Jammu, June 7
If you can’t walk in the corridors of a hospital without covering your face with a cloth, you can well imagine the state of cleanliness in its premises. Such is the condition of the region’s biggest, the Government Medical College (GMC), Jammu, courtesy its management.

The hospital with all facilities and well-qualified doctors on its rolls is fast losing confidence of the people for lack of proper upkeep and cleanliness. Patients and their attendants are forced to bear the stink in the corridors.

Behind the old emergency ward, water from the first floor is leaking into the corridor, leading to unhygienic condition for patients and their attendants.

One of the two elevators in the hospital has been is out of order for months and even the second one does not work properly. “It is difficult to breath inside the hospital. Even a healthy person may get infected due to the garbage and stink,” said Ashraf Hussain, an attendant.

“This is the only reason why people prefer to go out of the state or to private hospitals for treatment, but it’s not possible for everyone to go to private hospitals, how can the authorities take the lives of the poor for granted,” he asked.

Rajesh Sharma, 48 from Rajouri, an attendant said, “Everyone is concerned about the Super Specialty, all the facilities are being shifted there and no one is taking care of the facilities at this hospital.”

Dr Ravinder Rattan Paul, Medical Superintendent, GMC, said, “We are doing our best and making more efforts to make the hospital cleaner, but sometime there can be some lapses, but we are on the job. The lifts are very old, and we plan to replace them. Renovation work in going on in five wards and all the leakages and others things will be settled down soon,” he added.

Jammu, June 7
From the outside, its shiny windows and tall building make it look decidedly futuristic and luxurious, but as visitors walk through the doors, rot in the state health sector becomes obvious. The story of the hyped Super Specialty Hospital constructed at a cost of Rs 120 crore, which was made partially functional on May 6 after missing six deadlines, is not very different.

Spread over 45 kanals, the dream project approved by the BJP led National Democratic Front (NDA) government in 2004, the construction started in 2006 to upgrade the Government Medical College (GMC) to level of the All India Institute of Medical Science (AIIMS), one each at Srinagar and Jammu.

The Indoor OPD has six super specialties, including cardiology, cardio thoracic surgery, urology, neurology, neurosurgery and nephrology but the building lacks even basic facilities. No funds were sanctioned for the huge building from plan and non-plan allocation, affecting its operation.

The 500-bed hospital has no ventilators, commissioning of oxygen chamber has been delayed while there is no fully functional pathological lab and required staff and no doctors have been made available.

Out of the 22 ventilators purchased by the hospital, 17 have been shifted to the GMC while there are only 13 specialists, who were shifted from the medical college to run the OPDs yet patients are sent back to the GMC for admission. Nearly 819 posts were created in various categories for the hospital but the recruitment process has been delayed due to the lack of funds.

“It has become a symbol of unplanned expansion of the health infrastructure without giving any consideration how to run these institutions and allot manpower to make them work. There is need for Rs 60 crore per annum to run the institutions," said a senior doctor. Minister for Medical Education, Taj-Mohi-ud-Din, and in-charge Principal, GMC, Dr Shashi Gupta, could not be contacted.

Poonch, June 7
A police officer Mohd Aslam deployed at the District Hospital, Poonch, allegedly committed suicide by shooting himself with his service rifle at the hospital today.

The deceased, a local resident shot himself with his service rifle at 11:15 am. He fired four shots with his AK rifle and died on the spot, the police said.

Sources said he had some dispute with his wife. The body was handed over to his family after the post-mortem examination.

Jammu, June 7
A minor fire broke out in the bushes near Nehru hostel on the Jammu University campus today, leading to panic among officers and students. No loss of life or property was reported in the incident.

According to the eyewitnesses, the fire broke out in the bushes and wild grass near Nehru Hostel at 12.30 pm. The reason behind the fire could not be ascertained. Senior officers of the university rushed to the spot and called the Fire brigade. One fire tender doused the fire.

Doda, June 7
Minister for R&B, Abdul Majid Wani, inaugurated 26-metre long motorable bridge over Gadi Nullah at Dessa road here today. The bridge has been constructed by the PWD (R&B) Division at a cost of Rs 119.56 lakh.

Addressing a gathering at Bhagwah, Manjmi, Thanote and Gai Dessa, Wani said the infrastructure development process initiated by the government was showing its impact in the rural as well as urban areas and various backward and unconnected areas of Dessa, Bharath, Marmat and Gandoh. He said the present coalition government wants to connect every unconnected habitation with roads and provide other basic amenities.

He aid the road connectivity percentage of the region during the economic survey of 2005 was just 5.6 per cent and now it is 40 per cent which was possible due to liberal funding from the Centre. With the central funds the government was able to connect hilly and backward areas with towns and cities. He said various road projects are on in the district whereas various others are in the pipeline and soon we will be able to connect every habitation with roads.

Jammu, June 7
In a jolt to applicants who were allotted flats at Jagti Satellite Township from non-camp migrant quota, the Jammu and Kashmir Relief Department has ordered re-verification of 8,000 applications received for the same.

The move follows allegations of favouritism and nepotism levelled against Relief Commissioner (migrant), RK Pandita, and his officers for not considering genuine applicants and allegedly allotting flats to their relatives and those who offered money.

Few non-camp migrants approached the court and got a status quo order on the allotment of flats.

Sources said only 2,000 applications were verified and 6,000 were put on hold. “Out of these 2000 applications, 549 applicants were allotted flats but this allotment came under the scanner when allotments for 100 flats were found as not genuine,” source said.

“These 100 people were either government employees or pensioners who didn't fall under this category. For the remaining 6,000 applications, only 100 flats were left for their allotment,” sources added. 

Jammu, June 7
Garbage piles at the University of Jammu campus, the country's first ISO certified institute of higher learning and research, as the ongoing strike of non-gazetted employees, including sanitation workers, entered 27th day today.

Various administrative and academic departments have virtually turned into garbage dumps.

Visitors complain of the lack of sanitation on the campus as garbage has not been removed from the administrative and academic departments.

“The old administrative block has become a garbage dump as waste material, including papers and garbage can be seen scattered on various floors of the building. The stink emanating from various blocks of the department has added to the woes of the students and visitors," said a student with her face covered with a handkerchief.

Krishan Chand, president Jammu University Non-Gazetted and Casual Workers Association, said they would intensify their agitation from Monday if their demands were not met.

Jammu, June 7
As trees are leading to short circuits in high tension power lines supplying electricity to various localities in the city and damaging the transformers, the Power Development Department (PDD) will start chopping trees at various places which are hindering the supply.

Trees on sides of roads, particularly in Gandhi Nagar, Shastri Nagar, Kunjwani Road and many interior areas, have become a major culprit, snapping electricity supply and at times plunging residential colonies into darkness.

In order to carry out preventive maintenance of 11 KV feeders in the sub division-I green belt, Gandhi Nagar, the power supply to the green belt, AD, BD, DC block and adjoining areas to be fed from RC-1 feeder, PHE, MAM College, Amar Singh Club fed from RC-6 feeder, Police Lines, Polytechnic and Bikram Chowk being fed from RC-5 feeder will remain affected on June 8 from 6 am to 11 am.

“Trees that soar too near the high tension lines create hazards and if left unattended, can result in fire or extensive damage to the distribution and transmission system,” said a PDD official.

While crores are being spent on the so called “power reforms” in urban cities of Jammu and Kashmir, worn out power lines and supporting infrastructure is becoming a threat to the lives of people.

Electricity supplied to most areas is passing through worn-out cables laid three decades ago, which have become threat for the people, particularly those living in congested areas of the city.

Rajouri, June 7
The Minister of State for Health, Shabir Ahmad Khan, who was on the tour of Rajouri District, today inspected pace of progress of several ongoing projects in border villages of the area.

He also visited various areas of his constituency, took stock of people’s problems and directed concerned authorities for early redressal of people’s grievances and fulfilment of developmental needs.

The minister inspected pace of progress of Rs 2.62 crore under execution 6.3 MVA receiving station, Ghambir Brahmana. He was apprised by the concerned authorities that Rs 1.75 crore has been spent on the said project and would be completed during this fiscal.

Shabir also inspected the pace of progress of under construction Rs 4.78 crore, Panjgrain Water Supply Scheme and Rs 3.4 crore 4 km road project Ghambir Khankri. He was apprised of that till date a cumulative amount of Rs 1.6 crore have been spent on the execution of these projects.

He was assured by the concerned authorities that construction work of these projects would be completed within stipulated time frame.

The minister directed concerned executing agencies to increase their efforts and accelerate the pace of work on the ongoing developmental projects in the area for their timely completion to percolate their benefits to the people well in time. He also called for utilisation of slandered material and judicious use of government money in execution of the projects.The minister also addressed public meeting at Ghambir Brahmana.

The minister said power infrastructure in Panjgrain area would be upgraded and a detailed project report of Rs 1.40 crore had been moved to Centre for funding the project.

Jammu, June 7
To mark World Environment Day, Vodafone India organised a painting competition at Ved Mandir, an orphanage at Jammu. Tsering Dolkar and Pooja Kumari were adjudged as winners of the competition and were given prizes.

The children were asked to draw paintings on the theme ‘Save the Earth’. Through their paintings, children depicted planting of tress, recycling of waste material, reducing industrial waste and generating social awareness towards keeping the environment clean.

Speaking about the initiative, Asit Shekhar, Business Head for Punjab, HP and J&K, Vodafone India, said “We understand the need to engage in sustainable practices and to contribute positively towards the environment. We understand that a responsible business is one that is good for people, good for the environment and good for the society.”

“We aspire to be no less. Our constant endeavour is to make a difference to our workplace, marketplace, environment and community. This initiative not only helped us in aking a difference to the environment but also bring joy to the lives of the children in orphanage. The activity has instilled a commitment within us to conduct such programmes more often,” he added.

Jammu, June 7
Jammu College of Physiotherapy Hospital (JCPH), a concern of Shri Sain Charitable Trust for Higher Education and Research, organised a one-day free physiotherapy check up camp for the inmates of Mother Teresa Home, Janipur, today.

At the outset, Chairman of JCPH Dr Roop Lal Sharma addressed the patients, staff, final year students and management of Mother Teresa Home and highlighted the various activities of the college and hospital. On the occasion, the management distributed eatables among the inmates of the Home as a gesture of goodwill.

The purpose of the camp was to screen musculoskeletal and neurological problems among the inmates of the Home and provide free treatment to the patients subsequently.

The team of doctors headed by hospital superintendent Dr Navinderpal Singh examined the patients and provided free treatment to them. The team comprised of SC Joshi, hospital administrator, Dr Rishu Sharma, Dr Sunyina and final year students. In the end, Sister Roshni, in charge of the Mother Teresa Home, appreciated the efforts of the hospital management for the noble service.

Jammu, June 7
The J&K Christian Dalit Association (JKCDA) has demanded a special drive to uplift the community in the state. Chairman of association S Peter, who called on Chief Secretary Iqbal Khandey today, strongly advocated for special concession for Christian dalit youth for selection in the KAS and KPS cadre.

He also demanded one per cent reservation for dalit Christians in civil services and professional institutions.

He stated that the community had faced neglect in the past, with most of them traditionally working as safai karamcharies from ages. “But lately, due to the policies of the government as well as a result of awakening, many youth have done academic and professional courses”, he said.

But for lack of any policy for their recruitment and reservation, their placements in government or private jobs were very limited. In order to provide them dignity and a sense of social justice, the youth in the community should be provided special concessions for their further progress and employment on jobs, Peter told the Chief Secretary.

Khandey assured Peter that the points raised by him would be given sympathetic consideration and he would take up the matter of undertaking effective measures to uplift Christan dalits with the government.

Later, Peter also called on the PHE and Irrigation Minister Sham Lal Sharma and made a strong case for recruitment of dalits as daily wagers in the PHE and Irrigation Departments, as well as employment of qualified youth on regular jobs.

Jammu, June 7
The National Conference Students Union (NCSU) yesterday organised a day-long convention to discuss various issues confronting student community from higher secondary level to the university level.

The convention was held under the chairmanship of the NCSU provincial president Rakesh Chib at the University of Jammu.

The NCSU members who participated in the convention discussed the current issues and put forth some suggestions and solutions for the numbers of problems which were being faced by the students.

Chib expressed gratitude to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and provincial president of National Conference, Jammu province, Devender Singh Rana for their inspiration to work for the youth of the state.

He informed the students about various government sponsored schemes, including Shere-Kashmir Youth Employment Programme, Udaan, Seed Capital Funds schemes and Voluntary Services Allowance (VSA), Public Service Guarantee Act (PSGA).

Jammu, June 7
A day after Chief Minister Omar Abdullah announced that his government would take up necessary measures to introduce Dogri language, along with Kashmiri and Boddhi, in Class IX and Class X in all government-run institutions, Dogri literature lovers today said the government must translate its statement into actions if it was “serious” about promotion of Dogri language.

“Such statements have been coming from political class since long. I would be very happy if the government practically implements the decision on ground and start teaching Dogri language as a regular subject at Class IX and Class X level in all government schools,” said Padma Sachdev, the doyen of Dogri literature, while talking to The Tribune over phone from Mumbai.

She regretted that except hollow slogans, the political class, including successive Chief Ministers of the state, had done nothing to promote Dogri language in the state.

“The Dogri language was included in the 8th Schedule after great struggle of the people who worked hard for its promotion. I have no faith in such statements and the government must be sincere in its approach vis-à-vis promotion of Dogri,” Sachdev said.

Yesterday, the Chief Minister, while interacting with a deputation of Adbee Markaz Kamraz in Srinagar, had said the government would take up necessary measures to introduce Kashmiri, Dogri and Boddhi in the Classes IX ans X. He had said the School Education Department would be asked to prepare a comprehensive proposal for the State Cabinet to discuss the issue.

Prof Lalit Magotra, president, Dogri Sanstha, Jammu, said if the government was serious to introduce Dogri in Class IX and Class X as a regular subject, he would welcome it.

“It is a long pending demand of lovers of Dogri literature that the language should be introduced at all levels. So far, the Dogri language is being taught as optional subject in Class IX and Class X subjects and if the government plans to make it a regular subject, we welcome it,” Magotra said.

He said there were 31 higher secondary schools which were recently upgraded in Jammu division but the students studying in these schools deprived of Dogri subject.

“The Dogri subject was replaced with Urdu. We are not against the Urdu subject but the students must get a chance to learn Dogri language in these schools,” he said.

Professor Shiv Dev Singh Manhas, Head, Department of Dogri, University of Jammu, welcomed the Chief Minister’s announcement and said it would definitely help the younger generation to get themselves acquainted with the historical importance of Dogri language.

“Individually, I believe that nobody should be forced to learn or speak a particular language. It is a welcome step,” Manhas said.

Sunil Sharma, a research scholar from Department of Dogri, University of Jammu, while appreciating the Chief Minister’s remarks, demanded that the government should make Dogri language compulsory from Class Nursery to Class X in all private as well as government schools.

“It is a natural phenomenon worldwide that only those people have excelled in their life who have worked with and spoken their mother tongue. It is the duty of the government to make Dogri a compulsory subject in all educational institutions,” Sharma said.

Rajouri, June 7
The Counter Insurgency Force, based at Rajouri, inaugurated a four-day cultural and sports mela at Thanamandi, district Rajouri, today. The mela was attended by more than 800 people of the area. The aim of the mela is to inculcate the spirit of sports culture and sportsmanship amongst the youth.

The mela will feature a number of sports competitions including volleyball, kabaddi and kho-kho. Around 14 teams from the nearby areas will be participating in each event. Besides, the event will also provide an opportunity to the school and college students to show their creative talents during the cultural rogramme and sports competition.

Ayaz Khan, the District Youth Services and Sports Officer appreciated the efforts of Army and exhorted the youth to make full use of this opportunity. The closing ceremony, including a traditional cultural show, will be held June 11,2013.