Batote, April 27
Apathy on the part of the officials of J&K State Power Development Corporation (JKSPDC), managing the 900 MW Baghlihar Hydel Power Project (BHPP), has put the lives of villagers living across the Chenab in the far flung Siraj area of Doda district under risk besides putting financial burden on them.

For, hundreds of residents in the area are forced to travel by unsafe private cable cars running without licence and required safety parameters.

“On April 23, JKSPDC Managing Director Zahoor Chat, Chief Engineers RN Bhat (Elect) and PR Angurala (Civil) and Executive Engineer (Civil Maintenance) Naresh Kumar visited the sites of cable car projects at Trungal and Marsu (Koda Pani) in Assar block of Doda district and asked the operators to ferry only goods. They pasted a notice there without providing any alternative. We are facing a lot of hardships,” alleged Dilip Singh Rana, a resident.

“Now the villagers are compelled to risk their lives by travelling through a risky cable car (975m span) run by a local Abdul Gani Bhat which is permitted to carry only goods. We are anxiously waiting for the facility of a motorboat they promised earlier,” he added.

Since the submergence of a bailey bridge in the reservoir created by the BHPP dam on the Chenab at Trungal in 2004, about 40,000 villagers were dependent on a government boat provided each at Trungal and Marsu. But following the drowning of three children in the Chenab while travelling by the boat at Marsu, the boat service was withdrawn at both the places.

In 2010-11, the JKSPDC had got a ropeway cable car constructed each at Trungal (630m span) and Marsu (350m span) over the Chenab by the Public Works Department (PWD) for Rs 38.90 lakh and 36.75 lakh respectively. Between August 2011 and January 2012, none of the departments, particularly the PWD, have agreed to operate these cable cars.

The local untrained contractors have been running these cable cars since.

“In February this year, a technical consultant secretary to the J&K Cable Car Corporation (JKCCC) visited these sites on our request. But he recommended against taking over these projects to operate them because of their crude construction and lack of safety measures and without carrying out necessary modifications,” said Naresh Kumar, a local.

“We had decided to send two motorboats there from Chanderkot after recharging their batteries but this is not possible unless we have an experienced and licenced motorboat driver. For the time being, we have arranged a new boat for Trungal. This will give us the time to repair the old boats. Their woes will end in a month when the decking work on the under-construction Trungal bridge over the Chenab is completed,” he added.

Jammu, April 27
A two-year-old boy was allegedly crushed to death this morning by a speeding school bus in the Sainik Colony area here.

The deceased has been identified as Sagar Kumar, son of Ram Bahadur, a resident of Chakarpur in Madhya Pradesh. The family is presently residing in the Sainik Colony locality.

The police said the child was knocked to death when the bus carrying schoolchildren was on way to school.

“The two-year-old boy died on the spot while the driver managed to escape from the spot.

“We have impounded the vehicle and a case has been registered against the driver. A manhunt has been launched to nab the erring driver,” an official of the police department told The Tribune.

A Class VII girl student was crushed to death on the premises of a prominent school in the city on February 7 this year triggering protests across Jammu city.

The parents and the civil society members had voiced their concern over the safety of children and had demanded action against the school management.

Jammu, April 27
In a bid to further strengthen the sports infrastructure, especially in rural areas, and also to explore the hidden potential among budding youngsters at school level, the Department of Youth Services and Sports (DYSS) has spent an amount to the tune of Rs 270 lakh for developing school playfields during 2012-13.

Development of school playfields in the state has been the main focus of the department. The development of a total of 52 playfields has been taken in hand to develop. Out of 52 playfields, nine have been completed under the state plan.

The Centrally-sponsored Panchayat Yuva Krida Aur Khel Abhiyan (PYKKA) scheme launched by the Union Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports in 2008 had instructed the department that besides developing playfields at the panchayat and block level, the rural sports competitions at block, district, state and national level will also have to be taken into account.

Sources said the efforts were on to revive the scheme and an action plan for the year 2013-14 has been prepared.

A multi-facility sports complex has been taken up for construction at Rajbagh (Srinagar) at an estimated cost of Rs 1891.26 lakh. An amount of Rs 920 lakh has been advanced so far against which Rs 791 lakh work has been completed till March this year.

“No doubt, we are conducting the tournament in all age groups at school, zonal, district and state level for boys and girls every year to select them for nationals in different disciplines. But that did not help us in tapping the youth potential which the department is targeting right now. Since Director General Naveen Aggarwal has taken over the charge of the affairs, the department is working on a concrete strategy to provide fillip to sports at the grassroots level,” a DYSS official said.

Sources said an amount of Rs 157 lakh was incurred by DYSS for conducting domestic and national-level sports competitions last year. The national competitions included U-17 Football Tournament at Srinagar in September 2012 and U-19 Tennis Ball Cricket Tournament for boys and girls in December 2012.

The DYSS came into existence as a separate Directorate after its separation from the School Education Department in 1973. The reorganisation of the department took place in 2006.

Jammu, April 27
The state unit of the BJP today protested against the brutal attack on Indian prisoner Sarabjit Singh lodged in a Pakistani jail and called for strict action against the culprits.

Party’s state president Jugal Kishore Sharma declared their resolve to take up the issue of Sarabjit Singh on the same lines as that of Chameil Singh, the youth wing of the party, Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM) held a massive protest against the treatment meted to Sarabjit Singh in Pakistani jail and also burnt flag of Pakistan under the leadership of district president Ajay Vaid.

Party has expressed solidarity with the family of Singh, recalling the case of Chameil Singh, a resident of the state, who was allegedly tortured and murdered in Pakistani jail a few months ago and his dead was returned only after a long persuasion and that too when BJP took up the issue at national and diplomatic levels. Accusing the UPA for its total inaction, he also referred to the gruesome incident of beheading of Indian soldiers by Pakistani troops. Meanwhile, hundreds of BJYM activists held a massive protest at Kachi Chawni, shouting slogans against Pakistan and the UPA government and praying for early recovery of Sarabjit.

Protesters said it seems a deep conspiracy to harass, torture and later kill the Indians in Pakistani jails and the Union Government had not learnt any lesson from the past incidents.

Jammu, April 27
In a major drive against adulteration of milk, the Jammu Municipal Corporation (JMC) today took samples from milk suppliers and dairies in the Roop Nagar and Bantalab areas.

The civic body had earlier received reports of adulterated milk being sold in these localities.

Adulteration has become a major issue for residents who are concerned about the quality of milk and other milk products being supplied to the consumers.

A team led by JMC Health Officer Dr Vinod Sharma conducted a surprise visit in the area and checked quality parameters which were reportedly found below the standards marked by the civic body.

“Sudden appearance of municipal team was a shock for many suppliers and shopkeepers as they were caught unaware. Many of them were seen pleading before the MC and health officials,” said Kishore Sharma, a local resident.

In absence of modern equipment and manpower, the fight against adulteration has been losing sheen of late. However, fine has been imposed on a number of people and dairy owners for playing with the health of the people in the past months.

There was a proposal to buy computerised mobile testing labs to check samples on daily basis but the same has been pending for want of funds with the government.

JMC Health Officer Dr Vinod Sharma said, “Fine has been imposed and vendors have been directed not to accept sub-standard milk which could endanger the health of citizens. Further orders have been passed that no person can supply milk without mandatory license.”

In a survey conducted by the Food Safety and Standard Authority of India (FSSAI) in 2012, it was found that 83 per cent of milk sold in urban centres and district headquarters of the state is not safe for consumption.

The study had found that most common types of adulteration in the state was glucose and skimmed milk products (SMP).

“The Health Wing of the Municipal Corporation has repeatedly sent a proposal to the government to buy mobile labs but no decision was taken in this regard nor any funds have been released so far. This has been hampering our drive against milk adulteration,” said an official.

Jammu, April 27
Deputy Chief Minister Tara Chand said today over 20,000 vacancies have been identified in School Education Department and instructions have been given for fast track recruitment by the concerned agencies.

Tara Chand, who also holds the portfolio of School Education Department, was chairing a meeting to review the implementation and progress of different projects undertaken in the education department, here today. Chief education officers of Jammu province attended the meeting and gave resume of activities in their respective jurisdictions.

He said exemplary initiatives had been taken in the department to clear the backlog of promotions in the department and several actions have been taken during the past two months which include promotions of six new joint directors, 27 chief education officers, 82 zonal education officers (ZEOs), 2041 lecturers, finalization of seniority list of 1401 senior lecturers, 2529 headmasters and promotion of 81 postgraduate masters as lecturers.

“All such steps are being taken to boost the morale of teaching fraternity so that they attend to their duties in most diligent manner and performance of students gets improved, which ultimately results in people reposing faith in the government schools,” he added.

Underscoring on raising standards of education in schools, the Deputy Chief Minister called upon functionaries of the department to work with zeal and dedication in imparting their duty.

The Deputy Chief Minister said providing quality education to all was the priority of the government and all out efforts have been initiated to ensure that government schools come up to the expectations of present day education requirements.

A detailed review of the pace and progress of the schemes and projects under the Sarv Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) and the RAMSA were taken and instructions were issued to improve performance of the schools.

He also reviewed the status of utilisation of funds under SSA and RAMSA and called upon the concerned officers to timely utilise the funds under education sector.

Batote, April 27
The Ramban police foiled a smuggling bid of 46 bovines towards the Kashmir Valley by arresting 4 bovine smugglers and seizing 3 vehicles since yesterday.

Mohd Ashraf Bakerwal of Kukernag,Anantnag was nabbed near Kowbagh while carrying 15 bovines without any valid permission. A Kashmir-bound truck was seized along with 17 bovines and its driver and his aide of Mazmu. — OC

Jammu, April 27
National Mazdoor Conference (NMC) president, Subash Shastri has demanded declaration of May Day as a gazetted holiday throughout the country under Negotiable Instrument Act.

Addressing a meeting of NMC workers at Gandhi Nagar here today, Shastri appealed the authorities to fulfil long pending demand of working class. NMC chief hoped that the Union Government would announce merger of 50 percent DA in the basic pay and pension, 20 percent interim relief, and constitution of Seventh Pay Commission on the historic occasion of May Day.

Others who spoke on the occasion included Rajan Babu Khajuria, Sham Lal Sharma, Sunil Kochhar, Bupinder Singh, Mohan Lal Sharma, Madan Lal Bhagat, Jentoo Ram, Yog Raj, Ashok Khajuria, Raghupal, Anil Singh Salthia, Rakesh Padha, Surrinder Kumar, Sukhdev Singh and Kuldeep Sharma.

Jammu, April 27
Janta Dal (United) today asked the state government to address the genuine demands of Patwaris who are on agitation for the past 20 days.

According to a handout issued by the party, a meeting of the district Jammu urban unit of the party was held under the chairmanship of Narinder Sharma.

The meeting discussed the issues of the Patwar Association of J&K in which the party requested the government to solve the genuine demands of the Patwaris and Girdawars as the bcommon masses were facing hardships due to their strike.

State president of Janta Dal (United) Ghulam Qadir Wani was the chief guest in the meeting. SP Magotra, Puran Sharma, Suraj Parkash, Rajinder Sharma, Yograj Singh Chib, Rajeev Pandoh, Satish Bhasin, Sunil Bhasin, Pawan Singh Chib, Shivinder Singh, Surinder Pawar, Danish Sharma and others attended the meeting.

Jammu, April 27
There has been an overwhelming response to the passport mela held here today at the passport office, Jammu.

The main aim of holding the mela was to clear the old pending files (for the year 2011 and 2012) whose police verification reports (PVR) have been delayed and received recently, the passport of such applicants shall get delivered within next 48 hours.

One of the participants, Udhay Chand, (aged 77 years) r/o Village Sair, Kalakote, district Rajouri expressed his appreciation to the grand concept of holding the mela.

He was enthusiastic, because his much- awaited quest for the passport was going to be fulfilled.

During the mela, a gathering of the passport aspirants rushed in, whereby all the eligible applicants were granted passport. The occasion was a golden chance for the applicants whose passports files for the year 2011 stand closed.

Jammu, April 27
YV Sharma, president and members of Chamber of Commerce & Industry (CCI) Jammu has hailed the appointment of Anil Goswami, as the Union Home Secretary.

The chamber feels that Goswami with the vast experience at many prestigious posts both in the state as well as in the Center will leave an indelible mark of his personality in the new assignment.

Chamber also feels that the elevation of Goswami to this coveted post is a candid recognition of his administrative acumen and chequered experience in the bureaucratic setup. The Home Ministry has been facing lot of attacks from the people especially on its policy on Kashmir, chamber feels that the seasoned experience will bring a semblance of sagacity, dexterity and sanity in this regard.

The Chamber is sure that Goswami will earn glorious accolades from one and all during his tenure as the Home Secretary of the country. We compliment him and assure him of our all-out willing cooperation at all times.

Katra, April 27
The Hotel & Restaurant Association, Katra, in a condolence meeting organised to condole the sudden demise of Rajinder Singh Kotwal, General Secretary of the association, at Hotel Katra Continental, highlighted the role played by Kotwal in every sphere of life.

Paying his tribute, president of the association Shyam Lal Kesar said Kotwal was the pioneer of the hotel industry at Katra and was the one who started a proper hotel line here, way back in the eighties. His role as a hotelier cannot be forgotten, he added.

Baldev Raj Sharma, MLA Reasi, said Kotwal played a great role in the promotion of tourism in the state in his different capacities and the people connected with the tourism industry would remember him for years to come.

Rakesh Wazir, senior vice-president of the association, highlighted the role of Kotwal, especially during the festivals of Navratras, Shiv Khori and Bhadwah. He said he had played a big role in the development of these areas as well.

All the assembled people maintained silence for two minutes for peace to the departed soul and for giving strength to the aggrieved family members.

Rajouri, April 27
A ‘Baisakhi mela’ was organised by the Rashtriya Rifles Battalion at Saryah, yesterday for the local populace of the far-flung border areas of Naushera tehsil in border disitrct Rajouri. Nearly 2,300 villagers from the nearby villages, including ladies and children, attended the mela.

Various stalls were displayed by the civil departments like SBI, J&K bank, Grameen Bank, LIC Office, Agriculture and Horticulture for awareness and guidance to the villagers of far flung border areas.

The function was given a glittering touch by the various cultural programmes presented by school children.

In addition, various sports activities like run-for-fun for children upto 16 years and inter panchayat tug-of-war were also conducted for the villagers. Prizes were distributed to the winners and participants.

The Rashtriya Rifles also initiated a unique step to uplift children, by sponsoring four children from BPL families for their education and overall development.

The Commander Sector, Rashtriya Rifles, was the chief guest of the occasion and also inaugurated the playfield for Government Middle School, Saryah. While addressing the local populace, Commander said the Army had been conducting various welfare activities, vocational training, recruitment guidance cadre to uplift villagers and also emphasised the goal of Army as ‘Awaam Ke Liye, Awaam Ke Saath’.

Purshottam Lal, Sarpanch, Saryah, said he was grateful to the Army for organising such a gala event in their village.

Jammu, April 27
The 157 Territorial Army (TA) and Pallanwala Club registered wins in their respective matches to advance into the next round of the Open Volleyball Tournament, which commenced at Government Higher Secondary School, Muthi, in the memory of veteran player late Karan Singh.

In the first match, 157 TA got the better of CRPF A team by 25-17, 25-23. In another match, Volleyball Club, Pallanwala, notched up a thumping 2-0 win over Volleyball Club, Sidhra. The set score read 25-09, 25-20.

In other matches played in the afternoon session, 4 Madras beat 2 Garhwal 25-17, 25-10 and CRPF B beat Volleyball Club, Gurah Mundian, 25-19, 25-14. The matches were officiated by Rajesh Virdhi, Balwinder Singh, Shashi Sharma and Mulkh Raj.

Earlier, the tournament was declared open by Inspector General of Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), KS Bhandari, who was the chief guest on the occasion. Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG), Armed, Johney William was the guest of honour. Both the dignitaries interacted with the teams playing in the inaugural matches.

A two-minute silence was observed to pay homage to veteran volleyball player Karan Singh, who died in a tragic road accident on Akhnoor road. Shashi Sharma is the organising secretary of the tournament, which is being held under the banner of the Volleyball Association of J&K.

Jammu, April 27
Pranav Krishan, a student of KC Public School, secured the first position in the recently concluded 3rd Science Olympiad Foundation (SOF).

The event was organised by the British Council throughout the country wherein 10 students of the school had participated.—TNS

Jammu, April 27
Government Middle School, Kandi, had the last laugh against Middle School, Lower Kandi, in under-14 age group during the Inter-School Kabaddi Tournament at Zonal level, being organised by the Department of Youth Services and Sports, Rajouri.

In ,kho-kho, Baba Nazam-u-Din Academy overcame the challenge of Middle School, Panjnara, while in girls’ section, Government Girls Middle School, Kandi, drubbed Global Educational Mission, Kotranka, with ease.

Government Higher School, Gabber, beat Government Middle School, Jaglanoo, in volleyball. The tournament is being organised under the Directorate of Youth Services and Sports, under the supervision of DYSSO, Rajouri, Mohammad Ayaz Khan.