Jammu, September 21
In a bid to ensure maximum reach, the Association of Parents of Private Schools is likely to open a helpline for school children and their parents to raise awareness about enhancement in fees at private schools.

Sources said the development came after representatives of Association of Parents recently met chairman of the School Fee Fixation Committee (SFFC), Chief Justice (retd) Bilal Nazki in the winter capital. The group of parents was led by its president Raj Kumar Gupta and convener Raj Dev Sharma.

“Commercialisation of education was prohibited by the Supreme Court of India way back in 2004, but the state government is in a deep slumber and is yet to wake up and act on it. Our decision to launch the helpline would certainly help in generating awareness among parents of students of private schools about the high-handedness of the school authorities,” an office-bearer of the association said.

Sources added that the helpline would be a source of awareness about litigation against private schools in the J&K High Court whereby directions were given to all private schools to charge only monthly tuition fee and not to charge fee not prescribed by the government.

“The schools are not honouring the court directions. Some of the private schools, especially CBSE-affiliated ones, are not adhering to the norms of the state's education department. Most of the CBSE schools are not even recognised by the Department of School Education,” the association claimed.

Sources said a notice had already been circulated and notified whereby parents had been told not to deposit fee if it was not approved by the committee before start of the academic session.

The association has appealed to parents to meet regularly with feedback. The president of the association has requested all parents to take notice of the committee's circular regarding fee approval and not to pay the "enhanced and illegal part of the fee" to the schools before approval of the fee.

Jammu, September 21
Several areas in the city will face power shutdown from 7 am to 2 pm as the Power Development Department (PDD) is carrying out a major repair of its infrastructure at 220/132/33 KV Grid Station, Gladni.

The affected areas include Gandhi Nagar, Nanak Nagar, Channi Himmat and twin districts of Poonch and Rajouri. Sidhra, Miransabhib, Gangyal, Bari-Brahmana, Janipur and Sidhra I & II and Kalakote S/C transmission line will also remain affected. During this period of shutdown, the department will tighten conductors and engage in branch cutting enroute the High Tension (HT) and Low Tension (LT) power line.

Officials said the exercise involves routine repair and replacement of critical devices to ensure safety and reliability of the system. They have appealed to people to cooperate with the department while the shutdown is being enforced to ensure streamlined supply of electricity.

A report of the committee ‘for updating the best practices of transmission in the country’, apart from scheduled patrolling of lines, has prescribed various techniques for protection of lines. “These include hot line maintenance, washing, puncture detection of insulators, besides preventive maintenance by using portable earthling hot tools, vibration measurement of the line, thermo scanning and pollution measurement of the equipment,” said an official.

An audit report prepared by the government has also put a question mark on functioning of the Gladni grid station and concluded that the PDD is doing major grid violation at the receiving station in Jammu as it has repeatedly failed to keep grid voltage at 200 KV, as per the norms set by J&K Electricity Grid Code.

It is pertinent to mention here that two single-phase auto power transformers of 133.33 rating installed during 2001 at Gladni station Jammu had failed during June and July 2008, causing outage as regards the entire installed capacity 400 MVA of the grid station.

Regular and periodic maintenance of transmission system is of utmost importance for uninterrupted operation of the supply system, which is given importance in every other state of the country.

Jammu, September 21
Be careful while getting your vehicle filled at petrol pumps in the city, as you might get less petrol than the quantity ordered. This has now become a norm at most of the pumps, as tanks are filled 5 to 10 points less and at times, adulterated fuel is being dispensed — a major cause of short life of vehicles.

Though very few complain, officials say filling less fuel than the quantity corresponding to the money paid allows pump owners to earn extra thousands of rupees at the people's cost.

Not only this, transporters, particularly truckers and owners of mini buses and long-route buses, mix kerosene in diesel as it helps them save nearly Rs 15 to Rs 18 per litre.

“I have often seen that whenever I fill my tank, it is a few points below the quantity for what I have paid. At times, there has been an argument with the people at petrol pumps, but they maintain they are simply following instructions,” said Ravinder Sharma, a trader.

Not only this, adulterated fuel is wreaking havoc on engines of new-generation vehicles, particularly cars and two-wheelers.

“Some filling station owners, particularly in rural belts, use kerosene as adulterant for diesel and mix naphtha with petrol for more profit — This is a major killer of engines. Some private bus and truck drivers are doing it to save money,” said a source.

Director, Consumer Affairs, GS Chib was not available for comment while oil companies have no particular officer to deal with media queries.

According to data, the practice of fuel adulteration and pilferage appears to be thriving in Jammu and Kashmir in the past few years. As many as 4,259 defaulters had been penalised and 99 FIRs had been registered against violators resorting to pilferage of petrol and diesel in the state, but no firm action has been taken to root out the menace.

An official said that for keeping a check on adulteration of petroleum products, a mobile lab for the oil companies was deputed by the department on a rotational basis in association with representatives of the oil companies, Crime Branch and traffic department across various filling stations in the state for inspection besides necessary action against the defaulters after lodging of FIRs.

Jammu, September 21
The month-long 81st Air Force Day celebrations began emphatically with a static display and flight safety painting competition at the Air Force Station, Jammu.

A static display was organised in which Aircraft like MI-17 1V, Cheetah, Searcher RPA, Half Scale, Aero models, ground equipments and ground support vehicles were displayed. The display was aimed at spreading awareness about various aircraft and equipments with the Indian Air Force (IAF). It also aimed at motivating the new generation to choose the IAF as a career option.

As a special gesture, about 1,000 children from various public schools of Jammu and also from an orphanage ‘Bal Ashram’ managed by Samaj Seva Sansthan, Meera Sahib, Jammu, were invited. Children were excited and motivated to have a close look of various aircraft and equipments.

Air Commodore PE Patange, Air Force Station, Jammu, said the Air Force Station, Jammu, which is the nodal air base for all operations in the J&K sector, is fully prepared to undertake assigned tasks with full zeal and enthusiasm.

A flight safety painting competition was also organised on the occasion for schoolchildren of different age groups. About 150 children from different schools participated and expressed their ideas through the medium of their paintings. Mamta Patange, president, Air Force Wives Welfare Association (local) was the chief guest at the programme.

Attractive prizes were distributed by the chief guest to the winners of the painting competition.

A publicity stall was also put up at the site to spread awareness among visitors about various career opportunities in the Indian Air Force. Attractive posters, calendars and pamphlets were distributed among the visitors.

Jammu, September 21
MHAC School, Nagbani, today paid rich tributes to its founder father Maharaja Hari Singh on his 115th birth anniversary.

Principal Alok Betab and the staff members participate in a havan on the occasion of 115th birth anniversary of Maharaja Hari Singh in Jammu on Saturday. A Tribune photograph

The ceremony commenced with the offering of floral tribute to Maharaja’s idol by Capt Dewan Singh, administrator principal, Alok Betab and all staff members. Further, the EPBAX system, CCTV cameras and other important systems for all classrooms which have been recently installed on the school premises were also inaugurated.

The special guests for the function were students from the Ram Chander Memorial Trust Orphan School and Samaj Kalyan Kendra (Orphans) School.

Staff members of the school sang bhajans to mark the occasion. Captain Dewan Singh in his address dwelled upon various facets of eventful life of Maharaja. Principal Alok Betab delivered the vote of thanks.

Meanwhile, tributes were paid to Maharaja Hari Singh on his birth anniversary by the staff and students of Global Convent Higher Secondary School today. Teachers highlighted the life and works of Hari Singh to the students to make them aware of the rich cultural heritage of J&K.

Children were made aware of this important day by small introduction presented by the Principal J Gandotra.

It may be mentioned here Maharaja Hari Singh was born on September 21, 1895, at the palace of Amar Mahal, Jammu, the only surviving son of General Raja Sir Amar Singh (January 14, 1864-March 26, 1909), the younger son of General Maharaja Dhiraj Sri Sir Ranbir Singh and the brother of Lieutenant-General Maharajadhiraj Sri Sir Pratap Singh, the then Maharaja of Jammu and Kashmir.

Jammu, September 21
The state unit of the Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM) strongly criticised the arrest and brutal torture of its activists in Srinagar by the local police and demanded action against the culprits.

BJYM state president Ravinder Raina condemned the inhumane act of the policemen, including the officials posted at Kothi Baag police station.

He demanded an immediate action against all culprits and said if action was not taken against the culprits, state BJYM would go to the State Human Rights Commission and the court to seek justice.

Raina said BJYM activists were peacefully protesting to provide medical facilities for the affected people due to the bandh and the curfew imposed in south Kashmir, but the police detained the protesting BJYM activists and took them to Kothi Baag police station where they were brutally beaten by cricket bats and were abused by the policemen.

He said nationalist youth in the Kashmir valley were being selectively targeted by the authorities and stone throwers and terrorists were being patronised. He demanded an immediate suspension all guilty policemen otherwise the BJYM would take the issue to the court.

BJYM state vice-president Bharat Sharma, state secretaries Inderjeet Singh Sambyal and Ajay Pargal and state secretary Ishant Gupta were present in the press conference.

Jammu, September 21
The youth wing of the Peoples' Democratic Party (PDP) in its meeting held today planned the strategy for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.

The meeting was presided over by vice-president Rajinder Singh Manhas wherein the role and duties of the youth of Jammu Province in the elections were finalised. The PDP youth decided to stand against communal forces. State coordinator Abhijit Jasrotia said the PDP could provide logical solution to crisis in J&K. MLC Yash Paul Sharma was the chief guest on the occasion.

Prominent among others present included Deepu Chib, Balbir Singh, Kuljit Singh, Shamsher Singh, Varinder Singh Sonu, Sukhdev Singh, Jodh Singh, Davinder Singh, Garish Sharma, Mahan Singh, Soni Sharma, Darminder Manhas, Majid Shah, Zahir Khan, Upadhay, Gurmeet Bajwa, and Balbir Bawa. — TNS

Winners of the talent hunt competition with their mementoes and medals in Mahore on Saturday. A Tribune photograph

The event culminated with the distribution of various medals, trophies, cash prizes, consolation prizes and refreshments to all participants. The Army thanked the school staff and students for their support and participation in making the event a grand success.

Results

• Individual performance: Santosh Devi 1st in singing; Mast Ali 1st in comedy
• Group Performance: All play/ drama: Arif Mushtaq and Mohd Toffiq 1st; Javed Ahmed and party 2nd and Shazia and party 3rd.

Jammu, September 21
The Dogra College of Education, Bari Brahmana today celebrated its annual day in the college auditorium. Sham Lal Sharma, Minister for PHE, Irrigation and Flood Control, was the chief guest.

The function began with the lighting of traditional lamp followed by Saraswati Vandana and presentation of cultural items by students.

Shefali Sharma, vice-principal of the college delivered the welcome address followed by presentation of annual report by Prof BD Damral, director-cum-principal of the college.

The minister, in his address, stressed upon the role of productive teachers in shaping the overall personality of youth in desired directions.

He also appreciated the achievements of students of the college both in academic and extra curricular activities.

RK Verma, Deputy Commissioner, Samba, who was the guest of honour lauded the efforts of the college management for providing quality education to the students. The function was presided over by Gulchain Singh Charak, Chairman, Dogra Educational Trust.

Later, prizes and mementos were distributed among the outstanding students. The annual college magazine “Shikshak” was also released on the occasion by the chief guest and other dignitaries. Bela Thakur, Academic Coordinator, presented the vote of thanks.

Jammu, September 21
BSF School, Paloura (Jammu), has been ranked first among day boarding schools in the state and 52nd in India School Rankings 2013.

A function was held at BSF Frontier Headquarter, Paloura, wherein IG, BSF, Jammu Frontier, and University of Jammu Vice-Chancellor Prof MPS Ishar felicitated the principal of BSF School.

Pertinently, every year in September, Education World publishes its Annual Education World India School Rankings which rates and ranks India’s top schools on 14 parameters including Academic report, faculty competence, leadership quality, sports education, community service etc.

This year, the All-India Survey conducted by the well-known Delhi-based market research, an Opinion Polls Agency Centre for Forecasting Private Limited (C fore) polled 5,779 parents, educationists, teachers and principals across 21 cities to rate 725 schools.

The objective of the Annual EW India School Rankings is to track and proclaim the country’s best schools as role models to the entire community of educators and inspire top-ranked schools themselves to improve from ‘good to great’.

The league tables of nationwide database has been divided into several sub-categories to enable fair comparison. — TNS

Jammu, September 21
Jammu district emerged overall champion in boys section while Reasi district claimed title in the girls section in the divisional-level inter-district fencing tournament for all age groups which concluded today.

A total of 151 fencers, including 89 boys and 62 girls, drawn from various districts of Jammu province competed in the sporting event.

MS Chauhan, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), Reasi, was the chief guest at the valedictory function while Sanjeev Rathore, XEn, PDD, was the guest of honour.

In his address, SSP Reasi advised the youth to avoid excessive use of electronic gadgets which would consume more energy than playing sports.

Earlier, Dr Swaran Singh Chib, District Youth Services and Sports Officer, Reasi, gave a brief report of the tournament in his welcome address.

Shottu Lal, fencing coach, was the observer of the tournament. SM Tharmatt, lecturer in Physical Education, Government HSS, Katra, presented vote of thanks.

Jammu, September 21
JKCA Blues overcame the challenge of JKCA Reds by two wickets in the U-19 boys trial match being organised by the JKCA Provincial Committee under the overall supervision of its convener Mehboob Iqbal at GGM Science College Hostel Ground.

Earlier, winning the toss and batting first, JKCA Reds accumulated 193 runs in the stipulated quota of 50 overs. Jagteshwar Singh was the top scorer with 50 runs off 40 balls studded with five boundaries while skipper Ateev Saini contributed 32 runs off 27 balls with the help of four hits to the fence.

Nitish Jamwal and Vivek contributed 27 and 25 runs, respectively. For JKCA Blues, Amir and Arjun Bharti shared two wickets apiece.

In reply, JKCA Blues overhauled the target by losing eight wickets. Jatin Wadhawan struck a brilliant half-century (58 not out off 30 balls), including nine fours and two sixes, while Subrat and Abhishek Bakshi contributed 28 and 23 runs, respectively.

Prajwal Sharma was the pick of the bowlers with a three-wicket haul by conceding 15 runs in five overs while Sahil chipped in with one wicket.