciences, from November 21.

Around 400 delegates are expected to participate in the event which is being jointly organised by Shri Guru Ram Rai Instiute of Technology and Science and Society for Ethnopharmacology, Kolkata, an affiliate of International Society for Ethnopharmacology, United Kingdom.

In a press note issued it was stated that the seminar would focus on the growing need of identifying “our rich medicinal flora, wealth of traditional and folklore plants”. The world over the need of evaluation of medicinal plants and their scientific valuation and standardisation is being stressed upon.

“The seminar-cum-workshop becomes all the more relevant for our Himalayan state of Uttarakhand which is a treasure trove of innumerable medicinal and folklore plants. The remote villages of Uttarakhand rely on their wealth of traditional and folklore plants which have been used for generations but no written texts are available .The science is thriving on word of mouth, transcending generations. The seminar envisages a brain storming session where eminent scientists, academicians, foresters, medical practitioners, biotechnologists, pharmacologists, NGOs would be presenting their perspectives and finding the path ahead,” stated the press note.

The first day would feature a workshop on ethnopharmacology where a field visit would be conducted under the able guidance of experts to get an idea about the rich medicinal flora around Dehradun. The participating delegates would get to see the medicinal plants in their natural habitat and would learn to identify them and their medicinal use. The second day of the event will be a science session.

Rajendra Dobhal (Director General, UCOST), Dr. P P Bhojvaid (Director, FRI), Dr A N Purohit, Dr S K Maulik (AIIMS, Delhi), Debprasad (ICMR, Kolkata), Dr A K Sharma (FRI,Dehradun),Prof MSM Rawat (former VC of HNB Garhwal University), Prof S K Majumdar (former Drug Controller, Uttarakhand). 

Revoke fees on application forms: Bhatt
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, November 20
Ajay Bhatt, Leader of Opposition in the Uttarakhand Assembly, has criticised the government for imposing fee on application forms required for taking the Uttarakhand Employees Subordinate Services exam.

In a press note, he said the government should revoke the decision. “In its manifesto, the party had promised jobs to the jobless, but now, it has imposed fee on application forms, which will pinch the unemployed youth,” he said.

Rashly-driven trucks claim three lives on Haridwar-Lakshar road
Tribune News Service

Haridwar November 20
Speeding trucks in the past two days have claimed lives of three persons in Haridwar district with two being on Haridwar-Lakshar road. Yesterday at 4 pm a speeding truck hit 55-year-old villager Data Ram, son of Bhagirath, near Shahpur Shri Chand Bhagwan Vidyalya, Sheetla Kheda.

Data Ram was riding on a bicycle going towards his agricultural field, when the truck hit him. He died on the spot.

Seeing this fatal accident in front of their eyes local people tried to catch the truck driver but he fled away leaving the truck behind. Angry villagers pelted stones at the truck and stopped the vehicular traffic on the road.

Till late evening villagers protested at the accident spot on the road and it was only after Pathri Station House Officer Pradeep Bisht’s assurance that local village representatives calmed the people.

These incidents have once again brought to the fore the dilapidated condition of Haridwar-Lakshar road, which needs to be four-laned. There is also need to instal traffic lights at major points.

Local people, traders, students and activists hailing from different political organisations have warned of staging an agitation if prompt action is not taken against such drivers.

Traders of Krishna Nagar colony market in Kankhal demanded one-way traffic system on Jagjeetpur-Kankhal-Krishna Nagar road, as on this stretch heavy commercial vehicles ply throughout the day.

Krishna Nagar residents pointed out that at this stretch on Tuesday Rupendra Pal, resident of Jagjeetpur village, was hit by a speeding truck, which led to his death. While three months ago, a youth was killed by a truck and a year ago a woman was killed on this very route. Apart from this dozens of passersby had got hurt by speeding vehicles, particularly trucks, in the recent past.

Krishna Nagar Vyapar Mandal president Surendra Sapra demanded one-way traffic system on this route during a meeting with Traffic Circle Officer Chandra Mohan Singh Negi.

CO Traffic assured of taking steps in this regard and said that diversion of commercial traffic is also being discussed as in recent years in Krishna Nagar and adjacent colonies on this Haridwar-Jagjeetpur-Lakshar belt have come up in large number.

Seminar on social change, education 
Tribune News Service

Mussoorie, November 20
Stress was laid on the need to take along the traditional knowledge along with modern education during a seminar titled “Social changes and education” held under the aegis of Jan Chetna Gramothan Sanghatan at Kandikhal village near Mussoorie today.

The speakers emphasised on the changing values in relation to the change in the education system during the seminar here. Several persons were felicitated for their contribution towards education on the occasion.

The former Kshetra panchayat from Jaunpur development region Kunwar Singh Chauhan addressing the gathering said that a lot of changes were being seen in society where the people were running towards western education and discarding the traditional knowledge and culture in the process. He said that the society should go ahead in incorporating the traditional knowledge with modern education.

He blamed the modern education for break-up in the joint family system and emergence of nuclear family system. Mahipal Singh Panwar, Siya Chauhan, Megh Singh Kandari and others were present on the occasion.

Fair of bamboo-based products from Nov 25
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, November 20
The Forest Research Institute (FRI) is organising a three-day National Bamboo Craft Fair by the mango grove beside the main building of the institute from November 25 to 27.

In this fair, craftsmen and bamboo-based industrialists from different parts of the country will take part.

The fair will provide a platform for bamboo-based industries, craftsmen and other stakeholders. Products displayed at the fair will also be available for sale. The fair will be open every day from 9.30 am to 6 pm. Bamboo is a multi-purpose species and is called a friend of poor people as it is directly related with their livelihood. It is said to fulfil the need of a person at every stage of his life.

Khanduri adopts Devli Bhani village
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, November 20
Coming to the aid of widows of Devli Bhani gram (Ukhimath) village that lost most of its men engaged as priests in Kedarnath temple during the 2013 natural disaster, BJP MP from Pauri Garhwal, BC Khanduri, today announced adopting the village under the Saansad Adarsh Gram Yojana.

Among the five MPs, Khanduri and Raj Laxmi Shah, MP from Tehri, had not declared the villages that they were likely to adopt under the scheme. At a press conference, BC Khanduri announced his decision to adopt the village and develop it as an ideal village.

“My focus would remain on providing employment to women who were widowed during the 2013 disaster. I have already spoken with an organisation being run by Mukta Dutta. The organisation is engaged in providing livelihood opportunities to women through carpet weaving,” he said.

Khanduri said the Defence Ministry had already given a go-ahead for opening a Sainik School in Rudraprayag. “During my talks with former Defence Minister Arun Jaitley, an in-principle agreement was given for the school. Now, modalities like selecting a suitable place for the school have to be finalised,” he emphasised.

On the issue of implementation of one-rank one-pension scheme, Khanduri, who is also the chairman of the Parliamentary Committee on Defence, said, “Due to certain issues that needed immediate redress, the matter is still under review. But very soon, it will be implemented. At this point in time, I cannot announce a date.”

He said there was no cause for worry if Uttarakhand MPs did not find a berth in the Modi Cabinet’s recent expansion. “All MPs from all the states cannot find a place. I would be worried if the interest of the state was not being looked after by the Centre. There is no cause for worry and we are being looked after well,” he added.

Hard work key to success in sports: Sushil Kumar 
Tribune News Service

Mussoorie, November 20
Sushil Kumar, commonwealth gold winner in wrestling, addressed the students of Oak Grove School in Mussoorie today. He said discipline and hard work were the only mantra for success in sports.

The students welcomed the ace wrestler with thunderous applause at the school auditorium. Sushil Kumar advised the students to respect their parents and teachers. He gave credit for his success to his coaches, parents and close friends.

He said his role model in sports were Satpal and Rajkumar, who also accompanied him.

He said the saddest moment of his life was when he came to know about his father suffering from cancer.

“I was interested in wrestling from my childhood as my father and grandfather were wrestlers. Wrestling is more about technique rather than strength,” he said.

He also commended the efforts of women wrestler and said the days were gone when women were not welcomed in wrestling.

“The success of Babita and other women wrestler is an example,” he added.

Sandeep Trivedi, Principal, Oak Grove School thanked the ace wrestler for taking out time to visit the school and motivating the students. He thanked CPO Northern Railway for arranging the visit of Sushil Kumar.

Bihar thrash MP in volleyball 
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, November 20
The third day in the ongoing the 60th National School Volleyball Tournament at Pavilion Ground remained action packed with nail biting matches being played in both girls and boys categories here today.

In the boys’ category, Bihar defeated Madhya Pradesh in straight sets 25-12 and 25-17. Manipur won its encounter against Punjab in a three set match by 25-21, 21-25 and 25-19 while Kerala managed to defeat Maharashtra by 25-19 and 25-17. Telangana registered a convincing win over Chandigarh by 25-21 and 25-16 whereas Chattisgarh defeated Pudducheri in a three set match by 23-25, 25-23 and 25-12. Tamil Nadu won both of its matches today after defeating CBSE and Himachal Pradesh in different matches. However, Gujarat witnessed defeat at the hands of Karnataka by 22-25, 25-21 and 25-20.

In the girls’ category, Manipur team defeated Madhya Pradesh in straight sets by 25-16 and 25-18. Tamil Nadu also won its match against Chattisgarh by 25-17 and 25-9. Delhi registered a straight sets win over Himachal Pradesh 25-17 and 25-21. Continuing its winning form, Rajasthan defeated Bihar by 25-16 and 25-12 whereas host Uttarakhand registered a win against CBSE team by 25-2 and 25-14. Gujarat girls’ also won its match against Vidhya Bharati by 25-18 and 25-23.