The Tribune, Chandigarh, India

	Govt fails to acquire land due to ‘outdated’ Act Sumit Hakhoo Tribune News Service Jammu, March 3 Though the population of Jammu city is expected to touch 19 lakh in 2021, but the state government continues to follow the J&K Development Act-1970, which has an outdated land acquisition provisions. While responding to the cut motion brought by MLA Chaman Lal Gupta in the Legislative Assembly, the government has also admitted that the failure of Municipal Corporations, Urban Development Department and other agencies to match with rapidly growing demands of residential, health and educational sectors is mainly due to these agencies not being able to acquire land for the proposed projects. "Due to difficulty in land acquisition, several states in the country have adopted different models like the town planning scheme, land pooling and redistribution scheme as a land management tool, but the same could not be adopted in Jammu and Kashmir due to lack of such provision in the prevalent Act," Urban Development Minister Nawang Rigzin Jora responded to the query. The Master Plan for Jammu-2021 was notified under SRO-263 in August, 2004, but in the absence of any future planning, urban bodies are facing problems in finding land to create necessary infrastructure for the growing population. The local area notified under the 2021 plan is 288 sq km, comprising of 221 mohallas/villages in 10 divisions. To implement the Master Plan proposals, necessary amendment to the Act is required. Till 2000, the city was having an area of just 32 sq km and in 2003 the government approved the city limits to 117 sq km. The old city, comprising of 23 wards, was divided into 48 wards and 23 new wards were added thus raising the total number of wards to 71, which are being managed by the JMC, while major projects are being looked after by the Jammu Development Authority (JDA) and Economic Reconstruction Agency (ERA). Chaman Lal Gupta said that there would be a huge need for housing, employment, social infrastructure, organised shopping centres, transport, adequate arrangements and reservations to accommodate different kinds of physical infrastructure and public utility systems. "A set of coordinated policies are needed to develop the city so that it can handle the expanding population," Gupta said.
	PHE workers demand pending wages Tribune News Service Jammu, March 3 Hundreds of daily wagers of the Public Health Engineering (PHE) Department working in the Jammu region have suspended their work demanding regularisation in the department and payment of pending wages of 22 months. Under the banner of the PHE Workers Welfare Association, the workers held a demonstration in front of the PHE head office today and demanded the release of pending wages, terming the government attitude as discriminatory. Addressing the workers, provincial president of the association Bakshi Singh alleged that officials were fooling them and had adopted delaying tactics to deny them their rights. Bakshi Singh alleged that in February, 2011, the state government had issued a notice (circular number 4) according to which it had agreed to pay uniform wage of Rs 125 per day to all the daily wagers. "So far the government has failed to come up with a mechanism to pay the wages of these workers, who keep the water supply functional," he alleged. The workers include consolidated paid wagers (CP workers), need base workers and daily rated workers. At the moment the daily wagers gets Rs 125 per day.
	PDP creates uproar in Lower House over Farooq’s remark MLAs seek apology from minister for terming Kashmiris ‘thieves’ Tribune News Service Jammu, March 3 Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) legislators today created an uproar in the Assembly over Union Minister Farooq Abdullah’s remark that “all Kashmiris are thieves”. The PDP demanded an apology from Farooq, who is also the National Conference president. As soon as the House assembled on Monday morning, PDP legislators raised a hue and cry over the remark. They shouted at the top of their voices that Farooq had “insulted” the people of the state. Party legislators trooped to the well of the House, demanding an apology from Farooq for making this anti-Kashmir remark in New Delhi while commenting on the dismal power scenario in the state recently. Unsatisfied with the government response, the legislators later walked out of the Assembly. Speaking to mediapersons outside the Assembly, PDP president Mehbooba Mufti said this was not the first time that NC leaders had “defamed” the people who had been voting them to power. “They call the people who raise a voice against them as anti-nationals and they have demonised our youth as drug addicts, LeT agents and criminals,” she said. Mehbooba alleged that the NC had been making hollow promises to people to remain in power. “Be it in 1975 or 1996, the NC has always betrayed people and compromised on their interests for the sake of power,” she said, adding NC leaders had been “treating people as their slaves and it is their deliberate strategy to defame the image of Kashmiris to remain relevant in certain quarters in New Delhi”. Mehbooba said there were corruption charges pending against Farooq, and “if there were any thieves in the state, they were the NC leaders who had been thriving at the cost of people of Jammu & Kashmir.” “Dr Farooq is involved in siphoning off millions of rupees meant for the promotion of cricket in the state and the police have proved his involvement in the case,” the PDP leader said, adding that the mysterious death of NC activist Haji Yousuf had also exposed the party. Raising the issue in the Legislative Council, PDP spokesperson Naeem Akhtar criticised Farooq for his “insensitive” remark. “We are proud to be Kashmiris, and we are not thieves,” he said.
	Two policemen gunned down by militants in Pulwama Suhail A Shah Pulwama, March 3 Two policemen were shot dead by militants outside the court complex in Pulwama in south Kashmir on Monday. Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kashmir range, Abdul Gani Mir, said the militants attacked unarmed members of the police force around 2:30 pm outside the court complex in Pulwama, killing two of them. “The two Special Police Officers (SPOs), one a driver and the other a helper, were shot dead outside the court complex. They were accompanying the prisoners who were to appear in the court,” IGP said. Eyewitnesses said the two SPOs were standing outside a police vehicle meant to ferry prisoners, when militants fired on them indiscriminately. “The SPOs were immediately taken to the hospital, but they were declared brought dead by doctors at the hospital,” said a senior police officer from the area. The slain policemen, Farooq Ahmad Mir and Mukhtar Ahmad Wani, were residents of Vedpora in Pulwama and Syed Wari in Qazigund, respectively. The IGP said the militants had been unnerved by the recent successful operations carried out against them by the security forces and had resorted to killing unarmed men. “We will get them. We are on the job; the perpetrators will not get away,” the IGP said even as he added that militancy was far from over in Kashmir. Following the attack, the police and the CRPF carried out search operations in the town, triggering protests by the locals. A curfew-like situation prevailed in the town. Shops and other establishments were closed till reports last came in.
	Cop stabbed in Pampore Our Correspondent Pulwama, March 3 A member of the Special Operations Group (SOG) of the J&K Police was critically injured after he was stabbed by a person in Pampore town of Pulwama district. However, the assailant was nabbed by the police. Abdul Gani Mir, Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kashmir Range, said the policeman was on duty in the Drangbal area of the town when he was attacked. The injured policeman, identified as Bhupender Singh, was immediately rushed to the Sub-District Hospital, Pulwama, in an unconscious state from where he was referred to the SK Institute of Medical Sciences, Srinagar. His condition is stated to be critical. The assailant, identified as Ishfaq Ahmad Khan of Tral town, was nabbed by other policemen present on the spot. However, it is not clear whether Khan had any militant links or not. “We are trying to establish the motive behind the attack," the IGP said. He said any link between the Pulwama attack in which two policemen were killed and this one could not be ruled out, but were yet to be established. "Investigations are on and we are hopeful that we will crack the cases soon,” said the IGP.
	Misquoted by media: Farooq Jammu, March 3 Union Minister Farooq Abdullah today denied reports that he had called the people of Kashmir “maha chor”. He said he was misquoted by the media. “I had never said Kashmiris are maha chor (big thieves),” the Union Minister told reporters on the sidelines of a function here today. “There is a lot of pilferage of power. Many of our people are stealing electricity. But I never said Kashmiris are thieves,” Farooq said. He said, “It (pilferage of electricity) happens all over the country. Biggest transmission and distribution losses are in Jammu and Kashmir.” Expressing dismay over the media reports, Farooq said, “I am sad that I was misquoted by the media.” — TNS
	Slum-free action plan for capitals, major towns soon Rs 1,410 cr needed for improving living of slum dwellers in Srinagar Ehsan Fazili Tribune News Service Srinagar, March 3 Kashmir, which is synonymous with tourism, is confronted with an alarming menace of slum growth in the capital cities of Srinagar and Jammu and other major towns of the state. In view of a UN declaration in 2000, aiming to improve the living conditions of 100 million slum-dwellers across the globe by 2020, measures have also been initiated in India. For this purpose a slum-free action plan is being launched in capital cities of Jammu and Srinagar, besides major towns, including Udhampur, Kathua, Anantnag, Baramulla and Leh, according to the Minister for Urban Development and Urban local Bodies Nawang Rigzin Jora. A survey conducted in the summer capital last year has come out with startling figures of slum dwellings and the people residing in them. The Jammu and Kashmir Housing Board is the nodal agency for the purpose. The survey was conducted by the IPE Global Pvt (Ltd) in Srinagar last year. It envisages a total cost of Rs 1,410 crore for improving the living condition of slum-dwellers in Srinagar in three years. According to the survey, there are 18,098 households and 84,071 persons in 77 slums of Srinagar. Those living in slums predominantly belong to the Muslim community, including 22 Sikh households, 20 Hindu households and four Christian. “Out of the total 77, none of the slums has been notified,” says the survey report. “During the survey it was found that the slums in Srinagar existed since a long time, with the age ranging from 6 to 99 years,” it added. It reveals that of the total slums, 30 have been existing for more than 90 years while seven age between 50 and 90 years and others between six and 50 years. “The youngest of the slums is Sumer Bagh existing since six years. While Shakoor Colony and Khuja Bagh, Malroo, have been established some 10 years ago,” the survey report stated. A majority of slums are located near the river banks or close to residential or commercial areas. Grim scenario * As per a survey conducted in Srinagar last year, there are 18,098 households and 84,071 persons in 77 slums of Srinagar. * Those living in slums predominantly belong to the Muslim community. * Of the total 77 slums, none has been notified. * A majority of slums are located near the river banks or close to residential or commercial areas.
	Stray dog menace surges in Ladakh Yangchan Dolma Leh, March 3 The menace of stray dogs seems to be increasing by the day in Ladakh. Now, it has become life threatening. Recently, a 10-year-old girl was mauled to death by stray dogs at Spithuk village, 10 km from Leh town. Later, her parents found her half-eaten body. In other dog-bite incidents, a seven-year-old boy was fatally attacked on the head and a 40-year-old woman’s nose was bitten in Leh town recently. According to sources in Sonam Norboo Memorial Government Hospital, Leh, Ladakh, the boy is still under hospitalisation. Sources in the causality block of SNM Hospital said, “They receive at least eight stray dog bite victims daily.” According to the data, 147 cases of stray dog bite have been reported in the past three months from December 2013 till February. December 2013 witnessed the highest number of cases - 56 cases. Many people visit Army General Hospital and other private clinics for anti-rabies vaccination. Deputy chief medical officer Dr Yangchan Dolma said to ensure availability of vaccine to the dog-bite victims in remote areas of the district, its supply was started at sub-district hospitals in Nyoma, Nubra and Tangtse two years ago. In Changthang, where the Cold Desert Wildlife Sanctuary is situated, stray dogs are also threatening the survival of wildlife animals. Forest Conservator, Leh, Jigmat Takpa said, “Stray dogs eat the eggs and babies of black neck crane bird and other birds. They also prohibit the arrival of Chiru wild animal in Changchenmo area and also kill the blue sheep.” Endangered black neck crane bird visit Changthang area in summer for breeding purposes.
	JU teachers seek 6th pay panel arrears Jammu, March 3 A delegation of Jammu University Teachers Association (JUTA) called on Governor NN Vohra, who is also the Chancellor of the University, at Raj Bhawan here today. The delegation, led by JUTA president Daleep Singh Jamwal, called for the Governor’s intervention for the enhancement of retirement age of teachers from 60 to 65 years, payment of the Sixth Pay Commission arrears in one go, and implementation of UGC Regulation-2013. The Governor gave a patient hearing to the delegation and assured them that all their genuine demands would be considered. — TNS
	Students pledge to vote Jammu, March 3 Continuing with its sensitisation programme “Wakeup Jammu” under the supervision of Ajeet K Sahu, District Election Officer, Jammu, an awareness-cum-voter registration programme was organised today at Government Polytechnic for Women, Jammu. Those who participated in the programme included students of the polytechnic, prominent citizens and local officials. The gathering was sensitised about the programme by KK Sidha, ACD, Jammu. A skit was presented by the students of the polytechnic, while play “Lok Tantra ka Mantra” was performed by artistes of the Natrang theatre group. On spot enrolment of eligible voters was also done with the help of mobile voter registration van, specially designed for the purpose. The programme ended with a pledge by those present at the venue that they will vote for their future and will exercise their right for the betterment of society and the country. — TNS
	Governor interacts with Vaishno Devi Gurukul students Tribune News Service Jammu, March 3 Governor NN Vohra inaugurated a new hostel and faculty residence block at the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi (SMVD) Gurukul, Charan Paduka, near Katra. These buildings have been constructed by the Shrine Board at a cost of Rs 2 crore. At present, 74 students are studying in the residential institution, which was set up by the Shrine Board in 2010.The students are being imparted education in Vedas, Sanskrit, religious scriptures and ‘Karmakand’ apart from being taught all modern subjects, including science, mathematics and computers. Chief Executive Officer of the Shrine Board Dr MK Bhandari said at present, there were students studying from Classes VI to IX. The Gurukul is a fully residential educational institution, which is affiliated to the Sampurnanand Sanskrit Vishwavidayalaya, Varanasi. It provides free education, boarding, lodging, uniforms, books, etc, to students. The Shrine Board has also made elaborate arrangements for indoor and outdoor games here, including basketball, badminton, cricket, table-tennis, carom and chess. The Governor went around the newly constructed hostel building and the Acharya Niwas and interacted with students and enquired from them about curriculum, education, recreation facilities, quality of food and their daily activities. He asked the Chief Executive Officer of the Shrine Board to take all measures necessary for securing the all-round development of students and ensure provision of extracurricular and recreational activities as a part of student’s daily schedule, apart from enlarging their awareness on social and historical themes through audio-visual modes. The Governor congratulated Master Gourav Sharma, a student of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Gurukul, for securing first position in the entire university in the annual examination of Class VIII conducted in April-May 2013 by Sampurnanand Sanskrit Vishwavidyala, Varanasi. On his outstanding achievement, Master Gourav had been awarded a gold medal by the Governor of Uttar Pradesh, who is also the Chancellor of the university, at its convocation held in November last year. All 16 students of the Gurukul who appeared in this examination secured first division. The Governor lauded the teachers for their efforts and asked students to work hard and achieve distinction in various fields in years to come. On the way to Katra from Gurukul, the Governor also inspected the ongoing renovation work on the Bathing Ghat and landscaping of a park near Geeta Mandir, which has been undertaken by the Shrine Board. HL Maini, member and technical consultant of the Shrine Board; Navin K Choudhary, Principal Secretary to the Governor; Vivek Gupta, SP, Reasi; Kulbir Singh, Additional SP, Katra; and officials of the Shrine Board were among those present on the occasion.
	Guv condoles death of Prof Chadha Tribune News Service Jammu, March 3 Governor NN Vohra has conveyed his sympathy to the family of Prof GK Chadha, president of South Asia University, who died on Saturday. The Governor recalled his association with Chadha from his Panjab University days and lauded his scholarship and commitment to the cause of higher education. Chadha, former Vice Chancellor of Jawahar Lal Nehru University, Delhi, and Emeritus Professor of Economics at the university, was the founder president of South Asia University and served as such from 2008 onwards. Two years ago, he had accepted Governor’s request and served as the chairman of the search committee for selecting the Vice Chancellor of the University of Jammu.
	Varsity teachers meet Governor Tribune News Service Jammu, March 3 A delegation of the Teachers Association of Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology, Jammu, led by its president Narinder Singh, called on Governor NN Vohra at Raj Bhawan here today. The delegation informed the Governor, who is also the Chancellor of the University, that there had been no promotions of teachers since April 2012, the revised guidelines for appointment of teachers and the Career Advancement Scheme were not being implemented and there was no transfer policy in the university. They also sought enhancement in the retirement age of academics to 62 years. The Governor informed the delegation that all their genuine demands would be duly taken care of and urged them to work with dedication and zeal to make the university a centre of excellence.
	Guv inspects multi-purpose sports stadium at Katra Tribune News Service Jammu, March 3 Governor NN Vohra inspected the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi multi-purpose sports stadium at Katra yesterday and said time-bound steps should be taken to complete it. The Governor is also the chairman of the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB). He advised Chief Executive Officer of the Shrine Board MK Bhandari to finalise a pert chart to establish timelines for completing the project. The modern outdoor stadium is being constructed by the Shrine Board at an estimated cost of around Rs 8 crore. The Governor reviewed the excavation and other works. He issued instructions to plant fast-growing shady and ornamental species along the stadium boundary. He directed the engineering wing to complete the excavation work, to be followed by laying of the turf. Mohandaas, officer in charge of the forestry wing, said a decision had been taken about the species of grass to be planted for turfing. The plantation shall be carried out during the monsoon. Vohra was informed that an automatic pop-up water sprinkler system was being installed for the maintenance of the turf. The CEO said the pavilion would have a capacity for around 3,000 spectators. He said the basketball and volleyball courts were nearing completion while infrastructure for other games was being created. The Governor observed that with its completion the stadium would provide an opportunity to youth to participate in various sports activities. He directed the CEO to take necessary action to ensure that the facility was put to optimum use for organising district and state-level sports competitions and, in due course, national-level events. The Governor told the Director, Sports, SMVDSB, to prepare a calendar of activities for involving various schools, colleges and universities in various sports events in the coming months. He also directed the Director, Sports, to meet the Vice Chancellor of the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University and see that the sports infrastructure at the university was put to optimum use. The stadium will have provision for various sports such as football, cricket, hockey, volleyball, basketball, handball, wrestling, kabaddi, kho-kho and table tennis. It will also have a gymnasium, changing rooms, pantry, toilets and parking space. Ashok Bhan, member, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board; HL Maini, member and technical consultant of the Shrine Board; Navin K Choudhary, Principal Secretary to the Governor; and senior civil, police and Shrine Board officials were present.
	Guv stresses importance of human rights Tribune News Service Jammu, March 3 Inspector General of Police, J&K State Human Rights Commission, Mukesh Singh called on Governor NN Vohra at Raj Bhawan here today. This was Mukesh Singh's first meeting with the Governor after returning to the state. He was on Central deputation. The Governor stressed the importance of protecting human rights. He emphasised the need for enhancing awareness about fundamental and human rights among the people, particularly women and underprivileged and weaker sections.
	Neeraj elected NSUI state president Tribune News Service Jammu, March 3 Neeraj Kundan, a law student at the University of Jammu (JU), has been elected state president of the National Students Union of India (NSUI). He won with a margin of 151 votes from his rival Raqeeq Khan. Ajay Kumar, Naseeb Ali and Bisma Choudhary were elected national delegates of the state unit of the NSUI, whereas Sahil Raina, Amjad Batt and Anuradha Bhagat state vice-presidents. Kamal Magotra, Avijot Singh, Shabir Choudhary and Parikshit were elected state general secretaries and Abhishek Dogra, Ranjot Singh and Nishant Gupta state secretaries. The election to the state president and committee of the NSUI was conducted in Jammu and Srinagar simultaneously. Neeraj Kundan succeeded the first elected president of the state unit of the NSUI Uday Chib, who was present on the occasion. A victory rally was held by NSUI activists at Shahidi Chowk. While addressing the gathering, Neeraj said, “This is not my victory but the victory of the students of the state and every member of the Congress, NSUI and IYC who have contributed selflessly in establishing democracy in these NSUI polls." Congratulating all those who have been elected to various posts of college, district and state-level committees of the NSUI, Neeraj called upon them to work unitedly for the organisation and the student community of the state. He said he would soon hold a meeting of all the members elected to various posts to chalk out the future strategy and vision of the NSUI in Jammu and Kashmir. Among others who were elected to various posts of the NSUI at various levels include Sunny Parihar (district president, Jammu), Tufail Qadir (district president, Srinagar), Karan Singh Manhas (district president, Kathua), Prakash (district president, Kishtwar), Imtiyaz Khan (district president, Rajouri) and Sajad Ahmed (district president, Poonch).
	13 Rashtriya Rifles has 125 awards to its credit Majid Jahangir Tribune News Service Srinagar, March 3 Even as Thursday’s fratricide incident involving killing of six soldiers of the 13 Rashtriya Rifles (RR) has brought the battalion into limelight for the wrong reasons, it has been at the forefront in counter-insurgency operations. The battalion has to its credit 125 awards, which includes one Ashoka Chakra and two Kirti Chakras. Last year, the 13 RR was part of a major operation in which Kashmir’s one of the longest surviving militant, Talib Lali, was arrested on September 5 in a joint operation from Bandipora district. Lali was also wanted by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) as his name had surfaced during the investigation of the funding pattern of the Hizbul Mujahideen (HM). The NIA in November last year had chargesheeted Lali in the NIA Special Court, Patiala House, New Delhi, along with nine other members of the Hizbul, including its chief commander Syed Salahuddin. “The 13 RR has to its credit 125 awards which include one Ashoka Chakra and two Kirti Chakras. The unit has an excellent counter-terrorism record as it has killed and apprehended a large number of terrorists which includes HM terrorist Talib Lali, alias Wasim, in September 2013,” Srinagar-based Defence spokesman Lt Col NN Joshi said. In 2009, Major Suresh Suri of the unit was killed along with a soldier in an encounter at Banyari, Hajin village of Bandipora in which two militants were also killed. Two Majors and two soldiers were also injured in the gunfight. The 13 RR has, however, not been involved in any major counter-militancy operation this year. The Army has ordered a high-level Court of Inquiry into the incident to check the exact cause that triggered the incident in one of its elitist counter-insurgency unit which left six soldiers dead. “Even as the exact cause is not known, a high-level inquiry has been ordered to investigate the circumstances which led to the incident,” Joshi added. On February 27 night, a soldier of the 13 RR shot dead five of his sleeping colleagues before ending his life in the Manasbal area of Ganderbal district.
	Development works reviewed in Poonch Poonch, March 3 Divisional Commissioner, Jammu, Shantmanu today reviewed in detailed all major development activities pertaining to the Public Works Department, Public Health Engineering, Education, Employment, Health, Power, and Agriculture sectors at a meeting of all district officers here at Dak Bungalow in Poonch. District Development Commissioner, Poonch, Sajjad Ahmed Khan apprised the Divisional Commissioner of the ongoing works in various departments and issues being faced by them due to paucity of funds. Shantmanu observed that some important projects such as the Emergency Block of District Hospital and the Mini Secretariat were incomplete due to the non-availability of funds. — OC
	Rally held against drug abuse Rajouri, March 3 Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP), Rajouri, Shiv Kumar yesterday said those who would provide information about drug peddlers would be rewarded suitably. He was the chief guest at a rally against drug abuse. While addressing activists at the ‘struggle against drugs’ rally, the ASP said youth of the district were falling prey to drugs and the time had come to eradicate the menace. He said for that people would have to extend their support to law enforcement agencies, including the police. The rally was taken out yesterday by an NGO headed by Choudhary Liyakat. — OC
	ECI launches drive for electoral participation Devinder Thakur Katra, March 3 The Election Department has launched a door-to-door signature campaign for electoral participation in Reasi district where 943 volunteers will reach every household with pledge letters for participation in forthcoming elections. The campaign has been launched as an outreach programme of the Election Commission of India and is part of the ongoing district mission under the Systematic Voters' Education and Electoral Participation (SVEEP), Jashn-e-Jamhuriat. More than 550 volunteers attended the inaugural ceremony. The inaugural workshop was held at the Mini-Secretariat. An eight-column format devised by the district administration will be filled up by members of every household and the volunteers will complete this process on March 20. The campaign will be initiated at hamlet level on March 8. Through this first mass contact programme launched by the Election Department, volunteers will impart electoral literacy at household level. More than 3 lakh pamphlets and information notes in various languages have been provided to volunteers and workers for distributing among households. Women voters are special focus of the signature campaign. The Deputy Commissioner, Reasi, emphasised the need to reach out to every voter in the district in multiple ways for which a series of awareness and education programmes had already been organised. He called for greater public participation and emotional connect with the electorate. The special plan has been devised for reaching out to tribal women in the district and volunteers have been trained to reach out to them in local ethnic language and educate them. Rajinder Singh Tara, Additional Deputy Commissioner, who is leading the Phase-II of the SVEEP campaign, impressed upon the volunteers and workers to coincide the signature campaign with the ongoing door-to-door campaign launched by booth-level officials for greater results. Tilak Raj Sharma, Assistant Commissioner, Revenue, held a detailed training of the volunteers for the signature campaign. Supervisors designated for the campaign will reach out to the public in the next five days and household drive will take off on March 8.
	Weavers’ awareness camp held Katra, March 3 To create awareness among weavers about various schemes being implemented by the department, the Handloom Development Department and the Handicraft Department, Reasi, organised an awareness camp at Dheerti village near Panthal in Reasi today. Manu Hanssa, Assistant Director, Handloom Development Department, Reasi, stressed the need for availing benefits under different schemes of the department. Hundred on-the-spot registrations for weaver credit cards were done. — OC
	Use of banned polythene bags goes unchecked in Valley Despite court, state govt directions, no action on the ground Tribune News Service Srinagar, March 3 Five years since the state government announced the imposition of ban on polythene usage in Kashmir, there is little action on ground by the authorities concerned for implementing the ban. The polythene usage has picked up again during the past two years across all Valley markets, tourists spots and residential areas. Although the Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC) had earlier formed market checking squads cracking down on polythene users, the use of alternative paper and jute bags hasn't been widespread. "In our locality, every shopkeeper uses polythene despite the ban. When no one is there to keep a check, they go by their will," said Ambreen Bashir, a resident of Jawahar Nagar. "The polythene ban is non-existent here. Hardly anyone can be seen using paper bags. Polythene is being used freely," Masood Ahmad, a shopkeeper said. A High Court order in 2006 banned polythene bags in and around tourist resorts and health care spots. As per SRO-182 issued by the state government on June 18, 2008, polythene bags are banned in the state in the light of Jammu & Kashmir Non-Biodegradable Material (Management, Handling and Disposal) Act, 2007. After the issuance of the SRO, manufacture, trade, transportation or use of polythene carry bags became illegal in the state. The ban was imposed on the usage of polythene in the Valley to protect the environment. It began with a lot of hue and cry from the government with shops being raided at several places and plastic bags seized. This somehow motivated some sellers to make use of paper bags, but after the lull in the implementation, polythene bags found their space back in the market. "Initially, the authorities showed a lot of enthusiasm in the implementation of polythene ban. Shops were raided and fined. However, that was rather short-lived," says Showkat Ahmad, a student. Showkat expressed need for a strict ban on polythene. Sabahat, a university student, emphasised on the role of the civil society as well as the authorities to execute the ban on polythene. "It is not just the government which has to work seriously towards ban on polythene, but common people also have to make effort on their part," said Sabahat. He said, "Unless the civil society does not pledge to stop the use of polythene, no success can be achieved."
	Winter chill back in Valley Tribune News Service Srinagar, March 3 Famous ski resort Gulmarg and other high altitude areas in Kashmir today experienced fresh snowfall, bringing back winter chill in the Valley. The snowing started this morning in higher reaches, including scenic Gulmarg, the star attraction for tourists during winter, officials said. So far, nearly six inches of snow had accumulated on higher hills, they said. Reports of snowfall were also received from Z-Gali, Sadhna top, Razdan, Gurez, Sonamarg, Khilanmarg, Yousmarg and Amarnath cave shrine, the officials said. Sky remained overcast in the city throughout the day today and light drizzle brought down the day temperature further. The city received light rainfall in the afternoon, which continued intermittently till late in the evening. The change in weather is due to a western disturbance, a Met office spokesman said. The state Meteorological Department in its morning forecast bulletin said light rain and snow would occur at a few places in the state during the next 24 hours. There would be “no large change” in the weather during the two subsequent days, Wednesday and Thursday, the department said. “Light rain and snow is likely to occur in the city on Tuesday with maximum temperature to remain around 13 degrees Celsius while the minimum temperature will be around 2 degrees Celsius,” the department said. The maximum temperature recorded in the city was 8.4 degrees Celsius, a drop of six degrees compared to yesterday. The minimum temperature in the city was recorded at 3.3 degrees Celsius, which was one degree above normal, the department said. Kashmir region has already passed the winter’s 40-day harshest phase, which ended on January 31. However, the region is continuously witnessing brief wet spells along with light snowfall in remote mountainous areas and hilly resorts.
	Central varsity accords farewell to founder VC Tribune News Service Srinagar, March 3 The founder Vice Chancellor of Central University, Kashmir, Abdul Wahid, was relieved from the post as he completed five years of his tenure in the university. He was accorded a warm farewell by the university faculty members and the administration on Saturday. Addressing the gathering, Wahid said, “Central University, which is functioning from a rented place in Srinagar, still needs time to develop completely.” He added that setting up of a university was a difficult task than heading an already established institution of higher learning. The university campus is waiting to be established in Central Kashmir’s Budgam district, where its foundation stone was laid last year. “The satisfaction of about being the founder of the university and working for its establishment is something different,” Wahid said. He added that during these years, all the employees extended their full support and cooperation in starting the academic programmes from the rented accommodations. “The university is growing and functioning in a good way if it is compared to the Central universities established along with it,” he said. University Registrar Muhammad Afzal Zargar, Dean, School of Legal Studies, Me’raj-ud-Din Mir, Deans of various schools, Finance Officer, Controller of Examinations, heads of various departments, other faculty members and the administrative staff were also present on the occasion. The Dean, School of Legal Studies, said Wahid as a man of conviction, integrity and repute. Zargar said the outgoing VC was as a man of highest integrity with a great vision. “The university under the command of Prof Wahid has progressed well in the field of academics and this would prove as a great asset to the state education sector in near future,” said Zargar. He further said Wahid made quality recruitments in the university to ensure a good future for the university. University Finance Officer Irshad Ahmad Jan described the outgoing Vice Chancellor as a humble human being who never succumbed to any pressure and delivered without any prejudice. Earlier, he distributed merit scholarships among 44 students, who topped the Central Universities Common Entrance Test-2013 and the examination of postgraduate programmes conducted by the university.
	Red Cross imparts first-aid training to students of hotel management Tribune News Service Srinagar, March 3 The Indian Red Cross Society, J&K state branch, imparted first-aid training to 60 students of the Institute of Hotel Management here today. The objective of the training was aimed to enhance the capacity of Red Cross volunteers to deliver effective humanitarian services during emergencies. Master trainers of the Indian Red Cross Society, J&K state branch, Ashfaq Ahmad Mir and Shazia Kawoos delivered the sessions on Red Cross history, fundamental principles and the emblem. Besides, the participants were trained on basic first aid, safe handling and transporting of the casualty, basic life support, psychological support and coordination mechanism.
	Tehsil status for Bufliaz sought Jammu, March 3 The Development of Bufliaz and Panj Saran Youth Association has demanded tehsil status for Bufliaz for the development of the area, which is one of the remotest parts of the state. Addressing mediapersons, association president Amjed Khan alleged that the government completely ignored the aspirations of Bufliaz residents. He said as per 2001 Census there were 22 panchyats in the area, while in 2011 Census the number had increased to 36 panchyats. — TNS