 |
|
Below 20 pc results
Common man hit hard by veggie sellers’ strike
‘Need to provide better healthcare’
Gulmarg mesmerises Prez
HC provides solace to retired employee
|
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Project on Jatropha cultivation dying a slow death
Ecology Matters
Yatra arrangements reviewed
Hurriyat strike hits normal life
Controversy over yatra condemned
20-30 cancer deaths reported daily: Sinha
Police to strengthen disaster management
Indo-Pak talks just ‘eyewash’: Geelani
Killing of Gujjars condemned
16 officers promoted, transferred
Jammu denied fair share: BJP
ISI encouraging infiltration, say Panthers
|
|
Education dept to nail ‘inefficient’ teachers
Dinesh Manhotra Tribune News Service
Doda, May 24 The authorities in Doda district are compiling data to single out schools having zero per cent result. Two government schools in Udhampur district have registered zero per cent result in the matriculation examination. “We have been compiling data of the whole district. The real picture will emerge within a week's time as the education department officials are busy due to President Pratibha Patil’s visit”, A.K. Sen, chief education officer (CEO), Doda, said. “This time we will not spare teachers of those schools where the result is zero per cent”, the CEO said. He added that he would recommend the higher authorities to formulate a policy to terminate the services of such teachers. The CEO suggested that the government should formulate a policy to give premature retirement to such teachers. Apart from schools which registered zero per cent results, the authorities are contemplating to take action against teachers of those government schools having results below 20 per cent. Although Udhampur district has outshined all other districts of the Jammu province as far as top positions in the matriculation examinations is concerned, two government schools of the district have registered zero per cent result. Government High School, Kanhari Rang and Government High School, Latther, registered zero per cent result this year. These schools were upgraded recently but adequate staff was not appointed. Most of the government schools having results below 20 per cent had been upgraded during the past five years. It is for the first time that two schools of Udhampur district have registered zero per cent result. “We have decided to stop increment of the whole staff of these two schools”, Vijay Mohan Raina, CEO, Udhampur, said. He claimed that the overall result had witnessed 100 per cent increase. “Last year only 23 per cent of the students passed the examinations, but this year, 48 per cent have”, he added.
|
|
Common man hit hard by veggie sellers’ strike
Jammu, May 24 The fruit and vegetable sellers in Jammu had gone on an indefinite strike on the government’s decision of bringing the sale of fruits and vegetables in Jammu under the Essential Commodities Act. The ongoing negotiation between the association and the government seems to have yielded no results. The association has threatened to intensity its stir against what they termed as the monopoly of the government. Speaking to The Tribune, minister for consumer affairs and public distribution Taj-Mohi-ud-din said, “Our government would ensure that the common people are not made to suffer.” He said, “Some handful of sellers, who want to retain their monopoly in the market are protesting against the implementation of the Essential Commodities Act in the region, but I must tell you that we won’t be giving in to their demands as with the implementation of the Act, common people would be benefited.” In Kashmir region, the sale of fruits and vegetables had long been brought under the Essential Commodities Act, however in the Jammu region, it was not the case. The Prime Minister had called the Chief Minister to include the supply of fruits and vegetables into the Act. “The Prime Minister had himself said that fruits and vegetables were responsible for the inflation, so he had called the Chief Minister and asked him to include them into the Essential Commodities Act,” the minister said. “Despite tall assurances by the state government, the common man has been facing problems as fruits and vegetables have completely disappeared from the markets. The hawker, who dares to sell them are being threatened by the association. The end result is that the common man is left high and dry,” said Tirlok Singh, a resident of Gandhi Nagar in Jammu. However, the CAPD minister said the department would open government stalls for the sale of fruits and vegetables.
|
|
‘Need to provide better healthcare’
Srinagar, May 24 In her address at the second convocation of the Sher-e-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS) here last evening, Patil said this required building a strong health infrastructure along with dedicated doctors, trained nurses and technical manpower. Equally important was the need to have functional health centres, from the level of primary health centres in the rural areas up-to specialty hospitals. She said the SKIMS was one of the premier institutes of medical education in the country which also provided quality patient care. Conceived as a centre of excellence 25 years ago, it had emerged as a reputed hospital. As a referral centre for the whole of Jammu and Kashmir, this institution had become identified with providing service to the community at large, which had been increasing and strengthening its infrastructure. The bed strength has risen to 600 with another 100 beds expected to be commissioned soon. Around 2,000 patients are attended daily at the outpatient department and another 200 are looked after at the emergency department. Every month, more than one lakh investigations are carried out. Every year, doctors here perform about 15,000 major and minor surgeries. She said to meet the growing demand, the institute must seek to modernise, upgrade and expand its existing infrastructure for enhanced disease diagnosis and patient care. At the same time, it should be the endeavour to make affordable healthcare available to the people. Patil said the SKIMS with the help of the Indian Space Research Organisation is connected to all reputed hospitals in the country and locally to district hospitals, providing consultation and exchange of expertise. She said mother and childcare are key aspects of health care and every effort must be made to provide antenatal care to pregnant women and newborn care. The President asked the young doctors to keep in mind that theirs is a noble profession and this convocation though may be the end of formal education but not of education and research, as it has been said that learning is a lifelong activity. She advised them to pursue the acquisition of knowledge throughout life and serve humanity. |
|
|
Gulmarg mesmerises Prez
Srinagar, May 24 “Everything here is so beautiful. It soothes our mind. The snowcapped mountains and the river looks like a silver streak,” Patil observed after enjoying a ride on the Gondola cable car project. The President, who is on a five-day visit to the state, took a ride on the longest cable car project in Asia at 11,000 feet high from the sea level. “It is very enjoyable ride. One can oversee the scenic beauty all over the place,” the President wrote on the visitors’ book after the ride. Patil said the tourism and other sectors of the state need to be developed so that every person can get employment here. The beauty of Kashmir is not only famous in India but all over the world. There should be development of tourist places, education and other sectors so that everybody gets employment, she said. Patil said the Central and state governments were making all efforts to put Jammu and Kashmir on the fast track of development and progress. She had some special remarks about the people of Kashmir whom she described as industrious. “We are all proud of people of Kashmir. They are industrious. Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs and Christians live here in harmony. We have a lot to learn from them,” she added.
— PTI
|
|
HC provides solace to retired employee
Jammu, May 24 The petitioner was appointed as bearer-cum-chowkidar vide order no
DLA/904/L-91/66 dated May 13, 1966, in the department of libraries. He was superannuated on August 31, 2004, at the age of 58 years. Advocate S. K. Shukla, appearing for Netar Singh, argued that under Article 226 of the J&K Civil Services Regulations, 1956, an employee, who was appointed on inferior post prior to October 10, 1966, is entitled to be appointed on attaining the age of 60 years. The petitioner was holding the post of bearer-cum-chowkidar and the said post is mentioned as inferior post in Schedule-II of the J&K Civil Service Regulations, 1956, and, therefore, he was entitled to be superannuated on attaining the age of 60 years whereas the respondents retired him at the age of 58 years, which is illegal and contrary to the provisions of Article 226 aforementioned. In the counter-affidavit, the respondents admitted factual averments made in the writ petition but pleaded that the petitioner never discharged the duty of chowkidar during his entire service period and retired as a library bearer. The high court, after hearing the counsel for both parties, observed: "As per Schedule II of the J&K Civil Service Regulations, 1956, the post of laboratory bearer has been defined as inferior post whereas the post of chowkidar mentioned in the said schedule has also been defined as such. A perusal of the record shows that the petitioner was appointed as bearer-cum-chowkidar vide order dated May 13, 1966. The respondents stated that the petitioner did not perform the duties of a chowkidar and retired as a library bearer, therefore, he could not be treated as a person retired against the post of an inferior category. Such stand of the respondents cannot be accepted. |
||
|
Project on Jatropha cultivation dying a slow death
Kathua, May 24 In 2003, the Command Area Development (CAD) with the help of some NGOs planted five lakh Jatropha saplings on wasteland in Kathua and Samba districts. “In absence of any concrete policy and no back up from the state government, the project today stands nowhere,” said Des Raj, one of the farmers, who had been roped in by an NGO to take up Jatropha cultivation. A team of the National Oil Seeds and Vegetable Oil Board that visited Kathua in 2006 was disappointed by the performance, he added. Another farmer Natha Singh said, after the CAD encouraged us to take up Jatropha cultivation, we planted saplings and seeds but thereafter things didn’t proceed further. “Jatropha plants needs proper pruning and fertilisers. But because of lack of care, I doubt the five lakh saplings today have any potential of producing the bio-fuel,” he added. Sources in the CAD told The Tribune, in the first phase the National Oil Seeds and Vegetable Oil Board had sanctioned Rs 40 lakh for the purpose but the amount was never released. “We did all the spade work roping in farmers and NGOs to take up the cultivation but subsequently the Forest and the Rural Development Departments besides several other NGOs also came forward creating confusion,” they said. It may be mentioned here that the CAD had carried the first-ever survey in 2003 in dry land areas of Kathua and Samba to explore the possibilities of cultivating Jatropha so as to extract bio-diesel. Sources said lacklustre approach of the state government could be held responsible for the failure of Jatropha cultivation in the state, adding that the government simply had to identify wastelands besides roping in the NGOs. The Sher-e-Kashmir University for Agricultural Sciences and Technology
(SKUAST- Jammu) too had been sanctioned some funds to carry forward the research on its cultivation and subsequent extraction of Jatropha methyl ester, the bio-diesel that had to be used. The state government’s remained nonchalant and hence farmers could not prune and care their crops, admitted an official of the CAD. Being eco-friendly, having 100 per cent combustion, the Centre had also announced a support price of Rs 20 a litre for the bio-diesel but for the monotonous attitude of the state government, the Jatropha cultivation died a premature death in this state. When contacted, CAD Director Bashir Ahmed Dar admitted that land had not been provided to set up nurseries but hoped that before the onset of monsoon the government would do the needful. Though there was no separate scheme for its cultivation, work was being done and several NGOs still approach us, he claimed. |
||
|
PDP lashes out at Amarnath board
Ehsan Fazili Tribune News Service
Srinagar, May 24 A PDP spokesman here today sharply reacted to the reports that the SASB was responsible for erecting over 300 lavatories in Pahalgam and Baltal on way to the Amarnath cave. He said the SASB in contravention to the admonitions of environmentalists and the local administration was erecting structures on the way to the cave, which would certainly cause environmental degradation and pollution hazards, thereby endangering the very vitals of the natural resources. “The PDP has time and again made it clear that any action detrimental to the interests of the people of the state was condemnable and that the SASB should stop erecting structures in Pahalgam and Baltal and should not indulge in the affairs not falling under its jurisdiction,” the spokesman added. “The SASB has been giving impression as if it was running a parallel government in the state,” the spokesman said. The shrine board today appreciated the genuine concern for fragile ecology of Kashmir and said unfortunately some reports had the potential of creating confusion in the public mind though it might not be the intention of the media to do so. “We have been reiterating that all precautions are being taken to preserve the ecology of the area,” the spokesman said, adding that even minor details are taken care of while raising temporary facilities like toilets and hutments. He wished the environmentalists to see for themselves the measures being taken to maintain health and hygiene in the camping sites and enroute the cave shrine. “We are open to pragmatic suggestions for further improving the facilities but summarily describing the yatra as threat to Kashmir’s environment is not realistic,” the spokesman said.
|
||
|
Yatra arrangements reviewed
Pahalgam, May 24 This was informed at a meeting of officers of various departments and representatives of local traders, presided over by principal secretary to the Governor and chief executive officer of the Shri Amarnath Shrine Board (SASB), Arun Kumar yesterday. The meeting decided that the security check post at Serbal would be relocated near Nunwan and the usual tourist traffic would be diverted to Pahalgam via the circuit road. Under the new plan of action, a booth would be established near the checkpoint which would serve as an information counter to pilgrims. It was also informed that pilgrims would be free to decide whether they wished to stay in hotels in Pahalgam or in the Nunwan camp. This decision has come as a major relief to hoteliers and taxi operators in the town. The CEO said tourists visiting Pahalgam during the yatra would not face harassment and this would boost the occupancy of hotels. The meeting was attended by Muneer Khan, DIG, south Kashmir range and Jaipal Singh, DC, Anantnag.
— TNS
|
||
|
Hurriyat strike hits normal life
Srinagar, May 24 Shops and business establishments stayed shut and public transport remained off the roads. There was a thin attendance in the government offices. The educational institutions were also closed. In the major towns, the normal life was partially hit as business establishments remaining closed. There was thin traffic on the inter-district roads. Tight security arrangements were in place in view of the President’s stay in the valley. She would inaugurate the Centre for Kashmir Studies at the University of Kashmir on Monday and was also scheduled to visit Bhaderwah and Jammu before returning to the capital on Tuesday. The bandh call given by Syed Ali Shah Geelani, chairman of the hardline faction of APHC was to register a protest against the alleged human rights violations and excesses being committed by the security forces. There was no grudge against the President in her personal capacity, Geelani said. Reuters adds: The police fired teargas shells at stone-throwing protesters in Srinagar on Saturday. Streets in Srinagar were largely deserted except for patrols by a larger than usual number of policemen and soldiers. The strike was backed by a Pakistan-based alliance of Kashmiri militants called the United Jihad Council. While most people stayed indoors, around 150 protesters gathered in the streets, threw stones and shouted slogans before the police fired teargas shells.
|
|
Controversy over yatra condemned
Jammu, May 24 Addressing a press conference here, state president of the party Ashok Khajuria said even some political outfits had stated yatra-bashing even before it had started. “The sinister designs of these elements to create obstacles in the way of the yatra by harping on environment in the wake of huge influx of pilgrims, we condemn their evil designs,” Khajuria said. He said after having failed to counter the yatra on ecology plank, they had started mobilising all channels and lobbying for a non-Hindu Governor with a clandestine motive of taking over the control of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi and Shri Amarnath Shrine Board from Raj Bhavan.” He said in case of a non-Hindu Governor was appointed, some eminent person would be appointed as chairman of these two pivotal boards. He alleged that some politicians were lobbying for a non- Hindu Governor to take the charge before June 18 start of the yatra, so that they could curtail the yatra from the proposed two months to one month. Without naming anyone he said these elements had been trying to create hurdles in the smooth conduct of the Yatra since 2003. |
|
|
20-30 cancer deaths reported daily: Sinha
Srinagar, May 24 Sinha added that about 40 cancer-related cases were detected daily on an average. He said the Sher-e-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS) treated 2,500 cancer cases every year and provided post-care to 30,000 patients. The Governor was speaking at the second convocation of the SKIMS which was attended by President Pratibha Patil here
yesterday. About 480 candidates were awarded degrees in the convocation. He said as an NGO, the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board had also come forward to supplement the efforts of the state government. He said the shrine board had started a state-of-art 250-bedded modern cancer institute constructed at a cost of Rs 100 crore at Katra. He said the institute would become functional in the next four months. Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad, as also chancellor of the SKIMS, called upon medical scientists in the state to focus on research activities leading to discovery of newer methods of medicare with universal appeal. He said the government proposed to cover all 142 blocks with a dependable health facility by 2010. He added that within two years, about 8,000 beds would be added to government hospitals in the state.
|
|
|
Police to strengthen disaster management
Jammu, May 24 According to a police report the department has decided to purchase series of sophisticated equipment and gadgets used during disaster management. The state government has granted permission for purchasing fire entry suits which can stand the heat of the flames up to 2500 Farenheit and life jackets. While the boats could be used for ferrying people from marooned places and the tents for setting up temporary camps where the injured could receive on-the-spot treatment. The police has accorded priority on the purchase of poison gas detection kit and trapped person locator. The former can be used during exchange of fire with the militants and operations launched for rescuing people trapped in burning buildings, buses and trains and latter in locating people trapped under avalanches or landslides. Also portable canvas tanks with a capacity of 2500 litres were also being procured which could be used for supplying drinking water to the forces deployed in remote and difficult areas. |
|
|
Indo-Pak talks just ‘eyewash’: Geelani
Jammu, May 24 Talking to The Tribune, Geelani said, "We have been hearing for the past 60 years that India and Pakistan are holding talks to resolve Kashmir issue, but has anything come out of it till date? It's not merely a border dispute as is the case with India and China. It is the question of rights of millions of people." He felt that the issue could neither be resolved by "Pakistan's roadmap nor India's might". On the other hand, G.M. Bhat, general secretary of the moderate faction of the Hurriyat Conference, advocated talks as the only means to resolve this contentious issue.
— TNS |
|
|
Killing of Gujjars condemned
Srinagar, May 24 He said the state government of Rajasthan had completely failed to tackle the situation, therefore resulting in killing of about 19 Gujjars. In a statement here today, Mian Altaf, National Conference MLA, representing Kangan demanded the dismissal of Vasundhra Raje government and the imposition of President’s rule in the Rajasthan. He said that Gujjars in Jammu and Kashmir stood for the cause of Gujjars of Rajasthan at this crucial juncture and were ready to give sacrifices as a mark of solidarity. He urged the to Centre to take steps on war footing in order to address the alarming and grave problem of granting ST status to Gujjars of Rajasthan. |
|
|
16 officers promoted, transferred
Srinagar, May 24 Tariq Ahmad Zargar, DPO, Baramulla, has been transferred and posted as ACD, Bandipora, in his own pay and grade. He would be looking after the work of PO (self employment) in addition to his own duties till further orders. M.L. Raina, DPO, Udhampur (HQ Reasi), has been transferred and posted as ACD, Reasi, in his own pay and grade. He would look after the work of PO (self employment) in addition to his own duties till further orders. Raman Kumar, in charge PO, DPAP, Udhampur, has been transferred and posted as ACD, Kishtwar, in his own pay and grade vice Kalyan Singh. |
|
|
Jammu denied fair share: BJP
Jammu, May 24 “There is hardly any seat in the valley that has over 85,000 voters whereas in Jammu there are very few seats that are not having over one lakh voters,” he added. He pleaded for dismissal of the state government and holding of free and fair elections under the Governor's rule in the state.
— TNS |
|
|
ISI encouraging infiltration, say Panthers
Jammu, May 24 While addressing a public rally in Samba, the Panthers chairman also blamed the Congress, the PDP and the National conference for the death and destruction caused in the state due to militancy. “It is the Congress, the NC and the PDP, which are responsible for the rise of terrorism in the state and because of the failure of the Parliament to establish its sovereignty in the state by legislating in respect of four subjects listed in the Union List,” he said. |
|
| HOME PAGE | |
Punjab | Haryana | Jammu & Kashmir |
Himachal Pradesh | Regional Briefs |
Nation | Opinions | | Business | Sports | World | Letters | Chandigarh | Ludhiana | Delhi | | Calendar | Weather | Archive | Subscribe | Suggestion | E-mail | |
Videos
