Uttarakhand CM protests plan to scrap dam projects

NEW DELHI: Uttarakhand chief minister Ramesh Pokhriyal has protested to environment minister Jairam Ramesh over the Centre's decision not to proceed with two power projects of 861 mw, saying that the border state should be compensated with 1,000 mw of power from other sources.

The CM has said the environment ministry has taken a view on two power projects on the Bhagirathi that were to be developed by the state but withheld a decision on a third that was being developed by the Centre. "Our resources and planning have been affected in one stroke," said the CM.

On the environmental concerns over a sharp drop in water availability in Uttarakhand's rivers, the CM told TOI, "This varies seasonally. Sometimes the water flow is down to 25 cusecs, it can also be 250 cusecs in a river like Bhagirathi. Can the state not be allowed to harness water when it is excess?" He said the state had a right to develop its natural resources.

The CM is understood to have told Ramesh that the decisions had not kept in mind the power needs of Uttarakhand which has suffered shortages that need to be addressed while planning for the future. "Issues like water management of Ganga and its tributaries should be discussed by the national ganga river basin authority the prime minister has set up. After all, the intention was to work in a collaborative manner," Pokhriyal said.

On the agitation launched by sants opposing dams on Uttarakhand's rivers, the CM said he has appealed to them to consider judicious use of waters flowing through the hill state. With their "spiritual and religious" attachment to the rivers, the sants were agitated over waters of the Ganga being "dammed" up. "I am not insensitive to environment but development and conservation are not mutually exclusive," he said.

The chief minister has also recently taken up with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh the demand that a tax holiday available by way of excise exemptions to the state not be curtailed. While NDA government had set 2014 as the sunset year, the UPA had brought this forward to 2010. "I told the PM to direct the finance minister to allow the exemption to continue. I said the finance minister is often like a miserly father and the PM has been in that role. He can help us," the CM said.

Two Sikhs become ministers in Canada

Toronto: Two Sikhs were named to the new Canadian Cabinet announced on Wednesday.

In a major surprise for the million-strong Indo-Canadian community, first-time MP Bal Gosal from the Toronto constituency of Bramalea-Gore-Malton was made minister of state for sport by Prime Minister Stephen Harper whose Conservative Party was returned to power with a majority in the May 2 elections.

A Sikh from Mukundpur village near Jalandhar, 50-year-old Gosal, who is an insurance broker by profession, had defeated Sikh stalwart and six-time MP Gurbax Malhi. Malhi himself had created history in 1993 by becoming the first Sikh turbaned MP in the western world.

Tim Uppal, a 37-year-old Canadian-born turbaned Sikh from Edmonton, was also made minister of state for democratic reform. This is Uppal's second term in the Canadian parliament.

However, what shocked many in the Indo-Canadian community was the omission of senior-most MP Deepak Obhrai from the ministry. A six-time MP from Calgary, Obhrai was a parliamentary secretary in the outgoing ministry. Many community leaders, who had pushed his name for a Cabinet berth, were disappointed with his omission.

"I have nothing to say and will talk to you later,'' Obhrai told a news agency when asked about his exclusion from the cabinet.

"A Cabinet berth for Obhrai looks impossible now as all 39 ministerial berths are full. Hopefully, they will accommodate him in some diplomatic position,'' former Canada-India Business Council president Kam Rathee told the news agency.

"I think the PM has done a smart job by including two Indians in Cabinet for the first time - one MP from eastern Canada (Bal Gosal) and one from western Canada (Tim Uppal). But Obhrai deserved a berth for his work to promote Canada-Indian ties,'' said Gujarati business Hemant Shah.

Indeed, it is the first time that there will be two Indian faces in the Canadian Cabinet. Former health minister Ujjal Dosanjh of the Liberal Party was the last Indian face in the Canadian Cabinet from 2004 to 2006.

In the new cabinet, John Baird will be Canada's next foreign minister. Jason Kenney retains his immigration portfolio.

In the 308-member parliament, there are nine MPs of Indian origin.

IANS

Harish Rawat’s son elected youth Congress chief in Uttarakhand

Dehra Dun: Anand Singh Rawat, son of Union minister Harish Rawat, was on Tuesday elected as the new state youth Congress chief of Uttarakhand.

Rawat defeated his nearest rival Jyoti Rautela, a supporter of former Chief Minister N D Tiwari, by a margin of 441 votes, a Congress spokesman said. Rawat got 556 votes while his rival Rautela could manage only 115 votes.

Rautela was elected vice president as she came second. The third place went to Sangram Singh Paudir, who became general secretary by getting 91 votes.

Om Prakash Sati got 60 votes and became the general secretary. There are two general secretary posts.

The defeat of Rautela assumes significance as top state leaders like Harak Singh Rawat, Vijay Bahuguna, PCC chief Yashpal Arya, known acolytes of Tiwari, were supporting her against the Harish Rawat camp.

PTI

Nishank demands Rs 1000 cr green bonus for forest conservation

Dehra Dun: Uttarakhand Chief Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank on Wednesday demanded Rs 1,000 crore 'green bonus' every year from the Centre for conservation of forests in the hill state.

"According to studies, conducted by various agencies, forests in Uttarakhand provide ecological services worth Rs 35,000-Rs 40,000 crore to the country every year. So the demand of Rs 1,000 crore green bonus per annum is nominal in lieu of the services being provided by the state," he said.

The state needs the fund for conservation of forests and environment, Nishank told reporters here.

The Chief Minister claimed he had raised the issue last year with Union Environment Minister Jairam Ramesh to which the Congress leader agreed in principle.

However, till now no progress has been made in this connection, he alleged.

Nishank also criticised the Centre for not allotting funds to the state in the ratio of 90:10, which "it should get for being a special category state".

"The central funds under most of the schemes are being given in the ratio of 67:33 for the last few years," he said.

He also sought change in forest norms for the hill state, saying the current guidelines are affecting developmental works. Under the current norms, if forest land is taken for construction of road or any other project, the state has to give double the size of the plot to forest department.

"Uttarakhand has only 35 per cent land for non-forestry activities. These norms not only delays various developmental schemes but also escalates the cost of the projects manifold," the chief minister said.

He also reiterated his demand of revival of Concessional Industrial Package (CIP), which expired last year.

The package should be given till 2023 as after its expiry the pace of industrial growth in the state has been slowed down, Nishank said, adding that the average growth rate within the concessional period from 2003-04 to 09-10 was 18 per cent per annum which came down to 9.1 per cent during the post concession period.

On denial of more funds by the Centre for dealing with the situation created due to natural disasters last year, the CM said he has written to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh demanding more assistance as Rs 500 crore Central aid was not enough in view of the huge devastation caused by the natural calamities.

He also sought a separate Central fund for management of large number of pilgrims visiting various religious places in the state.

Nishank also demanded a separate Himalayan policy as well as a ministry for dealing with the issues of hill states.

PTI

Panchayats ban DJs, loudspeakers and liquor in marriages

Dehra Dun: A group of panchayats in Uttarakhand have banned the use of DJs, loudspeakers and liquor during marriages.

The panchayat representatives of eight villages of Bhatwari tehsil in Uttarkashi district decided to refrain from ostentation during marriages.

In a recent meeting the representatives of Bongadi, Kuroli, Kankrari, Thalan, Manpur, Dhanpur, Kishanpur and Sara villages banned the use of disc jockeys, loudspeakers and liquor and expressed concern that they are becoming the cause of fights in marriages.

Hari Singh Gosain, Kankrari village head, said over spending during marriages also put burden on the poor families and the panchayat's decision would give a relief to them.

It has also been decided that a fine will be imposed on families which does not comply with the panchayat decision, Gusain said, adding, the amount of fine will be decided later.

Bhatwari Sub Divisional Magistrate Dharm Sattu said the decision by the panchayats of the area is a welcome move as it will not only minimise ostentation but also increase harmony and brotherhood among villagers.

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U'khand govt increases renumeration of ad hoc teachers

Dehra Dun: Uttarakhand government has decided to increase by Rs 10,000 per month the renumeration of ad hoc teachers working in undergraduate and postgraduate colleges of the state.

The government has agreed to the long-standing demand of ad hoc teachers working in undergraduate and postgraduate colleges to increase their renumeration to Rs 25,000 per month from the existing Rs 15,000 per month with retrospective effect from April one this year, official sources said today.

An order to this effect would be issued shortly, they said.

PTI

How to Reach Jwala Ji

Temple of JAWALA JI devi is situated in district Kangra of Himachal Pradesh in India. Jawala Ji is easily accessible being located on a national Highway and is also accessible throughout the year as weather is pleasant. Hence, the Shrine is accessible to the people of all ages throughout the year.

By Air-

• The nearest airport at Gaggal in HP is 50 km from Jwalaji.
• Chandigarh Airport is about 200 Kms
• Airport at Shimla is about 160 Kms.
• The distance from Kullu airport in HP is about 250 Kms.
• National & International Airport is at the national capital Delhi is about 480 Kms.

By Train-

• The nearest narrowgauge railhead is Jawalaji road Ranital at a distance of 20 km from the shrine.
• The nearest broadgauge railhead is Pathankot at a distance of 120kms.
• Chandigarh Rly Station is at a Distance of 200 Kms.

By Road

Motorable roads connect this Shrine from Delhi, Chandigarh & Dharamshala. Taxis can be hired from these places.This all is hilly area with a beautiful scenic view all along the valley. Frequent state transport bus service is available from all important cities of Punjab, Haryana, New Delhi and J & K. The shrine is well connected by road. Frequent bus and taxi services are available. Deluxe coaches are also available at various places. The distances from the main stations are as following :-

1. Delhi 475 Km.

2. Chandigarh 200 Km.

3. Manali 200 Km.

4. Pathankot 120 Km.

5. Shimla 205 Km

6. Dharamshala 60 Km.

7. Hoshiarpur 85 Km.

8. Gaggal airport 50 Km.

9. Jammu 300 Km.

ONCE YOU REACH THE MAIN BUS STAND YOU HAVE TO WALK FOR 1/2 Km. TO REACH THE TEMPLE.

UJVNL chairman held on corruption charges, sent to judicial custody

Dehradun: Former Uttarakhand Jal Vidyut Nigam Limited (UJVNL) chairman Yogendra Prasad was on Tuesday sent to 14-day judicial custody by a court following his arrest by vigilance department on the charges of corruption.

Prasad was produced before district judge Raj Krishan, who sent him to 14-day judicial remand, a vigilance official said, adding that Prasad's bail plea was also rejected.

Prasad was called for questioning to vigilance office where he was arrested last evening.

The vigilance department was on the lookout for Prasad ever since the Uttarakhand High Court had vacated the stay on his arrest in March this year.

Prasad, a former NHPC chairman, was appointed as an advisor to the Uttarakhand government in 2006. Later, he took over as chairman of UJVNL -- a state government agency for power generation in 2007.

He was removed from the post last year as the government stated he had already attained 65 years, the age limit fixed for heading a corporation in the hill state.

Following the allegations of corruption against Prasad, the government had handed over the inquiry to vigilance which lodged several cases against him for misusing his position in releasing payments worth crores of rupees to various companies without proper verification.

Probes further revealed that he had awarded several consultancy works related to various power projects, worth Rs 204.67 lakh, to Kaviet International where he was working as an advisor.

It was also found that Kaviet office bearers Sandip Agrawal and Shridhar Dutt Tripathi were colleagues of Prasad during his tenure with NHPC, and they later floated the company after retirement.

PTI

Badrinath Temple reopens for pilgrims

Dehra Dun: A day after Kedarnath, the portals of famous Himalayan shrine of Badrinath were reopened on Monday for pilgrims after a gap of six months.

Amid blowing of conches and chanting of vedic hymns and shlokas, chief priest of Badrinath shrine Rawal Keshava Namboodiri opened the doors of the temple at 05:35 hrs Monday morning as the palanquin carrying the idol of Lord Vishnu was taken inside the sanctum sanctorum, said Anusuiya Prasad Bhatt, Chairman of Shri Badrinath Kedarnath Temple Committee.

During the opening ceremony of the temple, situated at a height of 3,133 meter in Chamoli district, Uttarakhand Disaster Management Minister Khajan Das and principal secretary, Religious Tourism Department Rakesh Sharma were also present along with hundreds of devotees outside the sanctum sanctorum braving chilly winds.

Chief Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank was also scheduled to attend the ceremony but he could not reach Badrinath due to some reason, said Bhatt.

The portals of another famous shrine of Kedarnath in Rudraprayag district were thrown open for pilgrims yesterday and Nishank was among the first ones who paid obeisance at the temple.

With the opening of portals of Badrinath today, all the four shrines collectively known as Chardham have been thrown open for pilgrims.

PTI

Kumar's promotion as Uttarakhand Chief Secy quashed by CAT

New Delhi/Dehra Dun: Promotion of Subhash Kumar as Uttarkhand Chief Secretary, along with two other top bureaucrats of state cadre, has been quashed by the Central Adminisrative Tribunal and the state government has been directed to make fresh selections within two months.

The principle bench of CAT at New Delhi quashed the promotions of top officials in the Chief Secretary scale on the ground that the state government promoted them in this rank against only one vacancy.

"The state cadre has to seek prior approval of the Central government on the number of available vacancies in each grade. The rule is absolutely unambiguous. The State Government cannot make any permanent addition to the cadre strength," the principle bench of CAT headed by Justice VK Bali held.

"On the basis of the above consideration, challenged orders for appointment and all the consequential promotions made by the state government are quashed and set aside, including that of the applicant," the bench said.

He directed the state government to make fresh selections within two months. The bench said till fresh appointments are made the present arrangement will continue.

The administrative tribunal was hearing a petition filed by Ajay Kumar Joshi, Director General, Uttarakhand Administrative Academy, Nainital.

Joshi contended that "in a fair selection, he (Joshi) would have been the only person to be promoted, because there was only one vacancy in the grade of Chief Secretary as on September 3, 2008. The state government had created two ex-cadre posts in violation of the rules.”

Uttarakhand has only two posts in the scale of Chief Secretary of which one only one was vacant at the relavent time. When the state government promoted the three officials -- Subhash Kumar, Joshi and S K Mattoo, all IAS of 1977 batch -- to the scale of Chief Secretary in May 2010, N S Napalchyal was already holding the post of Chief Secretary at the time of the promotions.

When Napalchyal retired in September last year, the government appointed Kumar as the new Chief Secretary of the state. While Joshi was made Director General of Administrative Training Institute at Nainital, S K Mattoo was appointed as Chief Resident Commissioner of the state.

Joshi challenged this decision and contended that "even if the consideration was for two vacancies, as approved by the Central government, Subhash Kumar, who was appointed Chief Secretary, would not have been selected and he (Joshi) and Sunil Kumar Muttoo (currently the Additional Chief Secretary & Social Welfare Commissioner, Uttarakhand) would have made it to the apex grade."

When contacted, Kumar said the judgement is being examined and it will be challenged in the High Court.

Kumar said recently an IPS of Uttarakhand had moved the CAT at New Delhi and he was told to file the writ before Allahabad bench of the tribunal on the ground that Uttarakhand does not come under its jurisdiction.

"Now the CAT at New Delhi has passed an order in the case. How a court can adopt different approach in similar cases. We will challenge this in High Court," Kumar said.

PTI

Uma Bharti on fast seeking review of hydro power projects

Haridwar: Former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Uma Bharti on Tuesday began a fast here demanding a review of all hydropower projects being developed on the Ganges river.

Bharti reached Chandi ghat area, performed a 'yajna' and began the fast inside a tent.

Later, talking to reporters, Bharti said all hydropower projects, small or big, being developed on the Ganges river in the Himalayan region should be reviewed and work on the projects stopped till a decision is taken on their fate.

She also demanded the setting up of a separate board on the Ganges river.

Bharti said she would continue her fast till Ganga Dussehra next month.

She claimed the existence of old temple of Dhari Devi is in danger due to the construction of Alaknanda power project at Srinagar as it would submerge the shrine.

She also opposed the idea of shifting of the temple to elsewhere stating that the temple has been a centre of faith for the people living in the area.

PTI

HPCA announces team for Uttaranchal gold cup

Dharamshala (May 10): Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association today announced its team for the 24th All India Uttaranchal Gold Cup Cricket Tournament to be held in Dehradoon.

The team is as follows: 1 Varun Sharma- Bilaspur 2 Abhimanyu Rana- Hamirpur 3 Saransh Thakur - Hamirpur 4 Hemant Dogra- Kangra 5 Mohinder Sharma- Kullu 6 Rishi Dhawan -Mandi 7 Pratap -Mandi 8 Shakun Saini -Mandi 9 Nikhil Gangta- Shimla 10 Sumit Verma- Shimla 11 Aatish Bhalaik -Shimla 12 Akshay Chauhan -Shimla 13 Rahul Chara- Sirmour 14 Gurvinder Singh -Sirmour 15 Manik Mohil -Sirmour Related Posts Himachal to sell 50 pc of temple gold reserves HimVani Shimla (Apr 7): In order to wider the scope of earlier bill and dispose off idle gold in the stock of temple trusts, Himachal Pradesh government today proposed amendment ... READ MORE BJP announces candidates for three tribal constituencies HimVaniShimla: The BJP has announced the three candidates for the tribal constituencies. Tejwant Singh Negi from Kinnaur; Ram Lal Marjanday from Lahaul Spiti; and Tulsi Ram from Bharmaur Pangi.All fought ... READ MORE HP announces new upgradation policy for schools HimVaniShimla: Himachal Pradesh Government today announced a policy for changing the norms and standards for upgrading government schools affiliated to HP Board of School Education. The upgradation of the schools ... READ MORE HPU announces SCA election date HimVaniShimla: Himachal Pradesh University Vice-chancellor Sunil Kumar Gupta today announced that the elections to the HPU Students' Central Association (SCA Campus) and College Students' Central Association (CSCA) would be held ... READ MORE HPTDC announces 20% to 30% discount in its hotels HimVaniShimla: With a view to attract more tourists to Himachal Pradesh and enable them to enjoy the winter weather, HP Tourism Development Corporation Ltd. (HPTDC) has announced 20% to 30% ... READ MORE Dhumal announces 10 pc dearness allowance HimVani Hamirpur (Jan 25): Himachal Pradesh employees and pensioners will get enhanced dearness allowance (DA) at the rate of 10 per cent from July 1, 2010. Stating this here on the ... READ MORE Himachal to sell 50 pc of temple gold reserves BJP announces candidates for three tribal constituencies HP announces new upgradation policy for schools HPU announces SCA election date HPTDC announces 20% to 30% discount in its hotels Dhumal announces 10 pc dearness allowance

Uttarakhand Police adopt new anthem

The Uttarakhand police force is all set for a makeover. It has decided to acquire new colours, new credo and a brand new anthem.

These men in uniform have penned the anthem by themselves, showing their poetic side to the world. The two-and-a-half minute song was released with much fanfare at a function in Dehradun to mark the Police Day.

The function consisted of a dog show and horse riding. But, the show stealer was the brand new police anthem.

And every policeman is very excited about the song.

”This song inspires our soldiers and instills in them vigour and energy,” says Jaiveer Singh, a soldier.

The soldiers feel proud when they sing this song. ”The song inspires as well as it unites the jawans,” says A K Arya, another soldier.

And the reason for all the celebrations is that the seven-year-old state has recently passed the Police Act, officially launching their law-enforcing agency.

”We have got a new Police Act on the 19th of March. After that, we thought we should have new colours and we have also given a new song to our jawans, which will inspire us to achiever greater glory,” said Subhash Joshi, DGP, Uttarakhand

This new song for the country’s youngest police force will perhaps inspire it to scale new frontiers of a truly people friendly police – one which stands for friendship, service and security.

News Source: http://www.ndtv.com

Uttarakhand gets first police training college

Uttarakhand chief minister Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank today inaugurated the hilly state’s first police training college at Narendranagar town in Tehri district.

Police personnel would get the best training from the college and serve the state in a better way, Nishank said. He also announced a grant of Rs7.2 crore for various works to be undertaken in the college.

For the last ten years, the personnel used to undergo training in other states like Punjab and Uttar Pradesh.

DGP Jyoti Swaroop Pande lauded Nishank’s role in the welfare of police personnel and thanked him for creating 4,000 new posts in the force.

In the first batch, a total of 120 police constables will start training from today and complete the course in nine months, Pande said.

“We have prepared a new curriculum which is tailor-made for the requirements of the state like heavy tourist inflow,” he said. The DGP hoped that these requirements would now be met with the functioning of the college.

Young Uttarakhand Cine Awards 2011 - YUCA

Young Uttarakhand Cine Awards 2011 - YUCA