Jammu, October 30
The heritage sites of Jammu are losing sheen by the each passing day. After the deplorable condition of the historic Mubarak Mandi complex, the 3,000-year-old Bahu Fort is also on the verge of collapse.

On August 17, the back wall of the Bahu Fort collapsed due to heavy rainfall and since then the government has not started the repair work. The government is saying that it is preparing an estimate regarding the repair work and technical team is on the job, but three months has passed and nothing is visible on the ground.

"The government is preparing the estimate and until technical team does its homework, the repair work will not start. The government is doing its job sincerely and soon the work will start," said Raman Bhalla, Minister for Housing, Culture and Horticulture. The Bahu Fort area falls under the jurisdiction of Bhalla's Assembly segment.

Around 3,000 years ago, Raja Jambu Lochan, who founded Jammu, had built the fort on the banks of the Tawi. The fort is important for the people of Jammu and the shrine of Bawe Wali Goddess is situated inside this where people pay obeisance and special prayers are held on Tuesdays and Sundays.

"There is no point raising the issue in front of the government as the government is acting like a deaf and dumb," said Harsh Dev Singh, Member of Legislative Assembly from Ramnagar in Udhampur district and chairman of the National Panther Party.

The MLAs of Jammu didn't raise this issue during the monsoon session of the Legislative Assembly held in Srinagar in the first week of October.

"The media has been raising this issue and I will ask them to continue to push the government," Harsh Dev said.

Jammu, October 30
Controversy over the circulation of anonymous letter levelling serious charges against senior faculty members of Jammu University has turned murkier with a group of scholars and students threatening to intensify their agitation if the authorities refuse to conduct an investigation into the matter.

However, another group of students and scholars today met Vice-Chancellor of the university Professor Mohan Paul Singh Ishar and expressed concern over “frivolous allegation” being levelled by some “anti-university elements” to malign the image of the institution.

“Why are authorities, particularly the Vice-Chancellor, are showing reluctance in ordering an investigation into the matter? The university needs to reply as to why the Dean Students Welfare (DSW) has been changed and why the university buckled under the pressure of tainted professors? This is a matter of sanctity of the institution and nobody should be allowed to erode its credibility and sanctity,” Parduman Singh, president of the Scholar Student Front (SSF), told reporters here.

He sought the personal intervention of Governor NN Vohra, who is the Chancellor of the university, and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, who is the Pro-Chancellor of the institution, for ordering an in-depth inquiry into the matter. “We will intensify our agitation if the authorities shy away from conducting a probe in this issue,” he said.

The public relation officer of the university said a group of scholars and students called on the Vice-Chancellor and expressed concern over “frivolous allegations” being levelled by some “anti-university elements” to malign the image of the university.

Jammu, October 30
The Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MFPI) has said the State Mission Directorate will ensure the identification of beneficiaries in the state for various schemes of the National Mission for Food Processing (NMFP). The ministry in its recently issued guidelines had also asked for ensuring physical verification of the projects assisted, including taking up concurrent evaluation as well as submission of monthly progress reports to the ministry in the prescribed reporting format.

Sources said the MFPI would also undertake periodical evaluation of the implementation of the scheme by engaging professional agencies, if necessary. The sources added that the ministry would allocate funds to the state in proportion to its population and area.

During the first year, 75 per cent allocation of the state will be released as first instalment while the remaining 25 per cent will be released based on the submission of utilisation certificate of 50 per cent of the allocated amount.

“In case any state is not able to draw its entitled 2nd instalment during the financial year, the same will be allocated to the states by the ministry, who require additional funds. This will normally be decided by the ministry in the 3rd quarter of the financial year.

“However, the second instalment will be released to the states on the submission of proposal for release in prescribed format and utilisation certificate of 50 per cent of the amount, including the opening balance duly certified by the Financial Authority of the State,” a statement from the ministry said. As per guidelines, the State Level Empowered Committee (SLEC) will decide the level competent to accord project specific approvals under all the components. The SLEC will periodically monitor, review and evaluate the implementation of the NMFP in the state.

Jammu, October 30
This year, Diwali may leave a bitter taste as spiralling prices of sweets, vegetables, fruits, milk and its products are set to burn a big hole in the pocket of the common man.

While the prices of sweets had increased by at least 20 per cent as a result of the rise in cost of commodities, the city residents may be forced to cut down the variety of dishes in their food menu in view of skyrocketing prices of vegetables and fruits.

Furthermore, the administration had recently hiked the price of milk and its products by 25 per cent. Despite the fact that the administration wanted to delay the implementation of the new rate list till Diwali, shopkeepers had already started charging new rates.

According to vendors at various vegetable markets in the winter capital city, vegetable and fruit rates have witnessed a sharp increase in the past few months and some vegetable items are being sold at double rates, taking flavour out of the dining tables as many families have cut down on having more than one variety of dishes.

“Leave aside other vegetables, even daily use vegetables like potato, tomato and onion are inching away from the common man’s budget. The sale of vegetables too has gone down in view of high prices, which is affecting our business, as less number of people are turning up in the market these days,” a vegetable vendor at Parade Vegetable and Fruit Mandi said.

A wholesale trader at the Vegetable Market, Narwal, said the prices of green vegetables were stable in their market, but retailers were driving the rise in vegetable prices owing to the failure of the Consumer Affairs and Public Distribution (CAPD) Department to keep a constant monitoring.

“Prices vary from shop to shop, courtesy poor monitoring system of the Consumer Affairs and Public Distribution Department. We have been selling tomatoes between Rs 20 and 25 per kg, but the vegetable is being sold at anything between Rs 40 and Rs 50 per kg in retail market. Similarly, green peas which are available at Rs 30 to 35 per kg in wholesale are being sold at the rate of anything between Rs 60 and Rs 80 per kg in retail. Retailers are charging at their sweet will and the authorities concerned have turned a blind eye to such malpractices,” the trader said.

In the vegetable market, Parade, vendors were selling tomatoes at Rs 40 to Rs 50 per kg while onion was being sold at Rs 65 per kg. The rate of lady’s finger was Rs 50 per kg while cauliflower and beans were also being sold at Rs 50 per kg and Rs 60 per kg, respectively.

Babli Devi, a housewife in the Janipur area, said the rise in vegetable and fruit prices had adversely ruined their gastronomic plans.

“All vegetable items have become expensive and it is now out of the common man’s reach. Tomatoes, which were being sold between Rs 15 and Rs 20 per kg till the last few months, are now being sold at Rs 40 to Rs 50,” she said.

Similarly, Consumer Affairs and Public Distribution Department officials said the rate of cow milk containing 3.5 per cent fat and 8.5 per cent solid non-fat (SNF) was fixed at Rs 30 per litre. Similarly, buffalo milk containing 5.5 per cent fat and 9 per cent SNF was fixed at Rs 37 per litre. Price of curd of standard milk was fixed at Rs 42 per kg and cheese price was fixed at Rs 210 per kg which was earlier Rs 165 per kg.

Rajouri, October 30
Nine employees of the Health Department in Kotranka hospital were today placed under suspension by the newly-appointed Chief Medical Officer (CMO), Rajouri, following the death of a class IX girl. She was hit by a rashly-driven tempo and the non-availability of an ambulance and the delay in shifting her to Rajouri district hospital caused her death, evoking a strong protest and a bandh at Kotranka yesterday.

Speaking to The Tribune, Chief Medical Office (CMO), Rajouri, Rajiv Sharma said, “We have taken stern action and suspended nine employees of Kotranka hospital for being absent from duty yesterday and against other also who failed to perform their duties.”

“I asked the Block Medical Officer Dr Mohammed Bashir yesterday to clarify his stand in written about the lapses. However, today on the recommendation of the CMO, we have suspended six employees, including a driver of the ambulance, a lab technician, a dental technician, a female multipurpose health worker, a staff nurse, a community health officer and other three IV class employees of Kotranka hospital.” He added, “We have two ambulance but both were sent for repairing.”

Sources within the Health Department said the action was just an eye wash as the District Health Department had not taken any action against the Block Medical Officer or any other senior official.

A few days ago, an unidentified male body was recovered from Kotranka area. The body had to be shifted to District Hospital, Rajouri, in a truck owing to the non-availability of ambulance, they added.

Sources alleged that an ambulance was hardly provided to the public and was often used by hospital staff for personal use. When it was needed for shifting patients, the hospital staff and officials claimed it was out of order or had gone somewhere else or driver was not available.

Jammu, October 30
The MIER College of Education today launched a UGC-sponsored Certificate Course on Human Rights and Values on its BC Road campus here. Prof Desh Bandhu Gupta, Director, Colleges Development Council, University of Jammu, was the chief guest at the inaugural function.

The programme commenced with the lighting of the lamp. Dr Arun Gupta, chairman of the MIER, said the course was all the more relevant in the modern context as violations against the weaker sections of the society were escalating day by day.

Dr P L Koul, Course coordinator, formally gave an introduction of the course. He said education was the sole medium through which a positive change could be brought about in the world.

He said the objectives of the course were to make the students acquainted with human rights and its violations, to sensitise the youth, to encourage human rights awareness among teachers and students etc. Prof Desh Bandhu Gupta said every society had a special value system which should be protected from deterioration.

Meanwhile, a book on Human Rights and Values was also released by the chief guest and other dignitaries. The programme was conducted by Dr Annie Koul who also presented the vote of thanks. — TNS

Jammu, October 30
Department of P G Arts, University of Jammu, drubbed Government Degree College (GDC) Boys, Udhampur, in the final by 3-1 goals to clinch the Inter-Collegiate Football Tournament which concluded at GGM Science College Ground here today.

Gagan Deep Singh of P G Arts drew first blood in the 13th minute while the remaining two goals were scored by Netaishwer Singh in the 36th and 60th minute, respectively.

The tournament was organised by GGM Science College, Jammu, on behalf of Directorate of Physical Education, University of Jammu, wherein 17 teams from different Colleges of Jammu and University of Jammu participated.

The lone goal for GDC Udhampur was scored by Lakhwinder Singh in the 45th minute. Ajay Kumar Sadhotra, Minister for Planning and Development, Labour and Employment, was the chief guest on this occasion and Dr Satinder Singh, Principal, GGM Science College, was the guest of honour. Prof Dhian Singh Bhau, Director of Physical Education, University of Jammu, was the special guest.

While congratulating the winners, Sadhotra underlined the need for active participation of students in sports for overall personality development. Earlier, in his welcome address, Dr Satinder Singh highlighted the role of sports in Education and appreciated the college for organising such tournaments.

The vote of thanks was presented by Dr Vinod Bakshi, Director, Physical Education, GGM Science College and Dr Alpana Vohra compared the proceedings. The match was officiated by Gagan Kumar, Ajay Sharma, Rohit Gupta and Pardeep Katoch.

Jammu, October 30
The Volleyball Association of J&K has selected the state team (boys and girls) for participation in the 22nd Mini-National Volleyball Championship, to be held at Jaunpur (Uttar Pradesh) from November 26 to December 1. Earlier, the association had conducted selection trials at M A Stadium to select the probables.

Before leaving for participation, the team would undergo a coaching camp at the M A Stadium in both morning and evening sessions from November 4 to 24.

The team (boys): Rohit Sharma, Deepak Singh, Sahil Kumar, Vishal Singh, Gorav Kumar, Romey Singh, Subam Singh, Bunty Kumar, Zahid Hussain, Irfan Ahmad, Amandeep, Danish, Sahil Sharma and Akash Choudhary.

Girls: Simran Bhagat, Niteshi Saini, Ridhima, Rubia Akhtar, Meena Devi, Harneet Kaur, Sushriya, Vishali, Himani, Sonali, Muskan Chib, Anjali Chib, Simran Jeet and Disha Pathania.

Jammu, October 30
The semifinals line up was drawn today in the ongoing Inter-Collegiate Women Volleyball Tournament, being organised by the Directorate of Sports and Physical Education, University of Jammu.

The semifinalist teams include P G Department, GDC Hiranagar, SPMR Commerce College and GCW Gandhi Nagar. Earlier P G Department got walkover GDC Rajouri. In another match, PG Department toppled GCW Parade 3-1. The set score read 25-15, 10-25, 15-8.

Rajeshwary and Richawere were the star performers while Anupuma and Jigmet Chusket also played well.

All the matches were conducted under the supervision of Prof Dhian S Bhau, Director, Directorate of Sports and Physical Education. Others present on the occasion were Sanjeev Jamwal, Raj Kumar, P D Singh, Jai Bharat, Ravish Vaid and Vikas Karlopia.

The matches were officiated by Roshan Sharma, Mulkh Raj, Jitender and Jeevan.

Jammu, October 30
Challenger XI, Jammu, and Chandigarh XI scripted thumping wins in their respective pools in the Eid-Diwali Milan T20 Cricket Cup being played at M A Stadium.

Earlier, in the first match, Chandigarh XI got the better of Meghalaya by 122 runs in a one-sided affair.

Batting first, Chandigarh XI scored 209 runs in the allotted 20 overs for the loss of three wickets with Rinku (80) and Vishal (25) being the main scorers.

Sanjeeb, Asif and Vikas took one wicket each for Meghalaya.

Megalaya, in reply, was bundled out for 87 runs in 19 overs. Sanjeeb and Suresh contributed 25 and 24 runs to the total. Sandeep, Hardeep and Lakshman took two wickets each while Ashok claimed one. Rinku was adjudged the man of the match.

In another match, Challenger XI toppled Punjab XI in a low-scoring match.

Batting first, Punjab XI was bowled for 102 runs in 19 overs with Manoj Kumar (29), Akashdeep (22), and Varinder (21) being the notable scorers. Manjeet took three wickets while Aditiya and Kaka took two wickets each for Challenger XI.

In reply, Challenger XI overhauled the target in 16 overs by losing three wickets. Parveen Singh played a match-winning knock of 58 runs while Gurgeet Singh chipped in with 17 runs. Mohit took two wickets whereas Intzam took one. Parveen Singh was adjudged the man of the match.

The matches were officiated by Sunil Sambyal, Sandeep Manchanda, Shashi and Farooq as umpires, while Sanjay Bhatti was the scorer.

The tournament is being organised under the supervision of IGP Jammu and the organising

Committee includes Hilal Rather, Sanjay Mahajan, RK Bhat, Ramesh Angral, Rajesh Dhar and Rajesh Gill.

Jammu, October 30
Col R N Chopra Academy overcame the challenge of Academy Yellow by a narrow margin of 14 runs in the summit showdown to lift the title trophy of the RN Chopra Challenge Cup U-12 Boys Cricket Tournament.

Winning the toss and batting first, Academy Green accumulated 102 runs in the stipulated 16 overs, losing five wickets in the process. Ayush Andotra was the top scorer with 22 runs in as many balls. Arya Sachivansh Thakur scored 12 runs with the help of two boundaries. For Academy Yellow, Praful was the pick of the bowlers with a haul of two wickets while Arihan Gupta, Pranav Dogra and Mavneek Singh shared one wicket apiece.

In reply, Academy Yellow could manage only 88 runs in 15.4 overs. Gourav Choudhary and Arihan Gupta scored 12 runs each, while Praful Dhar contributed eight runs to the total.

For Academy Green, Jugjap Singh was the wrecker-in-chief, who scalped five wickets while Rishab captured three wickets. Jugjap Singh was declared the man of the match while the man of the series and the best batsman title went to Arya Sachivansh Thakur for scoring over 100 runs in three matches and bagging two wickets.

Praful Dhar was adjudged the best bowler for taking nine wickets. The best fielder title went to Mavneek Singh for displaying extraordinary fielding skills. —TNS