Rajouri, February 21
Seventeen employees of various government departments, including senior lecturers and master grade officials, were today suspended by Additional District Development Commissioner Matloob Khan during a surprise visit in Rajouri.

Speaking on phone, Khan said, “We had received few complaints about employees who mostly remained absent from work. I was shocked when as many as nine employees were found doing the same at the Higher Secondary School, Rajouri, including teachers, masters and lecturers.”

Reports said for the past few months, the district administration was continuously receiving complaints about absentee employees who allegedly carried private businesses.

Matloob Khan said at about 12.30 pm, his team, including Chief Education Officer, made a visit to some government offices in the town where they suspended three employees- three in the Zonal Education Officer’s (ZEO) office and two in the Sheep Husbandry office.

All the 17 employees have been charge-sheeted for remaining absent on duty.

Jammu, February 21
On the second day of the nationwide strike by trade unions, employees of public sector undertaking (PSU), nationalised banks and insurance sector, continued to hold protests against the Central government for its “anti-people policies”.

They were particularly protesting against allowing foreign director investment (FDI) in the banking sector.

Various central trade unions and the United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU) are supporting the strike against the economic policies of the UPA-government.

More than 20 crore officers and employees from various sectors joined the nationwide strike.

A 10-point charter of demands was submitted to the Government of India highlighting the difficulties faced by the common man and also the salaried class.

Their demands include concrete measures to contain price rise, measures for employment generation, strict enforcement of labour laws and universal social security cover for organised and unorganised workers.

The local unit of RBI Workers Union and Reserve Bank Employees Association also participated in the strike.

The work at the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) office came to a standstill due to the strike.

The protesters were addressed by BS Kirola, secretary, Reserve Bank Employees Association; Supen Kumar, chief secretary, Reserve Bank Workers’ Union; Raj Kumar, president, Reserve Bank Workers’ Union among others.

Jammu, February 21
The International Working President of Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), Praveen Togadia, was detained by the J&K Police at the Jammu Airport and sent back this afternoon fearing law and order problem.

The VHP leader was on a two-day scheduled visit to Jammu.

The district administration as a precautionary measure had imposed prohibitory orders under Section 144 banning assembly of more than four people outside the Jammu Airport. A large number of security personnel were deployed outside the airport.

“VHP leader Pravin Togadia was barred from entering Jammu because his presence could lead to law and order problem,” a senior police official said.

The step, he said, was taken by the state government in view of his last year's visit to Rajouri district where his “provocative speech” had triggered tension between two communities.

The police swung into action as soon as the VHP leader came out of the Delhi-Jammu Jet Connect Flight at 11.30 am. As Togadia started moving towards the arrival lounge along with other passengers, he was stopped by a police party telling him that he had been denied permission by the administration from entering the state.

Togadia was not allowed to come out of the airport and after spending three hours in the VIP lounge was sent back by the authorities at 2.30 pm on Jammu-Delhi Jet Connect flight. Togadia was scheduled to attend several programmes at different places in the Jammu region during his two-day visit.

State VHP president Dr Rama Kant Dubey, along with activists of the Bajrant Dal who had been waiting outside the airport to receive Togadia, criticised the state government for detaining Togadia.

The activists raised anti-government slogans outside the Jammu Airport.

“Praveen Togadia, like every other citizen of the country, has fundamental right to visit any part of India but his detention at the Jammu Airport shows that the J&K government's policy is to appease only the anti-national elements,” said Dubey while addressing the media outside the airport.

Dubey also accused the government of allowing free movement to separatists anywhere in the state and the country. He warned of nationwide protests against the move.

Jammu, February 21
Though the weather remained a little warm for the last two weeks, Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) said heavy rainfall and snowfall would lash the entire Jammu and Kashmir province in the next 48 hours.

The weather in the city today remained cloudy thus lowering the maximum temperature in the region.

The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) said a moderate to heavy rainfall might lash the plains while fresh snowfall could be experienced in the higher reaches in Jammu and entire Kashmir region during the next 48 hours.

Jammu city received 60 mm of rainfall in 48 hours with hailstorms lashing the city on Tuesday. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) had predicted though the rain would subside by Wednesday evening and the cold wave conditions would continue for few more days keeping in view a heavy snowfall in the upper reaches of the Jammu region.

The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD)has predicted a moderate to heavy rainfall in the plains while fresh snowfall may be experienced in the higher reaches in Jammu and entire Kashmir region during the next 72 hours.

“Strong western disturbances are hovering over both regions and it will be cold on February 22 and 23,” said Sonum Lotus, Director IMD, Srinagar.

Lotus said weather conditions in the upper reaches influence the local conditions and hence more snowfall in mountains brings down the temperature in Jammu city. January 7 was the coldest day in the past 31 years in Jammu when the minimum temperature hit 6 degree Celsius mark.

Jammu, February 21
First Lady Usha Vohra today inaugurated a four-day painting exhibition by Insha Manzoor, a final-year student at Kala Kendra here.

Twenty three paintings on varied themes drawn by the young artist were put on display at the exhibition which would remain open for public from 11 am to 7 pm daily up to February 24.

Vohra went around the exhibition vanue and evinced keen interest in the work of the young painter. She interacted with the painter about the niceties of art and from asked from where she got the ideas for her paintings. She complimented Insha for creating a high quality art.

As a token of appreciation, the First Lady presented Rs 25,000 to the young artist and wished her a bright future.

Among those present on the occasion were Savita Bakshi, Additional Secretary, J&K Academy of Art, Culture and Languages; art lovers; intellectuals; citizens and students.

Jammu, February 21
Minister for PHE Sham Lal Sharma said today that the government had geared up its men and machinery to meet the additional requirement of drinking water during the summers.

“If power scenario remains satisfactory, the PHE Department will maintain uninterrupted water supply to the people across the Jammu division during the ensuing summer,” he said.

Interacting with mediapersons after inspecting PHE establishments at Muthi and Bakshi Nagar, the minister said instructions had been issued to the department to step up vigil to ensure work culture and punctuality at the grass-roots level. He said special flying squads had been constituted to conduct surprise checks at the offices to ensure a smooth supply of water.

Expressing satisfaction over the steps initiated by the department to ensure sanitation and renovation of water stations, he said a discernible change was quite visible in all the PHE installations. He said the advisory issued by the Administrative Department after an introductory meeting had been followed strictly resulting in achieving tangible results. He directed engineers to ensure proper cleanliness of sump tanks in a scientific way. He also asked officials to launch a plantation drive to have a healthy environment around water resources.

Jammu, February 21
Minister of State for PHE Nazir Ahmad Gurezi today paid a surprise visit to a filtration plant at Boria and took stock of the status and functioning of vital installation supplying potable water to the major parts of Jammu city.

He interacted with the officials and directed them to maintain sanitation around the plant and ensure an adequate water supply to the people. He expressed satisfaction with the attendance of the staff and asked them to maintain punctuality.

Earlier, the minister interacted with the representatives of the All-J&K Sheep and Wool Worker Association (SWWA) who called on him here today to project their demands.

The demands projected by the visiting delegation included two-and-a-half day pay for para-veterinary staff working at farms, feeding and migratory centres, amendment in recruitment rules of both gazetted and non-gazetted services, implementation of the 6th Pay Commission in favour of the employees of the Wool Board and a proper drug purchase policy.

Jammu, February 21
After taking over the stewardship of the university, Prof Sudhir K Jain, Vice-Chancellor, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University (SMVDU), addressed the faculty and students of the university.

In his address, Prof Jain shared his vision of making SMVDU an institute of national and international repute and said he would try his best to make his term the most productive and memorable for all the SMVDU fraternity.

Reminiscing his stay at IIT Kanpur as a researcher in the 70s, he urged all the faculty members to have mutual respect and work with a greater sense of responsibility and commitment in view of the fact that the university had been established out of the funds of the shrine, which increased their responsibility manifold. Registrar Roop Avtar Kaur, deans, directors and faculty members of the university were present on the occasion.

Earlier, the programme began with a warm welcome of the Vice-Chancellor by Dr Vandhana Sharma, director, School of Languages and Literature.

Dr Vandhana welcomed the Vice-Chancellor on behalf of the SMVDU fraternity and said the university was fortunate to have a Vice-Chancellor who had been associated with the university since its beginning and the one who epitomised commitment, humility and positivity.

Jammu February 21
A one-day consultative workshop on declining child sex ratio was held at the State Health Society, Nagrota. It was organised by the National Development Foundation in partnership with the Action Aid with the active collaboration of the National Rural Health Mission.

MK Dwivedi, Commissioner Secretary, Health and Medical Education Department, was the chief guest on the occasion, while JP Singh, Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Police, Jammu-Samba-Kathua Range, presided over the workshop.

Dr Yashpal Sharma, mission director, NRHM, J&K, welcomed the participants and apprised them about the PC&PNDT Act and various initiatives taken by the government. He said since 2013 was announced as the year for “Save the Girl Child”, the recommendations of the workshop would be considered for future action plans on improving girl child sex ratio.

Dr BB Sharma and Dr Robindar Khajuria along with four other facilitators assisted the groups who interacted on topics like “Challenges in implementation of the PC&PNDT Act”, “Facilitating access to schemes for girl child” etc.

Jammu, February 21
John Samuel, Chief Postmaster General (CPMG), J&K Circle, today inaugurated a Post Office Festival and Philately Exhibition at Himalayan Degree College, Chenani Bagla, Rajouri.

Two special covers on “Chingus Fort” and “Poonch Fort” were released by Samuel on the occasion, which was followed by a quiz competition and philately workshop for schoolchildren. Speaking on the occasion, he said the people in the rural and hilly areas still preferred post office for investment and other saving schemes.

The Chief Postmaster General said the Department of Posts (DoP) had strengthened its bonds with the common man by adopting latest technology in its operations.

“Apart from its role in communication and distribution, post office has been fully involved in the development of the state by providing services to public through its vast network of 155,333 post offices across the country,” the Chief Postmaster General said.

Shabir Ahmad Wani, managing director, Himalayan Education Mission, Rajouri, also spoke on the occasion. Superintendent of Posts, Rajouri Postal Division, CM Bhat, conducted the philately workshop and the quiz competition.

Rajouri, February 21
On the directions of Health Minister of State Shabir Ahmed Khan, Dinesh Rana, DIG, Rajouri-Poonch range, today launched pentavalent vaccine at the District Hospital, Rajouri.

Farooq Ahmed Shah, programme officer, ICDS, Rajouri, and Sachin Dev Singh, assistant commissioner, Rajouri, were the special guests on the occasion.

The first-ever dose of pentavalent was personally administered by the Deputy CMO, Rajouri, in the presence of a large gathering. The DIG, Rajouri, in his address congratulated the people of Rajouri and thanked the Health Minister for the introduction of the vaccine in the state. Dr Chaman Bhasin, medical superintendent of the hospital, presented the welcome address and briefed the gathering about the use of the vaccine. Dr Anis Altaf Nabi, deputy CMO, Rajouri, demonstrated the need of pentavalent vaccine through a Powerpoint presentation.

The ACR, Rajouri, also appreciated the efforts of the health functionaries for providing better health care services to the public. Bilal Rashid, assistant director, Planning, conducted the proceedings of the programme and urged prominent citizens and mediapersons for their active role in propagating the message for the benefit of the public.

The vaccine has also been launched at the block level by block medical officers and ZMOs as per the instructions of Dr ZA Shawl, CMO, Rajouri. Dr MK Koul, consultant paediatrician at the hospital, also discussed the need and importance of the vaccine which would be provided free of cost to the masses.

Those who were present on the occasion included Dr Abdul Rahsid, Dr Jammel ul-Hasan, Dr Abdul Salam, Asif Mir, Ishtiaq Bhat, Shahid Dar, Lovely Gupta, Vijay Kumar, Susheel Sharma and Farooq Mirza. — OC

Jammu, February 21
SG Baba Amravati University overcame the challenge of Kota University by 14-5 goals to advance into the ongoing All-India Inter-University Korfball Championship being played at the University of Jammu (JU) here today.

Punjab University, Chandigarh, got walkover, while Punjabi University, Patiala, trounced Bilaspur University by 24-6 goals in a one-sided contest. Punjab University again tasted win against Pune University with a handsome margin of 18-11 goals to further strengthen its position. The matches were officiated by Tarandeep Singh, Deepak Dutta, Amit, Ashok, Gagandeep Singh, Ashwani Sharma, Amandeep Singh, VP Sharma and Irfan Chowdhary.

Prof Naresh Padha, registrar, JU, was the chief guest during the last match. Those who were present on the occasion included Prof Dhian S Bhau, director, Sports and Physical Education, Manjeet Singh, general secretary, Korfball Federation of India, Ram Kumar, Dr Brij Baloria, Romesh Sharma, Romesh Magotra, Jai Bharat, Sanjeev Jamwal, Nisha Kumar and Raj Kumar.

Jammu, February 21
Police Training School (PTS)-B and Wizard Cricket Club registered wins to move into the next round of the ongoing Kathua Premier League (KPL) Twenty20 Tournament being played at Sports Stadium, Kathua, here today.

In the first match, PTS-B got the better of Ashok Cricket Club (ACC) by three wickets. Batting first, ACC was bowled out for 91 runs in 17 overs. Shiv and Angrez were the top scorers with 29 and 20 runs in their respective accounts. From PTS-B, Pardeep and Sunil took shared three wickets apiece.

In reply, PTS-B overhauled the target for the loss of seven wickets. Needish made 20 runs, while Binny contributed 16. Sonu was the most successful bowler from ACC who took four wickets, while Tinku chipped in with one wicket. Sunil was declared the man of the match.

In another match, Wizard Club overcame the challenge of Kathua Blues by three wickets.

Earlier, batting first after winning the toss, Kathua Blues lost all their wickets in 19 overs for 132 runs, which, in reply, Wizard did the needful in 18.5 overs for the loss of seven wickets.

Sandeep and Kapil were main scorers from Kathua Blues with 27 and 26 runs in their respective accounts. Wizard skipper Dheeraj bowled deadly spell taking away five wickets for 29 runs, while Parul took two wickets. Dheeraj was declared the man of the match for his five-wicket haul. 

Jammu, February 21
Kuldeep Singh has been unanimously elected as the president of the Jammu District Football Association (JDFA), while Mohan Lal and Feastus Sotra were elected as secretary and treasurer, respectively.

All the office-bearers were declared elected uncontested after Election Commissioner RK Kohli found their papers in order during a scrutiny.

However, only three members filed their nomination papers for as many posts of the association yesterday resulting into their unanimous election. The scrutiny committee comprised Dr Nirmolak Singh, Surinder Singh Bunty and SM Gill.

The new office-bearers had assured the association members that they would work hard to help in the further growth of the game of football in Jammu district.

Later, the renovated office of the Jammu and Kashmir Football Association (JKFA) was also inaugurated by association president Zamir Thakur at the Mini Stadium, Parade.

Speaking on the occasion, the JKFA president said the office would certainly help in regularising the activities of the association in the winter capital.

Ramesh Chander, Yusuf Don, Rakesh Khanna, Rajesh Sharma, David Burrat, Elija Sotra, Bharat Bhushan, Davinder Kumar, Sardari Lal, Varun Jasrotia, Master Saleem, Peter Sandhu, Mattoo, Moon Stephen, Surjeet Singh Heer and Varinder Gupta were also present on the occasion.