The Tribune, Chandigarh, India

3 swine flu cases in Valley
Health department on alert, starts monitoring patients
Tribune News Service

Jammu, January 21
After detection of three swine flu cases in Kashmir, the Health Department in the city has begun monitoring of the patients being admitted to the hospitals. A high-level meeting had also reviewed the measures to identify the patients and provide them medical aid.

Sources said the Health Department in Jammu had asked the hospitals to take measures to deal with any case which is reported and establish isolation wards to deal with the problem.

Swine influenza (H1N1), also called pig influenza, swine flu, hog flu and pig flu is an infection caused by any one of the several types of swine influenza viruses.

Director of Health, Dr Madhu Khullar said they had taken up measures and so far no such case had been detected in the Jammu region. “But we are monitoring the situation and a separate cell has been already established to deal with the disease”.

This is not for the first time that swine flu has been reported in Jammu and Kashmir. In 2009, nearly 50 people were detected with the flu and there was panic in the state.

According to World Health Organisation (WHO), swine flu has now moved into the post-pandemic period. The flu spreads as seasonal influenza and in winters, with other influenza, more cases are reported in the hospitals.

Swine Flu: prevention and precautions

Prevent the spread of germs that cause respiratory illnesses like influenza by covering the nose and mouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. The tissue is to be thrown in the trash after use.

The hands should be washed often with soap and water, especially after coughing or sneezing. One can also use appropriate hand cleaners.

Avoid touching the eyes, nose or mouth, for more germs could spread that way.

Avoid close contact with infected people.

Stay home if you are infected.

PDD hands out shocker to a family
Sumit Hakhoo

Jammu, January 21
In a major goof-up, Power Development Department (PDD) has not only given wrong telephone numbers on its website, but also, a family has been facing mental harassment for the last two years, as their telephone number has been displayed on the site.

The family of Jogeshwar Sharma, who has been using a telephone number for the last 15 years, has been put out on public domain on the website of the department for the office of the Principal Secretary, PDD in Civil Secretariat.

The irony is that despite being one of the important departments in the state which is directly under the Chief Minister, the department has failed to rectify its mistake.

“We receive nearly 20 calls looking for the officer every day. It has become a routine for our family members to explain that it is a private number, not that of a government office,” said a family member of Jogeshwar Sharma.

The website www.jkpdd.co.in gives important information about the administrative structure and working of the department.

“At times, we have to face abusive callers as they have complaints about the power supply. They don’t believe us when we say it is private number. We receive call from journalists routinely,” said the family.

Even after lodging of complaints with the Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) office, the mistake has not been corrected - the PDD has not updated its website.

“We are fed up with responding to queries of the people. The department needs to take notice of the wrong information,” a member of the family says.

This is not the first time that the government website, created as part of an e-governance project, has carried wrong information. For about two years, the website of www.jkil.gov.in had retained the name of Union Health Minister and former Chief Minister of the state, Ghulam Nabi Azad, as Chairman of the JKIL.

"While Chief Minister Omar Abdullah is found tweeting, most of the government departments have gone offline when it comes to maintenance of sites containing vital information pertaining to government functioning,” said an officer.

Even the official website of the Jammu and Kashmir government, jammukashmir.nic.in, has been non-functional for over a year now, with a picture showing ‘under construction’ whenever one tries to surf it.

Politics, bureaucracy continue to meddle with functioning of sports bodies
Sports council not sure of effective implementation of IOA directive
Vikas Sharma
Tribune News Service

Jammu, January 21
The J&K State Sports Council, despite receiving a letter from the Union Sports Ministry to tell all the sports associations to amend their constitution in accordance with the sports code by January 31, the officials have expressed their inability to implement the directive, claiming that the associations may oppose it because of their strong political and bureaucratic connections.

The Tribune reported that following a letter from the Union Government to all the national sports federations asking them to adopt the age and tenure provisions of the sports code, the sports council had told all the 48 affiliated associations to strictly adhere to it.

Sources said after receiving an official letter from the Union Sports Ministry, the sports council convened a high-level meeting wherein a marathon discussion was held regarding proper implementation of the code to improve the functioning of sports associations. Sources added that during the meeting, the officials had also informed the authorities about the hurdles in making necessary amendments in the constitution of sports associations due to political and bureaucratic pressure.

“The Union Sports Ministry may have initiated the process now to tighten noose around the sports federations across the country because of their malfunctioning, but the sports council has repeatedly stressed on the need to bring about necessary changes in the constitution of sports bodies to make them more accountable,” a source said.

“In fact, the basic fault starts from the sports federations who are nominating political heavyweights as their patrons or presidents. They then continue to make changes of their own accord just to meet their selfish ends. Sports associations in the state are following a similar pattern, thereby making mockery of the rules and regulations of Indian Olympic Association (IOA),” it was further stated.

Mohammad Afzal Malik, Administrative Officer, State Sports Council, told The Tribune, “The moment the sports council got this important letter from the Union Sports Ministry, it has been further disseminated to all the affiliated associations. The sports council is also trying its level best to bring about a change in the functioning of sports bodies and I think the recent initiative by Union Sports Ministry, if implemented properly, will be of immense help in achieving that,” he maintained.

The moment the sports council got this important letter from the Union Sports Ministry, it has been further disseminated to all the affiliated associations. The sports council is also trying its level best to bring about a change in the functioning of sports bodies and I think the recent initiative by Union Sports Ministry, if implemented properly, will be of immense help in achieving that.

— Mohammad Afzal Malik, Administrative Officer, State Sports Council

Impart quality education, teachers told
Tribune News Service

Jammu, January 21
Minister for Housing, Horticulture and Culture Raman Bhalla today asked the teacher fraternity to impart quality education to the students to prepare them to face future challenges. The minister was speaking at the Annual Day function of Global Convent School of Malik Market in Channi Rama at General Zorawar Singh Auditorium at University of Jammu here.

The function began with the lighting of lamp by the chief guest. Bhalla said annual days not only provide students a platform to exhibit their hidden talent, but also introduce them to the culture and heritage of the state.

He urged students to take part in co-curricular activities side by side with academics for their overall personality development. Chairman of the school, K K Pandoh, principal, Jagdamba Gandotra, students and parents were among those present.

Bhalla emphasised on the need to introduce moral education in the schools and highlighted the role of a teacher in crafting the personality of a student.

Students of different classes presented colourful cultural items like Saraswati Vandana, Dogri, Kashmiri and Punjabi, dance and music, besides various skits to mark the occasion. Later, the minister distributed mementoes among students who excelled in the 2011-12 examinations.

CCI submits pre-budget memo to Finance Minister
Tribune News Service

Jammu, January 21
A delegation of Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCI), led by its president YV Sharma, today submitted a pre-budget memorandum to the Finance Minister Abdul Rahim Rather here.

The delegation comprised Sham Lal Langer, Anil Gupta, Arun Gupta, Deepak Aggarwal and Bharat Bhushan Gupta besides senior members of Executive Committee, heads of trade and industrial organisations, MES Builder Association, Fruit and Vegetables Association, Stone Crusher Association and General Distributors Association.

In the memorandum submitted to the minister, the CCI has appealed to the government to chalk out plans and programmes according to the needs and aspirations of people besides preparing a road map for programmes geared towards socio-economic development and project a vision for meaningful, faster, sustainable, more inclusive and viable model of growth.

The CCI said the annual budget presents the balance sheet of the government for the last year and projects figures and estimate for the ensuing financial year. It demanded a comprehensive plan of action to ensure welfare of the people of the state by ensuring for them a much better quality of life.

The CCI said this plan of action would be conceived, formulated and executed only after exhaustive deliberations at all levels including the representatives of the civil society, trade, industry and the heads of the various departments of the government.

It added that the pre-budget discussions will be held with various delegations to know genuine problems, difficulties and unwanted irritants being faced by the traders, industrialists and the general service providers in Jammu.

Infant mortality rate down, claims govt
Tribune News Service

Jammu, January 21
The government has claimed that infant mortality rate in the state has come down from 45 in 2009 to 41 in 2012 while the national average is 44. It has further been claimed that the neonatal mortality rate has declined from 39 in 2007 to 35 now. Efforts are on to further reduce it by laying stress on facility and home-based newborn care, the government has stated.

According to government figures, the plan investment in health sector was enhanced by 70 per cent. As against availability of Rs 796.66 crore during the 10th five-year plan, Rs 1353.15 crore are said to have been made available during the present five-year plan. Janani Shishu Surakhsha Karikram (Maa Tujhe Salaam scheme) was introduced in all government hospital including GMC, Srinagar and Jammu, SKIMS Srinagar and other hospitals to provide free service to pregnant ladies and neonates while Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojana was also launched in two districts and is being extended to 10 more districts.

Super-specialty Hospital at Jammu has been completed and district hospital complexes have been completed at Kathua and Poonch. New OPD Block at Gandhi Nagar Hospital Jammu, additional block at Government Hospital Sarwal, Jammu, OPD block of district hospital Baramulla, 150-bedded IPD block of JLNM Hospital, Srinagar, 200-bedded paediatric block at SMGS Hospital, Jammu and 200-bedded OPD Block at Lal Ded Hospital, Srinagar have been completed.

New district hospital building and diagnostic block at Rajouri, 100-bedded district hospital at Kishtwar, 50-bedded Unani Hospital at Shelteng, Srinagar, 50-bedded Additional Emergency Block at Government Medical College, Jammu, Emergency Hospital Qazigund, Trauma Hospital Vijaypur, Attendant Sarais at GMC Jammu and SMHS Srinagar, Oncology Block at GMC, Srinagar, 30-bedded Emergency Hospital at Katra and ANMT School at District Hospital Udhampur have been completed.

‘Sound infrastructure must’
DGP Ashok Prasad commissions new Railway Police headquarters at Channi Rama
Tribune News Service

Jammu, January 21
The Director General of Police (DGP), Ashok Prasad, stressed upon prospective planning in infrastructural development, keeping in view the future requirements of the police organisation. He called for framing a holistic plan for housing and other requirements of the organisation.

Prasad was speaking after commissioning new Railway Police Headquarters at Channi Rama here today. He said sufficient infrastructure was must for efficient delivery of tasks and the Jammu and Kashmir Police Organisation had been strengthening its housing infrastructure across the state to provide better living and working facilities for its personnel.

He said a mega construction plan had been taken into hand under the modernisation programme, with the aim to house all offices in well-equipped buildings.

The building was executed by Police Construction Division (PCD) at a cost of about Rs 2 crore. The two storeyed building, with 18,000 sqft area, consisting 22 rooms and parking in the basement, had the capacity to accommodate railways headquarters, besides the telecommunication office. The building had all modern facilities for office working, he added.

While inspecting the new building, the DGP asked the officers and engineers accompanying him to consider all latest requirements, including sufficient parking for vehicles, while finalising the building plans.

Among others, the function was attended by Dr Ram Lubhaya, ADGP, Navin Aggarwal, IGP, Dilbag Singh, Dr B Srinivas, AK Choudhary, M Sulaiman Salaria, Sunil Kumar Sharma, Dr KK Saini, Yoginder Koul and Alok Puri, DIGP, T Punchok, AS Bali, Sham Lal Sharma, JP Singh, KL Baghat, AK Attri, Johny William, RP Resutra, MM Sadiq, Shakeel Ahmed Beig and other police officers.

BBIA president wants support from state, centre
Tribune News Service

Jammu, January 21
After becoming the president of Bari Brahmana Industrial Association (BBIA), Anil Suri has several plans up his sleeves to give impetus to the industrial sector in the geographically disadvantaged Jammu and Kashmir.

Besides looking up to the state government for its support, Suri also wants extension of Government of India package, in respect of capital investment subsidy, insurance subsidy and interest subsidy from June 14, 2012 and 100 per cent income tax and central excise exemption to the industries in the state.

The elections to BBIA were held on January 19. Talking to The Tribune, Suri, said he wanted to see industry thriving in the state.

“To achieve the goal, we definitely need support of the state government and the Centre. Besides industrial package from the Centre, we also want VAT remission till the GST regime and in this context we will certainly work out modalities for the remission of GST for industrial sector of state,” Suri said.

Industrial sector in the state needed all possible help. Therefore, it became imperative for the state government to help the industry whole-heartedly, he added.

He also said BBIA would approach the Pollution Control Board seeking reduction in existing fee structure to encourage new industrial units and at the same time provide respite to the existing ones.

“We also want to strengthen cross-LoC trade for which the state government, in tandem with the Centre, has to include more items being manufactured in the state. Besides, we feel that new trade routes suitable for industrial sector of Jammu like Sialkot and Nowshera should also be established,” he said.

On the electricity front, he said the situation had improved significantly in the past three to four years but the association would look forward to 24-hour uninterrupted power supply to increase productivity.

“For the purpose we want dedicated feeders for the industrial sector,” he added.

Suri, who was elected president for the sixth term had defeated Devinder Mahajan by winning 125 votes.

In all 217 votes were cast.

Other office bearers elected include Rakesh Bhat as senior vice-president, Rahul Bansal as vice-president, Lalit Mahajan as general secretary, Tapan Dubey as secretary and Sidharth Dogra as treasurer.

GDC Billawar, GDC Reasi post win in inter-college cricket tourney
Tribune News Service

Jammu, January 21
Government Degree College (GDC) Billawar got the better of GDC Samba by 48 runs today in the ongoing Inter-Collegiate (men) Cricket Tournament being played at University of Jammu (JU) here.

Batting first, GDC Billawar managed to post 144 runs at the loss of six wickets in the allotted 20 overs. Munish Kumar was the top scorer with 60 runs on just 51 balls. He pierced seven hits to the fence and a mighty heave for the maximum.

Surjeet and Bhanu Partap chipped in with 32 and 12 runs respectively. For GDC Samba, Aditya, Amit Singh and Rao Varinder shared a wicket each. In reply, GDC Samba was bundled out for 96 runs in 18.3 overs. Aditya Sambyal played a fighting knock of 27 runs but that was not enough.

Chandan and Anil scored 11 runs each. For GDC Billawar, Gulshan bowled a devastating bowling spell to scalp four wickets at important junctures. Bhanu Partap and Munish snared three and two wickets respectively while Rahul Sharma grabbed one wicket. The match was officiated by Raman Kumar, Vijay Dogra and Manu Khajuria.

In another match, GDC Reasi drubbed GDC Thannamandi by eight wickets. Batting first, GDC Thannamandi was all out for paltry 70 runs in 17.5 overs. Umar Bashi was the main scorer with 31 runs. For GDC Reasi, Jitender Dev Singh was the pick of the bowlers with three wickets while Rakesh and Kulbushan scalped two wickets apiece.

In reply, GDC Reasi romped home safely in 11.2 overs losing just two wickets in the process. Anil Thakur and Arjun Singh contributed 20 and 18 runs respectively. For GDC Thannamandi, Haroon Rashid took two wickets.

DIG reviews security in Reasi
Our Correspondent

Katra, January 21
Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) Reasi-Udhampur Range, Jagjit Kumar held a security review meeting for the forthcoming Republic Day celebrations in District Police Lines, Reasi. High-rank officers of J&K Police of Reasi district, besides army, CRPF and Central Intelligence Agencies (CIA) also participated in the meeting.

While briefing the senior police officers, Kumar discussed various security arrangements to be made for the smooth and incident-free celebration of Republic Day-2013.

A team headed by senior police officers has been tasked with the responsibility of visiting the areas in and around the sports stadium, which is the venue of the event, and take security measures to secure the place.

In the meeting, a need for coordination among sister agencies was felt, to provide fool-proof security to the VVIPs and participants.

Kumar exhorted the officers that it was time to be extremely vigilant and alert during the celebrations. “For the celebration to be peaceful, it is imperative to launch sustained offensive against the anti-national and anti-social elements who are operating in the district”, he added.

Kumar also stressed that approach of the Reasi police needed to be people-friendly, ensuring the best possible security environment with the least inconvenience.

GCW Parade lift kho-kho title
Tribune News Service

Players during the inter-college kho-kho final match at Government College for Women, Gandhi Nagar in Jammu on Monday. Tribune photo: Anand Sharma

Jammu, January 21
Government College for Women (GCW), Parade, trounced hosts GCW Gandhi Nagar in the summit showdown to clinch the Inter-Collegiate (women) Kho-Kho title here today.

The final went right down to the wire as players from both the teams exhibited tremendous skills. But in the end, it was GCW Parade who had the last laugh. Dhian S Bhau, Director, Directorate of Sports and Physical Education, JU also witnessed the final match.

Earlier, in the semifinals played, GCW Gandhi Nagar got the better of PG Department of University of Jammu by one innings and six points. GCW Parade overcame the challenge of Degree College, Kathua, by one inning and five points in the second semifinal. The tournament was organised by the Directorate of Sports and Physical Education, University of Jammu.

First hot air balloon flight inaugurated at Jammu
Tribune News Service

Jammu, January 21
Talat Parvaz, Director of Tourism, Kashmir, today inaugurated the first hot air balloon flight at the Indian Institute of Skiing and Mountaineering (IISM), Gulmarg. The balloon was piloted by Rohitaswa Bissa of National Adventure Foundation.

Mehmood Shah, CEO, Gulmarg Development Authority, said IISM was giving immense contribution to the state in developing it as an adventure destination. He further said the authority planned to introduce paragliding and white water rafting in the near future.

Later, in another flight, pilot Bissa demonstrated a jump from the balloon at 250 feet above the ground level and slithered down with the help of a rope. He was accompanied by Principal of IISM, JS Dhillon.

Speaking on the occasion, Parvaz complimented Dhillon for having taken such an initiative to promote Gulmarg as a world-class adventure destination.

Dhillon said the institute had introduced hot air ballooning to train the local youth so that they could promote hot air ballooning in other parts of the J&K.

Police-public mela on March 3
Tribune News Service

Jammu, January 21
Preparedness for a day-long police-public mela, being held in Jammu, was discussed in a police officers’ meetingm, held at police headquarters here today. The meeting was held under the chairmanship of Additional Director General of Police (ADGP), Headquarters, SP Vaid.

Addressing the meeting, the ADGP said the mela was an event organised by the Jammu and Kashmir Police Wives Welfare Association (JKPWWA) regularly in Srinagar and Jammu. These melas had also brought police and public together to work for peace and prosperity of the state, he added.

Vaid said the 22nd police-public mela would be inaugurated on March 3 at 10 am.

The funds raised through the mela would be utilised for the welfare of police martyrs’ families and the wards of serving and retired personnel, under various welfare schemes adopted by the organization, like scholarships for the children to nurture their talent in the field of education.

SMVDU gives warm farewell to VC
Our Correspondent

Katra, January 21
Prof RNK Bamezai, the third Vice-Chancellor of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University was given a farewell by the faculty and staff of the university on the university campus today. Deans of various colleges, registrars, finance officer and librarian of the university shared their experiences of working with Prof Bamezai and also wished him success in future endeavours.

Dr Vandhana Sharma, Director of the School of Languages and Literature, moderated the programme. She highlighted the traits of Prof Bamezai popularly known to his colleagues and said he was an embodiment of humility and positivity during his term as the Vice-Chancellor.

Speaking on the occasion, Prof Bamezai advised his colleagues to continue working with a sense of commitment as the real asset of the university was its human resource.

Approximately 150 members of teaching and non teaching staff felicitated the outgoing Vice-Chancellor and presented him a memento as a token of their love and affection.

Parvez to practise with Team India at Mohali
Tribune News Service

Jammu, January 21
J&K’s promising all-rounder Parvez Rasool Zargar has again been invited by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) panel of selectors, headed by former Test cricketer Sandeep Patil, to join Team India in the nets at Mohali (Chandigarh).

Parvez is among the five cricketers across the country, who have been summoned to join the team, for their outstanding performances in the Ranji Trophy this season.

Earlier, the cricketer was selected for India A team for his brilliant display and was also called alongwith Ishwar Pandey of MP and Mohit Mahipal Sharma of Haryana for the nets at Kotla in New Delhi.

Meanwhile, Parvez has also been called to National Cricket Academy (NCA), Bangalore, for screening programme from January 26 to January 29. He was among the top three performers of the state at Ranji trophy, including all-rounder Ramdayal Punia, who took a haul of 29 wickets and Ian Dev Singh who has two centuries under his belt.

BDC elections soon: Sagar

Jammu, January 21
The Minister for Rural Development and Panchayats, Ali Mohammad Sagar said the government was committed to hold elections to the Block Development Councils (BDCs) as soon as possible.

The Minister was speaking at a meeting convened to discuss the recommendations given by the committee constituted for the purpose.

Minister for Law and Parliamentary Affairs, Mir Saifullah, Member Legislator Council, RS Sharma, Commissioner Secretary, Rural Development, Farooq Ahmed Peer, Commissioner Secretary, Law, GH Tantray and other senior officers were present in the meeting. — TNS

ACC win T20 cricket tourney

Jammu, January 21
Akash Cricket Club (ACC) defeated Diamond Cricket Club (DCC) by five wickets today in the ongoing T20 cricket tournament being played at Sarore village playfield here.

Batting first after winning the toss, DCC was skittled out for 165 runs losing eight wickets in the process.

Jyoti scored 56 runs . For ACC, Devender took four wickets whereas Yash and Nitish took two wickets apiece.

For ACC, Sumesh hit 67 runs unbeaten. Rohit also contributed 34 runs.

For DCC, Dhruv, Vasu and Pardeep shared a wicket apiece. — TNS