Jammu, August 29
Bhim Singh, chief patron of Panthers Party, today appealed to people of the state, especially the youth, to strengthen communal harmony and brotherhood.

He was addressing a gathering while flagging off a communal harmony yatra here this morning. He appealed to the people of Kishtwar to join the yatra to uphold the centuries’ old traditions of communal harmony.

“Ours is a great nation which has been showing the light of love, peace, tolerance and human dignity to the whole world since times immemorial”, he said.

He added, “Jammu and Kashmir is the crest of the nation and we are proud of being citizens of India. All religions in the world and all sages and saints have been teaching the upholding of human dignity and mutual respect for all fellow human beings.”

He said the Panthers Party undertook the communal harmony yatra from Jammu to Kishtwar and the mission and message of the Panthers Party was that justice and equity were essential elements for dignified living in a country like India which was the largest democracy in the world.

Prominent Panthers Party leaders participating in the yatra included MLAs Harsh Dev Singh, Balwant Singh Mankotia and Yashpaul Kundal. 

Jammu, August 29
After witnessing a significant improvement in terms of planning, supervision and monitoring of various schemes, the Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MFPI), Government of India, has approved continuation of the Centrally sponsored scheme, the National Mission on Food Processing (NMFP), during the remainder of 12th Five-Year Plan period (2013-17) in all states and union territories, including J&K.

It may be mentioned here that the MFPI had launched this scheme during 2012-13 with the sole objective to decentralise implementation of ministry’s schemes. The scheme also aims at capacity development and skill upgrade through institutional training to ensure sustainable employment opportunities to people and reduce the gap in requirement and availability of skilled manpower in the food processing sector.

Sources said to carry out administration of the State Food Processing Mission, a state-level empowered committee would be constituted by the state government under the chairmanship of the Chief Secretary having representatives from other departments concerned, including the Finance Department.

The MFPI would nominate its representative who would be a Member in the state-level empowered committee. The mission Director, to be appointed by the state government, would be the nodal agency and would be responsible for implementation and monitoring of the NMFP.

Though the scheme would be implemented as a new Centrally sponsored scheme in all states in the ratio of 75:25, the ratio would be 90:10 for J&K and north-eastern states. All union territories would be funded on 100 per cent grant basis.

As far as criteria for allocation of funds to states was concerned, the MFPI would transfer funds to states and union territories only through the state and union territory budgets for implementation of aforesaid schemes under the NMFP during the remainder of the 12th Plan (2013-17). The MFPI would communicate the allocation of each state separately.

Sources claimed that states were requested to make provision for the respective state share in their annual Plans and were advised not to exceed the total allocation (Government of India share in particular) for implementation of the NMFP during the 12th Plan.

It was also stated that no additional share of the Government of India would be provided over and above the 12th Plan allocation of the NMFP. 

Jammu, August 29
The state government today gave extension to the inquiry committee, constituted to look into various aspects related to the conduct of cancelled Common Entrance Test (CET) on June 22 and 23, till September 30.

The government's decision was seen as joke with the candidates and other stakeholders as instead of indicting and penalising the officials of Board of Professional Entrance Examination (BOPEE) for the gaffe, the government enhanced the term of the inquiry committee though there was no specified deadline for the panel to submit its report.

The cancellation of the Common Entrance Test had subjected around 24,000 aspirants to great distress following the major goof-up which led to cancellation and rescheduling of CET-2013.

"In continuation of earlier government order number issued on July 22, 2013, the date of submission of the report by Mohammad Ashraf Bukhari, Secretary, General Administration Department (then Secretary, Animal and Sheep Husbandry Department), is hereby extended up to September 30. The other terms and conditions would remain the same," the General Administration Department said in an order issued today.

The Board had to cancel the examination, conducted on June 22 and 23, after a major gaffe on the part of invigilators where the biology paper got leaked a day ahead of its scheduled exam. The invigilating staff had distributed biology paper instead of chemistry paper at some centres in Srinagar on June 22. The CET-2013 was rescheduled and conducted fresh test on July 27 and July 28.

While appointing Bukhari as inquiry officer, the government had sought suggestions from the general public for purposes of facilitating the inquiry and for arriving at logical and reasonable conclusions. The public could forward its suggestion up to August 2.

The students had lost the opportunity to get over 60 seats at National Institute of Technology, Srinagar, due to the delay in conduct of CET this year. 

Samba, August 29
The bad condition of roads at the State Industrial Development Corporation (SIDCO) complex here has become an eyesore for industrialists. The authorities are waiting for funds to be released for repair work.

The picture of the Industrial Area at Samba is becoming worse by the day, which has led to resentment among industrialists and staff working in the Industrial Area.

Roads in the complex are not in a good condition and there are no streetlights. There is nothing except wild growth and shrubs in the name of greenery.

Industrialists and workers have no expectation from the administration in this regard as nothing has been done so far in spite of many requests.

“We have requested officials of SIDCO to repair the roads and streetlights inside the complex, but nothing has been done to make the complex safe and suitable for industrialists and workers,” said Sunil Sharma, an industrial employee.

“Hundreds of workers used to come here at night, but two-wheelers usually skidded due to the bad condition of roads and absence of streetlights,” he added.

When contacted, Kishore Dutta, Senior Manager Estate, SIDCO Industrial Growth Centre, Samba, said the Centre had stopped their funding in March 2013.

“We do not have sufficient funds to maintain infrastructure in the complex and heavy rain this monsoon has damaged many roads in the Industrial Area,” he said.

“We are in the process of making a proposal for repairs, which will be sent to the office of the Joint Development Commissioner for sanction of funds,” he added. 

Jammu, August 29
Minister for Youth Services and Sports Taj Mohi-ud-Din today announced the names of outstanding sportspersons who would be awarded Sher-i-Kashmir awards in different categories for 2010-11 and 2011-12, respectively.

The coveted awards will be given to the winners on December 5. Speaking on the occasion, the minister enumerated the steps taken to strengthen sports infrastructure in the state.

Atul Pangotra will receive the award in tae kwon do discipline while Ishfaq Hussain Kand in the discipline of kayaking and canoeing in recognition of their achievements at the international level.

Other awardees included Arjun Gandotra (roller skating), Mohammad Saud Bhat (tae kwon do), Devinder Pal Singh (roller skating), Phuntsog Yangdon (skiing), Major Vikram Singh Jamwal (fencing), Masooda Akhter (skiing), Brinder Singh (tae kwon do), Arjun Gupta (tae kwon do), Kapil Pangotra (tae kwon do), Adil Mohi-ud-Din Bhat (kayaking and canoeing), Harish Kumar (powerlifting), Preet Dutta (powerlifting), Yasmeena Akhter (skiing), Arushi Kotwal (chess), Shaurya Bali (equestrian), Arjun Singh Charak (wushu), Lalit Singh (wushu) and Zaheer Abbass Khan (tae kwon do).

Speaking on the occasion, Taj informed that state-of-the-art indoor stadium was being constructed at Baramulla, besides an astro turf laden football ground. He said the indoor stadium at Srinagar was being given a new look. The minister further said every district would have a sports academy where youth would be trained in all games. 

Poonch, August 29
In an impressive function at Lower Krishna Ghati, 39 RR gave a worm send-off to 11 students for advanced studies in Udaipur. Kirat Singh, principal, HSS Chandak, was the chief guest on the occasion.

The Indian Army has always been concerned about the future of the youth of Jammu and Kashmir. Channelising the energies of youth in sports and education has been the prime focus of all perception management initiatives by the Indian Army.

Keeping in view the limited number of schools and colleges and low standard of quality professional education as well as the financial inability, the Pacific University, Udaipur, was contacted by the Indian Army to sponsor the education of selected students in the fields of Science and Technology and Commerce.

A total of 11 students were selected for advanced studies. The Pacific Society, running the Pacific University, was established in 1997 and the institution has progressed by leaps and bounds in the field of education.

It has established almost 24 institutes and become a multi-disciplinary conglomeration of colleges providing higher education in the diverse fields of engineering, management, dentistry, pharmacy, computer applications, hotel management, fire and safety management, polytechnic diploma, mass communication, fashion technology, education, arts, commerce, basic and applied sciences, MPhil and research programmes (PhD) in all relevant disciplines.

The endeavour of the Indian Army was to introduce these young minds to the outside world of advanced learning. This turning point in their lives will motivate many students to focus on education in order to achieve success in the competitive world of limited available avenues of employment. The Indian Army is definitely now being recognised as a harbinger of peace.

Speaking on the occasion, Kirat Singh lauded the efforts of the 39 RR for taking such an initiative for the students of the border district who are generally deprived of such advanced studies. He extended special gratitude to Col Munish Sharma, Commanding Officer, 39 RR, for his kind initiative.

Jammu, August 29
Rattan Lal of Government Degree College (GDC), Udhampur, bagged top honours in the annual inter-collegiate cross-country (men) championship being organised 
by the Directorate of Sports and Physical Education, University of Jammu, here today.

Bashir Ahmed of GDC Bhaderwah and Rakesh Kumar of GDC Samba secured second and third positions, respectively.

The event was organised to commemorate the birth anniversary of hockey legend late Major Dhyan Chand. A total of 40 athletes drawn from various colleges/institutes of Jammu province affiliated with the JU participated.

Earlier, Prof MPS Ishar, JU Vice-Chancellor was the chief guest on the occasion who flagged off the race in the presence of Prof Dhian S Bhau, director, Directorate of Sports and Physical Education and other officials of educational institutions.

The events were managed by Nirmal Singh, Raj Kumar Bakshi, Ravish Vaid, Gagan kumar, Sanjeev Jamwal, Nisha Sharma, Jai Bharat and Padam Dev Singh.

Jammu, August 29
The Jammu wing of the J&K College Teachers Association (JKCTA), led by its president Dr Avinash Kumar Gupta, called on University of Jammu Vice-Chancellor Prof Mohan Paul Singh Isher.

During the meeting, the JKCTA president demanded an immediate release of dues to the participants of various courses conducted by the Academic Staff College of the university. He also demanded that the remuneration bills for various university assignments should be released without any further delay, claiming that adequate funds have been earmarked and released for the same purpose.

Gupta also urged the Vice-Chancellor to follow up the issues of enhancement of remuneration rates for university assignments and reservation for wards of college teachers in the university admissions.

The Vice-Chancellor said he was personally monitoring these issues. He also directed the Controller of Examinations to convey the right interpretation of the University Council Resolution on the parity in evaluation of answer scripts to the accounts branch of the university. The association also demanded that college teachers should be allowed as research guides, especially those teachers who already have minor and major research projects to their credit. General Secretary of the association Dr Satesh Bhan was also present in the meeting.

Jammu, August 29
Jammu boys got the better of Budgam by 2-0 in the U-17 hockey in the ongoing state-level inter-divisional tournament in multi-disciplines being organised by the Department of Youth Services and Sports at different venues here today.

In other matches played in the boys section, Srinagar toppled Samba by 3-0 while Baramulla district trounced Ganderbal district by 4-0. Ramandeep, Hardeep and Arshdeep were the goal scorers for the victorious team.

In girls section, Jammu district eves had the last laugh against Budgam district by 2-0 whereas Poonch district beat Baramulla district by 5-0. Afsana and Madhu Sharma scored three and two goals, respectively.

The matches were officiated by Amarjeet Singh, Harvinder Singh, Ishpal Singh, Rachna Sharma, Jagjeet Singh, Ramandeep Singh, Mandeep Singh, Harjeet Kaur and Naveen Akhter.

Jammu, August 29
Daring XI trounced Young Star Cricket Club by a narrow margin of five runs to win the exhibition cricket match organised by the J&K Rural Sports Club at RS Pura.

Batting first after winning the toss, Daring XI accumulated 85 runs in the stipulated 10 overs which in reply, Young Star Cricket Club could manage 80 runs in their allotted quota of overs losing seven wickets in the process.

Narinder Singh, president of the club, said as a part of the nation-building awareness campaign to strengthen the social bonds, communal harmony, peace tranquility and brotherhood, J&K Rural Sports Club organised the match to celebrate Janmashtami as the national cultural heritage promotion divas.

He also lauded the performance of cricketers in the match and said the club would organise more such events in other disciplines also in the future.

Jammu, August 29
Students of MHAC School, Nagbani, emerged victorious in the district-level yoga championship being organised by the District Youth Services and Sports Department, Jammu.

The students will now compete at the zonal level to be conducted by the Sports Department shortly. The winners included Akanksha Bhat, Heemanshu Bhat, Deepanshu Kumar, Paras Sopori and Swarit Mahajan. Principal Alok Betab has congratulated the winners and wished them all the best for the upcoming competition.