Paradise lost?

The picturesque, remote villages in this hilly state are no longer untouched by crime and violence. So much so that the government has dec...

The picturesque, remote villages in this hilly state are no longer untouched by crime and violence. So much so that the government has decided to equip its Revenue Department better to deal with the rising crime graph in these hamlets. Revenue Department officials like Patwaris, Kanoongos, Naib Tehsildars and Tehsildars have been policing over 60 per cent of the area in the state, as the crime rate was very low. Now, the Revenue Commissioner would be redesignated as the Director-General of Police (revenue) with a separate directorate. And the revenue personnel would be provided with the latest arms and ammunition.

Tiwari back, aspirants sulk
Chief Minister N.D. Tiwari’s return to Dehra Dun has poured water on the hopes of half-dozen aspirants for the top post. Even as the hill town was abuzz with speculation on Tiwari’s fate, the octogenarian returned from the national Capital and denied that he had ever offered to quit. Now, everyone in the Tiwari Cabinet has been left guessing about the CM’s intentions.

According to the ruling party sources, it has been Tiwari’s ambition to play a more active role in national politics. He had himself spelt out his desire to join the Union Government before the media. The CM, who was once in the race for prime ministership, is no longer welcome at the Centre. Tiwari, who celebrated his 80th birthday on October 18, finds himself at the crossroads now.

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The rumour mills have it that Tiwari had been offered governorship. But the hopes of his detractors dipped when the Centre declared the names of the governors for Andhra and Rajasthan. Now, they are pinning their hopes on the announcement for Maharashtra, where the Governor is due to retire on Nov 30.

Damp Diwali for officers
Diwali won’t be the same for state ministers and bureaucrats this time. An NGO has announced that it would keep a close watch on the ‘‘costly’’ gifts reaching the homes of ministers and officials. Already, a comprehensive survey on the government’s performance done by the same organization on the state’s fourth birthday has made ministers and officials uncomfortable. The Rural Litigation and Entitlement Kendra (RLEK) has started a public survey in all the districts of the state to rate the performance of ministers and bureaucrats. But the latest announcement has left the top officials worried. RLEK chairman Awadhash Kaushal said the officials are not entitled to receive gifts costing more than Rs 500 as per the Services Conduct Rules.

Sudden spurt in Garhwali films
There has been a sudden spurt in the making of Garhwali films and music videos this year. Almost every week, a new film is released in the local cinema house, but the response has been mixed. Mukesh Dhasmana, who was the first to star in a Garhwali film, says these films are being churned out in dozens for the sake of recognition as well as tax benefits. Dhasmana, who is now in Mumbai, complained that some of the videos were vulgar, as there was no censor check on such productions. The state is also attracting crews from Bollywood. Recently, Shaad Ali shot his film, Bunty and Babli, starring Abhishek Bachchan and Rani Mukherjee, at Mussoorie and Rishikesh.

Kalam visit brings cheer
President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam’s visit to Doon valley last month came as a boon for the residents. The PWD Department repaired the Mohini Road overnight, which 86-yr-old retired Army officer C.M. Kala for the past 25 years had been pleading with the authorities to rebuild. An overwhelmed Kala lay down on the road to feel the metalled surface. But not all roads received the same attention. The ruling Congress, as well as the Opposition BJP, are equally insensitive to the condition of roads, which have been washed away by rains. This includes the Balbir Road, leading to the BJP state headquarters. Both the MP and MLA from the area belong to the BJP but they have not made use of their development funds to repair this stretch.