UKPSC Monthly Current Affairs: January 2023 | Monthly Current Affairs UKPSC - UKPSC (Uttarakhand) PDF Download

Uttarakhand Street Children Policy

On January 1, 2023, Uttarakhand Women Empowerment and Child Development Secretary Hari Chandra Semwal announced the state government's plan to introduce a street children’s policy aimed at supporting children living on the streets. This policy draft has been created following the guidelines set by the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights.

Key Points

Policy Development

• The policy is being developed with input from various departments, including labour, police, food, health, education, and social welfare.
• It aims to gather support from society and involve Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives from different companies and institutions for the rehabilitation of street children.

National Guidelines

• The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights had previously urged all states to create policies for the rehabilitation of street children, prompting Uttarakhand to initiate this process.

Situation in Uttarakhand

• Street children are more prevalent in urban areas such as Dehradun, Haridwar, Roorkee, Haldwani, Nainital, and Kotdwar, while their numbers are negligible in mountainous regions.
• Children involved in child labour, begging, homelessness, and garbage collection have been categorized for targeted support.

Focus Areas

• The policy emphasizes the need for effective measures in areas such as education, skill development, food, health, rehabilitation, employment, and security to integrate street children into the mainstream society.

Stakeholder Consultation

• Suggestions are being sought from various stakeholders, including concerned departments, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and different sections of society.
• The policy will be finalized after considering the input from these stakeholders.

Two Bridges Connecting China Border in Uttarakhand Inaugurated

On January 3, 2023, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh virtually inaugurated two bridges in Uttarakhand on the national highway connecting the China border. These bridges were constructed by the Border Roads Organization (BRO) on the Tanakpur-Tawaghat-Lipulekh road.

Details of the Bridges

• Dhauliganga Bridge : Located on the Tanakpur-Tawaghat-Lipulekh road, this superstructure bridge spans 80 meters and is situated at the confluence of Dhauliganga and Kali Ganga rivers.
• Gumrodi Bridge : This bridge, measuring 35 meters in length, is located in Kimkhola near Jauljibi on the same national highway.

Significance of the Bridges

• The construction of these strong bridges will facilitate easier vehicle movement along the national highway, enhancing connectivity to the China border.
• The bridges were initially scheduled for inauguration on December 27 but were delayed for unspecified reasons.

Project Details

• The bridges were built by 1447 BCC/47 BRTF under Project Hirak, as part of the Border Roads Organization’s efforts to improve infrastructure in the region.

Chief Minister Launches NABARD Focus Report for Development Loans

On January 3, 2023, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami unveiled the Focus Report by the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD). The report outlines NABARD’s plan to provide a loan of Rs 30,301 crore for development projects in various sectors such as agriculture, infrastructure, and micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the state.

Key Highlights

• Loan Increase: The loan amount for the upcoming financial year represents a 6.22 percent increase from the previous year.
• Previous Year’s Achievements: In the last year, NABARD approved 4,515 projects worth Rs 10,000 crore for the state.
• Chief Minister’s Directive: During the launch at NABARD’s State Credit Seminar 2023-24, Chief Minister Dhami urged banks to improve their performance in these schemes and ensure proper monitoring. This, he emphasized, would enhance the livelihoods of farmers, horticulturists, and small industry workers.
• Focus on Debt-Starved Districts: The Chief Minister highlighted the need for increased loan allocations in the districts of Rudraprayag, Bageshwar, and Tehri, which are currently facing debt challenges.

Under this, the first, second and third place teams were given an amount of one lakh, 50 thousand and 25 thousand rupees respectively.

It is known that Mangal Dal plays an important role in the development of the society. They take the schemes of the government door-to-door and inspire people to take advantage of them. Apart from this, these parties also encourage people for education and self-employment. Also, they play an excellent role in keeping our culture and traditions alive.

Border Tourism to Revitalize Border Villages in Uttarakhand

On January 5, 2023, Dr. S.S Negi, the Vice-Chairman of Uttarakhand’s Rural Development and Migration Prevention Commission, announced the government’s plan to launch a ‘Border Tourism’ scheme aimed at repopulating the state’s border villages. The details of this initiative have been submitted to the National Security Council Secretariat and await approval from the Central government. Once greenlit, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has tasked the Commission with developing a comprehensive blueprint for the scheme.

• To kickstart this initiative, the Uttarakhand government has identified four blocks for border tourism: Bhatwadi in Uttarkashi, Joshimath in Chamoli, and Munsiyari and Dharchula in Pithoragarh. A detailed report is currently being prepared to outline the necessary steps and strategies for promoting tourism in these regions.
• Currently, tourists require inner line permits issued by district magistrates to access border areas. The villages of Nelang and Jadung in the Ganga valley of Uttarkashi district, which have been deserted for 60 years and are part of the Gangotri National Park, require special permission from the Forest Department for entry. The government is exploring ways to simplify this permission process to encourage tourism further.
• Many border villages are covered in snow for six months of the year, and the government plans to develop homestays and promote local agricultural products to attract tourists. Additionally, new tourist destinations will be identified, and local residents will be encouraged to participate in all aspects of tourism development.
• Dr. S.S. Negi emphasized the importance of mobilizing resources to meet the needs of border residents before fully implementing the border tourism plan. The goal is to revive these villages while ensuring that the necessary infrastructure and resources are in place to support the local population. Border tourism is seen as a potential effective policy to achieve this balance.
• Uttarakhand shares a 345 km long border with China, and many villages in the region were evacuated during the 1962 Indo-China war. These villages, which serve as important watchpoints for national security, remain deserted to this day. Military experts highlight the need for settlements close to the border for security reasons, and border tourism is being explored as a viable option to promote tourism activities in these areas until permanent settlements can be established.

Champawat’s Banbasa Police Station Ranks Among Top Three in India

On January 5, 2023, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami announced on Twitter that the Union Home Ministry has recognized Banbasa police station in Champawat district, Uttarakhand, as one of the top three police stations in the country.

• This achievement is significant for Uttarakhand Police, as Banbasa was selected from approximately 16,000 police stations across India. Currently, there are 160 police stations operational in Uttarakhand.
• Banbasa police station earned this recognition due to its effective law and order management, rapid case disposal, computerization, and other criteria. Union Home Minister Amit Shah is set to award Station House Officer (SHO) Laxman Singh Jagwan at the DGP conference on January 20, where the specific ranking will be announced.
• Champawat District SP Devendra Pincha confirmed the award, noting that Banbasa police station had also ranked seventh in the country in 2022. The Union Home Ministry evaluates top police stations based on factors like crime control and citizen treatment.
• SP Devendra Pincha highlighted the legal movement between Banbasa and Nepal, with an average of over three thousand domestic and foreign people crossing daily. Banbasa police station and the nearby Banbasa Sharda Barrage police outpost, established three decades ago, have been instrumental in combating human trafficking and drug trafficking across the Banbasa border.

Renowned Uttarakhand Writer Dr. Arun Kuksal to Receive Rahul Sankrityayan Tourism Award

Dr. Arun Kuksal, a well-known writer from Uttarakhand, has been chosen to receive the prestigious Rahul Sankrityayan Tourism Award, 2020-21, by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India. This recognition is for his acclaimed book ‘Chale Saath Pahar.’

Born on October 8, 1959, in Chami village, Pauri Garhwal, Dr. Kuksal currently resides in Shrikot-Srinagar and works as an Ombudsman in the MNREGA Department of Pauri. He has authored seven books and regularly writes on social, economic, educational, cultural, and literary issues concerning Himalayan society.

Dr. Kuksal has previously received the National Entrepreneur Induction Trainer Award for his significant contributions to entrepreneurship education. Presently, he is involved in library operations, computer training, and career guidance for children, youth, and women in his native village, Chami, while also serving as Lokpal (MNREGA) in Pauri (Garhwal).

Women’s Horizontal Reservation Bill Approved in Uttarakhand

On January 10, 2023, the Governor of Uttarakhand, Lieutenant General Gurmit Singh (Retd.), approved the Uttarakhand Public Service (Horizontal Reservation for Women) Bill, 2022. This bill grants women in Uttarakhand the legal right to a 30 percent horizontal reservation in government jobs. The reservation benefit will be available to all women with a domicile in Uttarakhand, regardless of their current residence.

The bill was passed unanimously by the state government on November 30, 2022, during the winter session of the Assembly, where 14 bills were approved. However, the Women’s Horizontal Reservation Bill was initially held for consideration by the Raj Bhavan, which consulted legal experts before granting approval.

The approval of the bill comes after a legal challenge where the High Court had stayed the state public service commission’s orders granting the 30 percent horizontal reservation to women candidates of Uttarakhand origin. The state government appealed this decision in the Supreme Court, which stayed the High Court’s ruling, allowing the reservation to remain in effect. The Supreme Court is scheduled to hear the matter on February 7, 2023.

Timeline of Women’s Horizontal Reservation in Uttarakhand

• The Interim Government of Uttarakhand issued a government order for 20 percent horizontal reservation for women in government jobs on July 18.
• The reservation was increased to 30 percent by the Tiwari government on July 24.
• August 26: The Uttarakhand High Court stayed the government order of reservation during the hearing of a petition. 
• November 4: The Supreme Court stayed the High Court order during the hearing on the government’s Special Leave Petition (SLP). November 29: The government introduced the bill in the House of the Assembly. 
• November 30: The bill was unanimously passed by the government and sent to the Raj Bhavan. 
• December 26: The Governor gave assent to the Bill.
• January 12: The Legislative and Parliamentary Affairs Department of Uttarakhand issued a notification of the Uttarakhand Public Service (Horizontal Reservation for Women) Act 2022, approving 30 percent horizontal reservation for women in government jobs.

Horizontal Reservation for Women in Uttarakhand

• On January 12, 2023, the Uttarakhand government announced the implementation of the Uttarakhand Public Service (Horizontal Reservation for Women) Act 2022. This law grants a 30 percent horizontal reservation in government jobs for women in the state.
• The act was approved by the Governor of Uttarakhand, Lt. J. Gurmeet Singh (Sen.), on January 10, 2023, after which it came into effect.
• The notification outlines the responsibilities and powers related to the Act, including the authority to issue certificates, make rules, and address any difficulties in implementation.

Rationale for the Act

• The notification highlights the diverse geographical conditions of Uttarakhand, where residents in remote areas face significant hardships. Women in these regions, in particular, experience challenging living conditions, resulting in a lower standard of living compared to women in other states.
• The Act aims to address the social, economic, and political disparities faced by women in Uttarakhand, as well as the low representation of women in government services. By providing a 30 percent horizontal reservation, the government seeks to promote social justice, equality, and gender parity in public employment.

Expansion of Heli Services in Uttarakhand

The Uttarakhand government is set to expand its Heli Services to three new destinations: Dehradun to Nainital, Dehradun to Joshimath, and Haldwani to Munsiyari. This initiative aims to enhance aerial connectivity for tourism and pilgrimage in the region.

Details of the Expansion

• Dehradun to Nainital and Joshimath : These services will operate from Dehradun, making it easier for tourists and pilgrims to access these popular destinations.
• Haldwani to Munsiyari : This route is being identified as suitable for Heli Service, further improving connectivity in the state.

Role of UDAN Scheme

• The expansion is supported by the central government’s UDAN scheme, which has facilitated Heli Services from Dehradun to various destinations, including Chinyalisour, Gauchar, Tehri, Srinagar, Almora, and from Haldwani to Pithoragarh.
• Existing Services : Heli Services are currently operational from Dehradun to Kedarnath and from various locations in Chamoli district to Kedarnath and Hemkund Sahib.

The Uttarakhand government is committed to expanding Heli Services to promote tourism and pilgrimage, making it easier for visitors to explore the scenic valleys of Devbhoomi. New helipads are also being constructed to support this initiative.

'Gullak' Initiative for Rural Entrepreneurs

• Inauguration of 'Gullak' : Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami launched the Uttarakhand Entrepreneurship Summit-2023 called 'Gullak' in Dehradun. This initiative aims to provide rural entrepreneurs with information about various government schemes to support their businesses.
• Unique Interaction Platform : 'Gullak' is the first program of its kind in India, allowing direct interaction between investors and rural entrepreneurs. This platform facilitates investment opportunities in rural enterprises.
• Rural Business Incubators : Last year, the state government established Rural Business Incubators in Almora and Pauri districts to support rural entrepreneurs. Due to the positive outcomes, the government plans to set up these incubators in 11 more districts under the Hub and Spoke model.
• Focus on Rural Youth : The initiative aims to connect rural youth with self-employment opportunities, encouraging them to become job creators rather than job seekers. Emphasis will be placed on improving the marketing of products made by rural entrepreneurs.
• Migration Issue : The state government is actively working to address rural migration by providing self-employment opportunities in remote areas through various funded schemes.
• Empowerment of Women : Recognizing the high participation of women in rural businesses, the government is focusing on women’s empowerment in self-employment. Plans are in place to transform 1.25 lakh women into 'Lakhpati Didis' and connect them with entrepreneurship initiatives.

Mission Antyodaya Survey through Mobile App

• Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami announced the implementation of the 'Mission Antyodaya Survey' using a mobile app for the next month, following the directives of the Government of India.
• The survey will be conducted by women from the community cadre and will focus on various aspects such as economic development, village infrastructure, services, and social justice.

Introduction of 'Queue Management System' for Char Dham Yatra

On January 14, 2023, Uttarakhand Tourism Secretary Sachin Kurve announced the preparation of a 'queue management system' for the first time to facilitate devotees visiting the Char Dham sites.

• This system aims to eliminate the need for devotees to stand in long queues for hours.
• Devotees will be required to register for darshan in Char Dham's, and upon arrival, they will receive a token number indicating their scheduled darshan time.
• This initiative is being implemented in response to the large crowds observed in Badrinath and Kedarnath Dham last year.
• Registration for the Char Dham Yatra will begin two months in advance, along with the announcement of the opening dates for Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri Dham.
• The aim is to prevent overcrowding in the Char Dham sites by managing the registration process effectively.

Survey on Carrying Capacity of Hill Towns in Uttarakhand

On January 14, 2023, the Uttarakhand Cabinet decided to conduct a scientific and technical survey on the carrying capacity of all hill towns in the state, learning from the Joshimath disaster.

• The increasing population and haphazard construction are putting pressure on mountain cities beyond their capacity, and the over-construction of Joshimath's load-bearing capacity is being linked to the landslide.
• The Disaster Management Department has been tasked with conducting the survey, with the cooperation of other departments such as Urban Development and Panchayati Raj.
• Technical agencies will be chosen to carry out the survey.
• Major hill towns like Mussoorie, Nainital, Karnaprayag, and Rudraprayag are under increasing pressure, and the government may conduct surveys in these cities in the first phase.
• Construction will be prohibited in cities where the load carrying capacity is found to be high, as a precautionary measure following the Joshimath incident.

Introduction of Bharat Series Number for Vehicle Registration in Uttarakhand

Bharat Series Number for Vehicle Registration

• The Uttarakhand Transport Department is set to introduce the Bharat Series Number for vehicle registration. This initiative aims to assist government and private sector employees who frequently transfer between states.
• Transport Secretary Arvind Singh Hyanki announced this development, indicating that a proposal for the Bharat Series Number is being prepared for Cabinet approval.

Background of the Bharat Series Number

• The Bharat Series Number scheme was launched by the Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways in August 2021.
• This scheme allows employees to register their vehicles under the Bharat Series Number, eliminating the need for re-registration when transferring to another state.

Reasons for Implementation in Uttarakhand

• The implementation of the Bharat Series Number in Uttarakhand had been under consideration for some time due to the higher tax rates for vehicle registration in the state.
• Transport Secretary Arvind Singh Hyanki emphasized that this system would alleviate the burden on employees who are transferred between states.

Eligibility for Bharat Series Number

• Personnel working in the Army and paramilitary forces are eligible for the Bharat Series Number plate.
• Central and state government employees who are transferred to other states can also apply for this series.
• Private companies that transfer employees between states can also apply for the Bharat Series Number.

National Startup Award for Uttarakhand Startups

Recognition of Uttarakhand Startups

• Two startups from Uttarakhand, Digantara Aerospace and Indigenous Energy, were honored with the National Startup Award by Union Minister Piyush Goyal on National Startup Day in Delhi.
• The award recognizes their exceptional contributions and innovative work in their respective fields.

Digantara Aerospace

• Founders: Rahul Rawat and Anirudh Sharma established Digantara Aerospace in 2018 with the goal of monitoring space weather.
• Collaboration with ISRO: In June 2022, Digantara Aerospace launched a satellite in partnership with ISRO to monitor changes in radiation in space.
• Purpose of the Satellite: The satellite provides information about space weather changes, similar to how weather changes are reported on Earth.
• Importance of Space Weather Monitoring: Digantara Aerospace aims to report and monitor changes in space weather caused by radiation, helping to enhance our understanding of space conditions.

Indigenous Energy

• Focus on Electric Batteries: Indigenous Energy is developing technology to improve electric battery storage, addressing the growing demand for electric vehicles.
• Future of Electric Vehicles: With the increasing prevalence of electric vehicles, Indigenous Energy's advancements in battery storage technology are expected to play a crucial role in supporting this transition.

Four Places Identified for Settling Joshimath Disaster Victims

On January 17, 2023, Uttarakhand Disaster Management Department Secretary Dr. Ranjit Sinha announced the selection of land at four locations to rehabilitate the people affected by the Joshimath disaster.

Selected Locations

• Koti Farm: Situated about 12 km from Joshimath, with available revenue land.
• Dhak Village: Located on Malari Road, approximately 12 km from Joshimath, with available revenue land.
• Pipalkoti: Government land available, about 36 km from Joshimath.
• HRDI Land: Herbal Research Institute land, located about 9 km from Joshimath.

Demonstration Buildings

To reassure the residents of Joshimath about the quality of housing, three demonstration buildings will be constructed at Koti Farm. These will include pre-fabricated model buildings with one, two, and three BHK configurations.

Decision-Making and Construction

• The allocation of rooms to individuals will be determined later, based on inspections of their current buildings.
• The Central Building Research Institute (CBRI) in Roorkee has been tasked with creating a model building by January 21, 2023.

Construction Details

• The CBRI has set a construction rate of Rs 400 per square foot, with an expected building lifespan of 25 to 30 years.
• Initial construction will begin at the selected sites, with the possibility of expanding to other locations if necessary.

Plan to Set up Electric Vehicle Charging Station on Chardham Yatra Route

Announcement of Electric Vehicle Charging Stations

• On January 17, 2023, Uttarakhand Transport Secretary Arvind Singh Hyanki announced the plan to set up electric vehicle (EV) charging stations along the Gangotri and Yamunotri highways before the upcoming Chardham Yatra.
• The survey work for this initiative has already been completed.

Coverage and Number of Stations

• The plan aims to cover 30 km per station, with over 100 stations to be established at intervals of 100 km.
• In Uttarkashi district, which includes the two dhams of Gangotri and Yamunotri, around 34 charging stations have been identified.

Identified Locations in Uttarkashi

• Charging stations are planned in various locations, including:
• Chinyalisaur
• Dharasu
• Brahmakhal
• Barkot
• Yamunotri
• Syana Chatti
• Janki Chatti
• Dhoontari
• Uttarkashi city

Charging Station Specifications

• Each charging station on the yatra route will be capable of charging three electric vehicles simultaneously, with two fast chargers and one slow charger.
• The government will set the rates for charging to ensure minimum costs for users.

Environmental Benefits and Future Plans

• The establishment of these electric charging stations is expected to benefit e-vehicle owners and drivers while contributing to environmental safety.
• Despite potential disruptions in the Joshimath area due to disasters, efforts will be made to set up charging points in other locations as planned.

96 Policemen to be Honored for Outstanding Service in Uttarakhand

On January 19, 2023, it was reported that Uttarakhand Governor Gurmeet Singh will award Outstanding Service Medals and Meritorious Service Awards to 96 police officers and staff on Republic Day for their exceptional work in the state. The police headquarters has published a list of the recipients.

Notable Awardees

• Outstanding Service Medal: Deputy Superintendent of Police Dinesh Chandra Badola and Inspector Puran Singh Rawat.
• Excellent Service Honor Mark: Deputy Superintendent of Police Vipin Chandra Pant, Inspector SDRF Harshvardhan, Inspector SDRF Harak Singh, SI Telecommunication Khayali Dutt Joshi, Gajpal Singh Rawat, Additional Sub-Inspector Mangal Singh, Yogendra Singh, Dinesh Chandra, and Constable Jagdish Chandra Pant.
• Outstanding Service Award: Inspector Police Telecommunication Pramod Petwal and SI Vimleshwar Prasad Raturi.

Additional Honors

• Meritorious Service Honor Mark: 14 police officers and employees for meritorious service, and 70 police personnel for distinguished work.

Maternity and Child Care Leave of Women Workers of Uttarakhand will be Calculated in MACPS

• On January 18, 2023, Uttarakhand Finance Secretary Dilip Jawalkar announced that maternity leave and child care leave for women workers in the state government would now be counted towards the Modified Assured Career Progression Scheme (MACPS).
• Additional Chief Secretary (Chief Minister) Radha Raturi had requested this change, highlighting cases where women workers in various departments were not receiving the benefits of the Assured Career Progression (ACP) Scheme due to the exclusion of their leave periods.
• Radha Raturi explained that the MACP eligibility requires a minimum standard of annual confidential entries over five years, and the exclusion of certain leave periods and external service times was hindering this. She noted that even a shortfall in annual confidential entries for less than three months in a year was affecting MACP calculations.
• The government order now stipulates that for MACP grants, the annual entries from the five years prior to the MACP date will be considered, even if an annual confidential entry is missing due to a tenure of less than three months. If the good ACR standard is not met during this period, the MACP date will be further extended.

Uttarakhand Drinking Water Corporation is Preparing Water Grid

On January 19, 2023, Uttarakhand Drinking Water Secretary Nitesh Jha announced that the Uttarakhand Drinking Water Corporation is set to create a water grid similar to the power grid. This initiative aims to ensure a smooth and continuous supply of water 24 hours a day in the cities of the state.

Purpose of the Water Grid

• The water grid will connect all drinking water lines, addressing current issues where certain areas face water shortages due to problems like blown tube well motors.
• In many places, water scarcity becomes a problem during heatwaves and even in winter, making this grid essential.

Proposal and Funding

• The Drinking Water Corporation is preparing a proposal for the water grid to be presented at an Asian Development Bank (ADB) meeting in February.
• The goal is to secure funding from ADB for this crucial project.

How the Water Grid Will Function

• The water grid will operate similarly to the power grid. Just as electricity can be rerouted from one area to another during shortages, the water grid will do the same for water supply.
• If a locality faces a water shortage, the grid will provide water from other connected sources immediately.

Examples from Other Regions

• A similar water grid is being established in the Marathwada region of Maharashtra to provide drinking, industrial, and agricultural water year-round.
• This region faces annual water shortages due to low rainfall. Gujarat has also implemented water grids to improve water supply.

Conclusion

• The initiative to create a water grid in Uttarakhand aims to provide a reliable and uninterrupted water supply, ensuring that all areas have access to water 24/7.

5,500 Government Vehicles to Be Scrapped from April 1

On January 21, 2023, Uttarakhand Joint Transport Commissioner Sanat Kumar Singh announced that 5,500 vehicles belonging to various government departments, corporations, and institutions in the state will be scrapped starting April 1, 2023. The registration certificates (RC) of these vehicles will not be renewed.

Central Government Notification

• The central government issued a notification for the Central Motor Vehicles (First Amendment) Rules 2023, set to take effect from April 1, 2023.
• This notification is part of the scrap policy aimed at phasing out old government vehicles.

Financial Implications

• The government is expected to spend between 300 to 550 crores to purchase or rent new vehicles to replace those being scrapped.
• Joint Transport Commissioner Sanat Kumar Singh noted that auctioning the 5,500 vehicles instead of scrapping them could result in a smaller loss of about 11 crores.
• Uttarakhand will require approximately 550 crores to buy new vehicles at an average cost of 10 lakhs per vehicle.

Future Policy Changes

• Starting April 1, 2023, no government vehicle older than 15 years will have its registration renewed in Uttarakhand.
• Instead, these vehicles will be sent for scrap, with three scrap centers being established in each district to facilitate this process.

Mandatory Fitness Tests

• Under the new scrap policy, all types of heavy commercial vehicles will be required to undergo a mandatory fitness test starting April 1, 2023.
• For private vehicles, this fitness test requirement will be applicable from June 2024.

Chholiya Dance of Uttarakhand to Feature in Republic Day Parade

On January 23, 2023, K.K. Chouhan, the Joint Director and Nodal Officer of the Information Department of Uttarakhand, announced that the traditional Chholiya dance from Kumaon will be showcased in this year's Republic Day parade, along with the state's tableau. The tableau this year is themed around Manaskhand, a region in Kumaon.

Details of the Tableau

• The tableau will feature various elements, including deer, Barasingha, Ghural, and Peacock roaming in Corbett National Park, as well as images of the famous Jageshwar temple group and deodar trees in the background.
• The folk art 'Aipan' will also be included in the tableau model.

Promotion of Manaskhand Mandir Mala Mission

• The tableau aims to promote the Manaskhand Mandir Mala Mission scheme, which focuses on the mythological temples of Kumaon, similar to the Kedarnath and Badrinath missions in other parts of the state.
• This initiative is being implemented on the instructions of the Chief Minister of Uttarakhand.

Purpose of Participation

• By participating in the Republic Day parade, Uttarakhand aims to introduce both domestic and international audiences to its rich folk culture and the significance of Manaskhand.
• The state’s tableau is being produced by Smart Graph Art Advertising Pvt Ltd.

President’s Medal to Officers and Personnel of Home Guard and Fire Services in Uttarakhand

According to information received from the media on January 26, 2023, home guards and fire officers and employees in Uttarakhand were awarded the President’s Medal.

• Home Guard officers have been awarded President’s Distinguished Service Home Guard Medal and Meritorious Service Home Guard Medal, while fire officers have been awarded Fire Service Medal.

These officers received medals 

President’s Distinguished Service Home Guard Medal -

• Amitabh Srivastava (Deputy Commandant General, Home Guard and Civil Defence),
• Rajiv Baloni (Deputy Commandant General, Home Guard and Civil Defence).

President’s Meritorious Service Home Guard Medal -

• Govind Singh Khati (Senior Administrative Officer Home Guard District (Almora),
• Rajpal Rana Unpaid Platoon Commander, (Chamoli).

President’s Fire Service Medal for Distinguished Service -

• Devendra Singh, Second Fire Officer (Rudraprayag),
• Pratap Singh Rana, Second Fire Officer (Haridwar).

Fire Service Medal for Long and Meritorious Service -

• Shyam Singh, Leading Fireman, (Champawat),
• Dinesh Chandra Pathak, Leading Fireman (Bageshwar),
• Laxman Singh Negi, Leading Fireman (Udhamsingh Nagar).

While ADG law and order V. Murugesan has been awarded the President’s Police Medal for distinguished services. Apart from these, the recipients of Police Medal for Meritorious Service include ASP Chief Minister Security Rakesh Chandra Deoli, DSP Pauri Garhwal Shyam Dutt Nautiyal, DSP Haridwar Pankaj Gairola, Head Constable PAC Rudrapur Amir Chandra and Inspector Police Headquarters Girwar Singh Rawat.

Ordinance Passed for 4% Job Reservation for Uttarakhand Sportspersons

On January 27, 2023, Uttarakhand's Sports Minister Rekha Arya announced that the state government is introducing an ordinance to provide a four percent horizontal reservation in government jobs for sportspersons from the state. The Department of Justice has given its approval for this ordinance.

• Previously, there was a government order for this reservation, but it was revoked by the High Court in 2013. Now, with the consent from the Department of Justice and Personnel, the state aims to implement this reservation through an ordinance or legislative assembly.
• This move is expected to improve the sports environment in Uttarakhand and secure the future of its athletes. Additionally, the state government plans to offer direct jobs to international medal winners at a grade pay of 5400, following the example set by Haryana. 
• Uttarakhand will become the second state in India to provide such direct job opportunities to medal-winning athletes, promoting sports and encouraging sportspersons in the region.

Major Prashant Bhatt of Uttarakhand to Receive Sena Medal

Major Prashant Bhatt, a young military officer from Kausani in Bageshwar district, Uttarakhand, has been selected to receive the Sena Medal as part of the gallantry awards announced by President Draupadi Murmu on January 25, 2023.

• Major Bhatt, who excelled in the National Defence Academy (NDA) after completing his education at Sainik School, was commissioned into the Indian Army's Para Special Forces in 2014. He has been recognized for his exceptional leadership and bravery during several cross-border operations. The Sena Medal is awarded for efficient leadership, dedication, and courage in resolving sensitive issues. Major Bhatt is currently undergoing junior command training in Mhow, Madhya Pradesh.
• In Uttarakhand, army medal winners receive a one-time payment of Rs 15 lakh and an annual stipend of Rs 50,000 from the state government, along with a similar amount from the central government.

Uttarakhand Government Plans to Build 50,000 Poly Houses in Two Years

On January 29, 2022, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami announced the government's plan to construct 50,000 poly houses for farmers in the state over the next two years.

During an inspection of vegetables grown in poly houses at his official residence, the Chief Minister expressed confidence that this initiative would significantly benefit Uttarakhand farmers.

What are Poly Houses?

• Poly houses, also known as greenhouses or shade net houses, are structures covered with special polyethylene sheets. These houses create controlled climatic conditions for growing crops, protecting them from the external environment.
• This modern farming method allows for the cultivation of various vegetables in different seasons by adjusting the internal environment to suit the specific crop requirements.
• Poly house farming is environmentally friendly, enabling high yields with better nutritional value while minimizing the use of harmful pesticides and chemicals.

Support from NABARD

• The Uttarakhand government plans to build these poly houses with assistance from the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD).
• This partnership aims to enhance agricultural practices in the state and provide substantial benefits to local farmers.

Implementation of Uniform Academic Calendar in State Universities

• Announcement: On January 30, 2023, Uttarakhand’s Education Minister, Dr. Dhan Singh Rawat, announced the implementation of a uniform academic calendar in all state universities to improve the educational environment.
• Objectives: The aim is to create uniformity in admissions, examinations, results, student union elections, and convocations through a common academic calendar.
• Draft Preparation: Vice-chancellors of all universities will collaborate to prepare a draft of the academic calendar within two weeks. This draft will be finalized in the next meeting and sent to the government for approval.
• Importance of Uniformity: The uniform academic calendar is expected to ensure timely admissions, examinations, and results, which have been delayed in the past.
• Class Attendance and Library Usage: All universities are required to conduct classes for a minimum of 180 days in their affiliated colleges, and students are encouraged to study in libraries.
• Attendance Requirement: A minimum attendance of 75% will be mandatory for students to appear in examinations.
• NAAC Assessment: Universities and colleges are encouraged to conduct NAAC assessments to enhance the quality and employability of higher education.
• Convocation Uniformity: The initiation oath and uniform costumes for convocations will be standardized across all universities.
• Admission Portal: From the new academic session, admissions in all universities and colleges will be conducted through the Samarth portal, with a focus on research and skill development courses.