Jammu, May 1
Fear gripped people in the temple city as the earthquake having epicentre in Bhaderwah shook the region in the afternoon. In the past one month, this was the fourth time when tremors were felt in the city.

In several localities, people came out of their homes, fearing damage to their properties. They called up their near and dear ones to know their well-being. Though there have been no reports of any damage in the city, but the administration is monitoring the situation.

“We felt the shock for 10 minutes and rushed out of our home. It was scary for everyone. Hope things get normal now as we felt tremors several times during the day,” said Rajesh Sharma, a government employee.

The tremors became talk of the town, as people fear there may be strong after-shocks. “After 2005 and reports that Jammu & Kashmir falls in high seismic zone, fear is always in our minds. Need to remain alert,” said Shikha, an MA Political Science student.

When contacted, Agro-meteorologist Dr MK Khushu said it was a major earthquake whose epicentre was 10 km below the surface of earth near Thatri in Bhaderwah.

“It was 5.8 on the Richter scale and people need to remain alert. Earthquakes cannot be predicted and the only advice for people is whenever they feel tremors, move out of home, office, school and high-rise buildings,” Dr Khushu said.

After the deadly quake in 2005, Jammu and Kashmir has enacted National Disaster Management Act, after which, initiatives were launched to minimise damage to life and property due to natural disasters.

As per the provisions of Disaster Management Act 2005, the state government has constituted the State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA), the State Executive Committee (SEC) and the district disaster management authorities.

girl rescued The Indian Air Force (IAF) on Wednesday came to the rescue of an earthquake victim in Kishtwar today when the IAF’s efforts were requisitioned by the civil administration to rescue a girl who came under the debris of a collapsed building. The girl who was one of injured, was having a serious brain injury. The condition of the girl child, Muskan, who is just six years old and is daughter of a labourer of Chhattisgarh, was deteriorating continuously. The IAF service to admit her to GMC Hospital, Jammu was requisitioned. The IAF pressed its Cheetah aircraft into service from the nearby base of Udhampur. The girl was evacuated and flown with an attendant Ganesh to Jammu safely. Muskan was further shifted to Government Medical College & Hospital Jammu for further treatment. - TNS

Jammu, May 1
Opposition from senior doctors at the Government Medical College (GMC), Jammu, has derailed the plan of the state government to open an evening clinic in the medical colleges and its associated hospitals.

After a ban on private practise of senior doctors, including Head of Departments (HoD) in January, the state government had proposed to open up clinics in the GMC, Jammu and Srinagar, but faculty members from both the premier institutions have opposed the move.

Sources said the doctors were up in arms against the decision citing shortage of staff and infrastructure to make the proposal operational, at a time when hospitals were already overburdened with patients and basic requirements were not been fulfilled.

Sources said both the Department of Medical Education and members of the Medical Teachers Association (MTA) were at loggerheads over the issue as it was proposed to be made functional from May 1.

“It will be a big failure in the long run as there are no facilities and manpower to run such clinics. It will further burden the doctors and affect the day-to-day functioning at the medical colleges,” said a senior doctor.

As per the proposal, the clinic had to operate from Col RN Chopra Nursing Home at GMC and Medical College, Srinagar. Patients visiting these clinics would have to pay fees decided by the state government.

“The Finance Department has opposed the non-practising allowance (NPA) for us. Where is the infrastructure to deal with a huge number of patients, who will approach the clinics. When patients have to pay, why not a private clinic?,” said Dr SK Bali, general secretary, MTA.

“The patients visiting GMC are given long dates for certain tests and investigations due to heavy rush and paucity of equipments. How will you accommodate the patients of evening clinics?,” said a doctor.

However, Minister for Health and Medical Education Taj Mohi-ud-Din said the arrangements would be made in a due course of time, but evening clinics would be made operational. “If there are some issues, they will be sorted out, but clinics will be functional for the benefit of poor patients,” he said.

Jammu, May 1
The Jammu Municipal Corporation (JMC) has started distributing notices to the people of the Jammu city for paying the user charges, to strengthen project of door-to-door garbage collection project in the city, but residents want JMC to provide the facilities first.

The issue of collection of user charges has surfaced once again, with the JMC issuing notices to pay the user charges for sanitation from March 2011, failing which residents will be penalised by the Municipal Court.

The much talked-about proposal of door-to-door garbage collection in the city was grounded due to the shortage of manpower and funds.

The cash-strapped Corporation doesn’t have enough funds to collect or dispose of the garbage and solid waste on scientific lines. The project, however, was started in all posh localities of the city in 2009.

The health officer of the JMC Dr Vinod Sharma has drafted a notice for all the families within the municipal limit to pay the sanitation charges. However, the people of the city are in a state of bewilderment as they have no idea regarding this.

The user charges were levied to the residents living within 71 wards of the territorial jurisdiction of JMC vide order no 373 dated: 30/03/2011.

“We have distributed the notice to hundreds of families in last one month, and got a good response from some areas like Channi, Gandhi Nagar etc, but many people have refused to pay. They have been challaned by the Sanitary Inspector and penalised by Municipal Court,” he added.

Health Officers said that if people want good services from JMC, they should cooperate and pay these nominal charges. “We lack manpower as well as money. Paying Rs 50/month per family is not a big deal, where people will get all the facilities. This money will be spent on building infrastructure and to pay for manpower,” said Dr Sharma.

However, there is a mixed response from the general public about these charges. Most of the people welcomed this step, but they want JMC to provide the services first. However, JMC is seeking money first and has promised to give the services after that.

“It sounds good that JMC will provide all the services to each family in the municipal limits for just Rs 50/month, but they have to build trust among the people and start providing services, so that people can come forward to pay for the services,” said Sukhvinder Singh, a resident of Nanak Nagar.

“Seeing the present day scenario, no one has trust in the promises of JMC as most of the wards still do not have streetlights and sweepers,” he added.

Praveen Verma, another citizen of Nanak Nagar, said, “JMC has its own earnings and sanctioned budget from the state government, so why are they asking us to pay for sanitation and streetlights? We are already paying taxes; these are basic amenities and they should provide these free of cost.”

Rajouri, May 1
Eighteen-year-old Shariq Shabab, son of Mohammed Shabir, resident of Trala in border district Rajouri, and nephew of People’s Democratic Party (PDP) Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) Zulfiqar Chowdhary, died in District Hospital Rajouri today owing to alleged medical negligence on the part of doctors.

The incident occurred at about 10.30 am today, when Shariq was undergoing surgery at District Hospital Rajouri, relatives alleged. Taking a serious view of the incident, MLA Zulfiqar said, “I am surprised to see reports which show that no necessary tests had been conducted, no blood test, not even an X-ray was conducted before his surgery.”

Irate over alleged negligence of doctors and misleading of family members of the patient, scores of the deceased’s relatives assembled at the hospital. Additional police force was deployed outside as well as inside the hospital.

Zulfiqar raised several questions and slammed the hospital authorities for their “negligent attitude” resulting in several deaths in the hospital in the recent past. “This has happened to the nephew of an MLA. What could you expect for the poor in this hospital?” he said.

He demanded strict action against the doctors allegedly involved in the negligence leading to the death.

At about 1.30 pm, MLA, Zulfiqar Chowdhary had a discussion with district administration officials including the new District Commissioner, Rajouri, Faqir Chand Bhagat, Superintendent of Police, Mubassir Latifi, and Assistant Commissioner Revenue including several other senior members of district health department, civil society and relatives of the deceased at the hospital.

Meanwhile, District Commissioner Faqir Chand Bhagat has ordered a magisterial probe in this incident by forming a time-bound inquiry team headed by Assistant Commissioner Revenue Rajouri and Deputy SP headquarter. They are to submit their report to the District Development Commissioner within a week’s time.

Later, the body of the deceased was handed over to the family for last rites.

Jammu, May 1
Shiv Sena and Sikh organisations today staged a protest against the acquittal of Congress leader Sajjan Kumar in a case relating to his role in 1984 anti-Sikh riots. The protesters termed the decision as murder of justice.

The Sena workers, under leadership of president Ashok Gupta, took out a procession in the city, waving black flags against the verdict and the Centre’s apathy towards the victims.

Speaking on the occasion, Gupta said, quoting from various commissions and committees which have probed the 1984 riots and claimed that Congress leaders and workers had incited or helped mobs in attacking Sikhs.

“Even as news of the death of the Prime Minister (Indira Gandhi) spread, Congress leaders were distributing voters’ list and ration cards among themselves to single out Sikhs,” he said, adding that houses were branded as was done by Nazi forces against Jews during World War II.

He said the government of the day was so “insensitive” that small businessmen whose property was damaged in the anti-Sikh riots were not given insurance cover.

The party did not spare Prime Minister Manmohan Singh either and said though he had expressed regret in Parliament over the riots, no action was taken.

Meanwhile, various Sikh organisations today protested against the decision of New Delhi court and demanded justice for the riot victims. Sikh organisations under the banner of Bhai Kanhaiya Jee Nishkam Seva Society alleged that it is unfortunate that those involved in the killing and inciting mob to attack the community members have been acquitted by the court.

“It took 29 years for the court to decide on the issue but no justice was delivered. Rather, those involved in planning the attack on the community have been released by the court,” said Mohinder Singh, chief organiser of the society.

Katra, May 1
People of Reasi have something to cheer about as the first bus, under the aegis of the Jammu and Kashmir State Road Transport Corporation, began its services from Reasi to Haridwar on weekly basis from today.

The first bus left at 12.30 pm today carrying passengers to Haridwar, which was inaugurated by Sardar Rajinder Singh Tara, Additional Deputy Commissioner, Reasi. The 33-seater bus will cater to the passengers from Reasi and will be plying every Wednesday.

The Jammu & Kashmir State Road Transport Corporation has finally acceded to the long-standing demand of the bus service for the people of Reasi. Shami Kumar, Assistant Regional Transport Officer, Reasi, informed that the 33-seater bus would go a long way in providing convenient travel for the people of Reasi.

He said the advance booking counters had been established at Reasi and Katra. The ticket amounts to Rs 542 per person.

Residents have welcomed the move and said the people were facing a lot of inconvenience as there was no direct bus service available to Haridwar, now they would find the journey comfortable with the introduction of the service from Reasi today.

Various political and other organisations have also hailed the decision and said with the start of this service, more passengers would prefer using the bus service.

Samba, May 1
Chief Secretary (CS) Iqbal Khandey today exhorted upon the district dispensation of Samba to expedite works on various water supply schemes being executed in the district as the people of the Kandi belt have to face a lot in this regard, especially in the summers.

Khanday was chairing a meeting held to review the pace of progress on the developmental projects being executed under various state and Centrally-sponsored schemes.

Discussion was held threadbare on all major developmental works and other issues related to health, education, agriculture, horticulture, social welfare, drinking water supply and road connectivity. He asked the officers to explore possibilities and formulate project proposals on sectors having potential to accelerate economic development and employment in the district.

The CS directed the chief engineer, PDD, to address the issue regarding the buffer stock of transformers, besides instructing the chief engineers of the PHE and PWD for expediting works on water supply and road connectivity programmes.

While reviewing performance of the Agriculture and Horticulture Departments, the Chief Secretary laid emphasis on paying focused attention on these sectors as these play a pivotal role in the socio-economic emancipation of rural masses. He asked the officers concerned to ensure that the field functionaries conduct regular visits to their respective areas for effective implementation of various schemes under agriculture, horticulture, fisheries and rural development. 

Jammu, May 1
Shiv Roop Charitable Trust (Regd) has decided to set up and run coaching classes for poor students in Jammu appearing for professional courses.

The trust will run month-long coaching courses for Bcom and Bcom (Hons) students in income tax law and practice and also in corporate accounting from May 1 to May 31. According to the press statement, the trust will also start coaching classes for the poor students. “Those desirous of joining the coaching classes can apply for registration at the office of the trust,” the statement says.

The decision to set up the coaching classes for the benefit of the poor students was taken in a meeting of the trust held here today, which was attended by all the trustees and presided over by Vaid Prakash Sharma (Retd Assistant Commissioner).

Vijay Gandotra, a founder trustee, said one of the objectives was to establish and run the educational institution for facility of the poor people. — TNS

Jammu, May 1
Considering the requirements for industrial units, a modernised postal complex under project ‘Arrow’ has been established with logistic and parcel post centres at Bari Brahmana today.

Minister for Housing and Horticulture Raman Bhalla inaugurated the complex in the presence of John Samuel, Chief Postmaster General, Jammu and Kashmir.

The minister appreciated the efforts of the Department of Posts, especially John Samuel, for giving a new identity to the India Post in Jammu and Kashmir.

He said extending the postal facilities would not only increase the revenue, but also help the people in getting the desired facilities at their doorsteps.

Bhalla said the newly established logistic and parcel post centres would cater to the business needs of Bari Brahmana industrial area.

John Samuel said, “The modern post office presents a new look and has all the latest services for public,” adding that the logistics post was a premium service and offered a range of integrated distribution of goods and parcels, including a pick up facility, warehousing along with distribution and return management.

The service provides end to end supply chain management to the customers by offering value added services, he added.

“The express parcel post handles products up to 35 kg, while the logistics parcel can book without any specific weight limit,” Samuel said.

Business customers from industrial estate can send their parcels and goods through logistics post offered by India Post.

To provide these services, warehousing facility had been made available at Bari Brahmana Industrial Estate Post Office, he added.

Jammu, May 1
The Tribune today organised a function at Army Public School, Ratnuchak, to give away the prizes to students, who participated in cognisance scrapbook competition.

Chief Guest Chairman Brig KS Brar, Commander, 3 Independent Armed Brigade, who gave away the prizes.

The first prize, a laptop was given to Suchaiter Sharma, a class VIII student, while the second and third prize, a desktop computer was clinched by Ajay Sharma of class X and and Taina Kumari of class VII.

Principal Sonal Sharma and librarian Keshav Raj Sharma was also present on the occasion and appreciated the students.

Consolation prizes were given to 14 students while a total of 44 students had submitted their scrapbooks.

The competition was organised by The Tribune in December in which more than 30 schools and thousands of students had participated. 

Jammu, May 1
Members of the National Mazdoor Conference (NMC) today appealed to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to start the process for constitution of the 7th Pay Commission and hold discussion with representatives of both the Central and state government employees in this regard.

Recalling that it was under Singh that the last pay panel was set up in 2005, Shastri requested that the decision be taken on priority for constitution of the 7th Pay Commission.

“A notification for constitution of the 7th Pay Commission is the need of the hour, which is bound to have bearing up to about 1 crore employees and pensioners both at the Centre and state government,” he said.

Addressing a May Day rally in Jammu, Shastri pointed out that except the 6th Pay Commission, all earlier Pay Commissions were constituted in the third year of every decade.

"50 per cent of the DA should be merged into basic pay and pension," he said, adding that, the 20 per cent interim relief and 8 per cent DA installment, with effect from January 2013, should be sanctioned as early as possible in favour of the state government employees and pensioners.

"There should be time-bound implementation of policy for regularisation of daily wagers, who have completed seven years of service in March 2012," Shastri said. "The wages of the daily wagers should also be raised to Rs 10,000 per month," he added.

Among others who spoke on the occasion were Rajan Babu Khajuria, Sham Lal Sharma, Rakesh Padha, Anil Singh Slathia, Subash Sharma, Sunil Kochhar and others.

Kathua, May 1
Keeping in view the apprehensions of aftershocks of the earthquake, all educational institutions of Bani, Lohai-Malhar, Billawar, Mahanpur, Basohli and Bhaddu will be closed on May 2.

This was directed by the District Development Commissioner, Kathua. — TNS