|
|
|
|
MNREGA: Panel raps officials for poor implementation
‘Runaway’ challans to rein in traffic violators
Gulmarg leaves tourists spellbound
|
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Govt keen to introduce Punjabi, Dogri in schools
Legislative Council
58 pc agriculture land irrigated by rain
Cricket tremors felt far and wide
Kishtwar Round-up
|
|
MNREGA: Panel raps officials for poor implementation
Jammu, April 5 The panel in its annual report observed that the scheme was of vital importance for the development of neglected areas, besides providing job opportunities to the unemployed. Taking cognisance of the fact that job cards were not issued within the specified period of time after the receipt of applications, depriving the deserving people of the benefits under the scheme, the committee expressed its apprehension that there seems to be a nexus between some vested interests in the department and influential persons. “Even the job holders are not being paid wages in time,” the committee remarked and asked the department to make the respective block development officers (BDOs) accountable in this regard. It directed the department to issue instructions to all BDOs to maintain date-wise record of applications received for job cards and disposed of cases within the period. It also observed that the provision of 100 job days per job cardholder was quite insufficient in view of the rising inflation and stressed to have increased this number from 100 to a minimum 200 days. The committee directed the department to put forth a proposal for increase in the job days and vigorously pursue it. The report, quoting reply of the secretary, RDD, pointed out that the department concerned had submitted that the main hurdle in the smooth and effective implementation of the scheme had been the lack of manpower. As the committee asked the department to expedite the process of recruitment, the officers concerned informed that the recruitment was to be completed within two months and assured that the scheme would be implemented in its right perspective. On the proposal of increasing job days, the officers assured that the suggestion will be taken seriously in the central committee for monitoring the implementation of the scheme. It was also assured that to solve the problem of delay in payment of wages, the department was going to introduce a digital payment system in near future on the analogy of Andhra Pradesh to solve the problem and ensure transparency. The committee is headed by MY Targami, MLA, and comprises members of both the ruling and opposition parties.
|
|
‘Runaway’ challans to rein in traffic violators
Srinagar, April 5 In a first-of-its-kind move, the traffic personnel deployed in the city has started noting down the registration number of the vehicle which is found violating traffic rules and after seeking details from the regional transport office, the challan is being issued in the name of the violator. As per the office of the SP (Traffic), as many as 275 vehicle owners have already been informed through a notice about violations committed by them with time, location and date mentioned in it. The accused have been asked to approach the office within three days. “Those who fail to appear, their challans will be dispatched to them through the court for further proceedings,” the SP said. Even as the common people in the city have welcomed the step and said the introduction of “runaway” challans would help check traffic violations, they have expressed resentment over the fact that not a single auto-rickshaw or minibus operator has been fined so far. “They are the biggest offenders as they stop their vehicles anywhere and take wrong and abrupt turns, besides parking their vehicles in no-parking zones,” says Faisul Ahmed, a local resident. People say that most of the traffic violations are caused by auto-rickshaw and minibus drivers who break the law with impunity and manage to escape the wrath of the law-enforcing agencies as well. “If the traffic police wants to regulate the traffic in the city, it first needs to regulate them,” says Firdous Ahmed, another resident. Meanwhile, “runaway” challans have been issued for wrong parking of vehicles, riding a two-wheeler without helmet, talking on mobile phone while driving etc. “We welcome this step, but more stringent measures are needed to be taken by the traffic police department to control the traffic in Srinagar, which otherwise is in a mess,” Said Gurdeep Singh, a local.
|
Gulmarg leaves tourists spellbound
Gulmarg, April 5
Tall pine trees laden with snow and hundreds of acres of golf turf covered with a majestic white blanket in the foreground of the dense forest are picture perfect for both skiers and adventure-loving tourists who throng Gulmarg these days. The tourist season, which began here in December with its first snowfall, is to continue well into June. Ishwar Singh(45) of Delhi, who is here with his wife and two children, is predictably excited. The family is part of a 19-member group of tourists visiting Gulmarg for the first time. "It's simply breathtaking. I have heard a lot about Gulmarg. The very name brings in a refreshing feeling when the temperature soars back in Delhi," Ishwar Singh said. "But this place is beyond words", he added while helping his children walk carefully on the slippery roads flanked on both sides with four feet of snowfall. Ilyas, assistant director of the State Tourism Department, is not surprised by the comment as he has been witnessing this every day. Hundreds of tourists, domestic and foreigners, arrive here daily, he said. "We run courses for ski lovers, who come here to pick up the sport. Schoolchildren from many local schools have been joining these two-week long courses", Ilyas said. Visitors to this magical winter sports destination will have their hands full, wondering what to choose from several options - skiing, snow-boarding, sledge riding and the famous Gondola ride. The world's highest cable car project, which connects Gulmarg with Afarwat Heights situated at 13,400 ft above sea level, is another favourite attraction here. The Gulmarg Gondola comprising cable cars takes off from the base in the meadow and covers an uphill distance of 5 km with one stop at the Kongdoori mountains. "The weather along the Gondola route can change abruptly and become life-threatening", reads the warning at the entrance to the cable car station. Few tourists, however, seem to worry over the warning. The skiers and enthusiasts take the cable car rides anyway. During rush hours, people queue up and wait for hours to get the Gondola tickets. "It is mandatory to announce weather warnings for high-altitude cable car projects, but it is absolutely safe to enjoy the ride", said an official of the Gulmarg cable car project. Tourists and sports lovers have been trusting the safety of the Gondola cable cars for years. The project was built by the French firm PomaGalski SA in 1998. "We have advance bookings this year, especially from the high budget domestic and foreign tourists who stay at our hotel," said a staff member at Hotel Highland Park here. Two of the oldest local hotels in Gulmarg are the Nedou's and the Highland Park - choice destinations of the British in the past. Bollywood film stars and rich business executives stay at these hotels these days, he said. "The famous song from the 1970s hit Raj Kapoor film "Bobby" - "Hum Tum Ek Kamre Mein Bandh Ho" filmed on Rishi Kapoor and Dimple Kapadia was shot in the hut of our hotel", said a proud old waiter at Hotel Highland Park. Gulmarg had been the choice outdoor shooting location for Bollywood in the past. As the security situation improves in the Kashmir Valley, Gulmarg is waiting to welcome Bollywood and all those who long for the quiet laziness that fills nature here, far from the madding crowd. — IANS
|
|
Govt keen to introduce Punjabi, Dogri in schools
Jammu, April 5 The Minister was speaking at the inaugural function of a one-day Punjabi Conference organised by the Punjabi Sahitik Sabha, RS Pura, here recently. Chib was the chief guest, while Dr Mohanjit, renowned Punjabi poet from Delhi, presided over the inaugural session. Dr Arvinder Singh Amn, additional secretary, J&K Academy of Art, Culture and Languages, and Kanwal Kashmiri were the guests of honour. Describing the literature and literary works of a particular age as the reflection of the existing social milieu, the Minister said writers and poets, who were the guardians of the literacy traditions of a society, enrich it further by adding new thoughts matching the changing times. Listing various steps taken by the government to promote various languages, he said the Jammu and Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture and Languages was doing a yeoman’s service in this direction. Appreciating the efforts of the Sahitik Sabha, Chib said the government was committed to introducing Punjabi and Dogri languages in schools to ensure their growth and development. He said Punjabi was the only
Language which was spoken not only in J&K and North India, but also in every part of the country and the world. Highlighting the contribution of Punjabis in the freedom struggle before 47, Chib said because of its secular character, Punjabi language was popular amongst all religions, faiths and sects. He further assured full support to ensure introduction of Punjabi language in schools. Dr Mohanjit, internationally reputed Punjabi poet, scholar and intellectual, in his presidential address, congratulated the Punjabi Sahitik Sabha, RS Pura, for its commitment and dedication towards the promotion of Punjabi language, literature and culture, particularly in Jammu and Kashmir. He said it was a matter of proud and privilege for him to be here at the moment when two great Punjabi writers of the soil were honoured for their contribution in the development of Punjabi literature and language in the region. He also congratulated Prof Gurcharan Singh Gulshan and Dr Baljinder singh Nasrali, lecturer, PG Department of Punjabi, University of Jammu. Speaking on the occasion, Dr Arvinder Singh Amn, said Punjabi had contributed a lot for maintaining communal harmony, brotherhood and national integration throughout the history of the country due to its secular identity. He said even the state government had announced the inclusion of Punjabi, Dogri and Kashmiri at the school level and the teaching of these languages at the primary level would soon become a reality. He urged upon the government to take steps for the introduction of Punjabi and other languages in schools by creating required posts in educational institutions. Earlier, in the inaugural session, Prof Gurcharan Singh Gulshan, renowned Punjabi writer, scholar and intellectual, and Dr Baljinder Nasrali, lecturer, PG Department of Punjabi, University of Jammu, were honoured by the Punjabi Sahitik Sabha, for their contribution in the field of Punjabi literature and languages. |
|
Legislative Council
Jammu, April 5 PDP legislator Syed Asgar Ali asked a question related to Class IV employees of the CAPD Department in erstwhile Doda district being given the charge of storekeeper. Ali said, “As a large number of appointments made in 1996 had been cancelled by the state government, how were these persons given the full-fledged charge of storekeeper at various sale centres?” Replying to Ali’s question, the minister said, “Yes, these employees have been given the charge of store/sale centres at various places, as the High Court has stayed the cancellation of their appointments”. Dissatisfied with the minister’s reply, Ali said, “When the state government has cancelled the appointments of 22 persons out of the total 36, how were they given the charge of storekeeper. There is something fishy about the whole issue”. “That’s why a number of questions are being asked regarding the functioning of this department and the results are before the House to see. People are facing a lot of hardships in getting ration on time,” added Ali. However, the minister said, “Since all these people are getting salaries, we thought to assign them some tasks”. Meanwhile, Murtaza Ahmad Khan of the PDP said, “Has the government mooted any action in this regard or not?” Khalid Najib Suharawardy of the NC said, “I fail to understand what is the government doing?” NC legislator Mohammad Rashid Qureshi said, “Storekeeper is an important job and the department has posted those employees whose appointments have been cancelled by the General Administration Department (GAD). This proves the inefficiency of the CAPD department”. The minster admitted that the department was facing an acute shortage of staff and assured the House that the government was taking action in this regard. He said, “We have declared 44 vacancies and have also written to the SSRB to fill these posts. The interviews will be conducted in a short period. Besides, some more posts are also being created to solve the issue”. Sensing the gravity of the situation, the acting chairman of the House, Arvinder Singh Micky, intervened. He said, “This is the concern of all members and the CAPD Department should act in this regard”. Meanwhile, Syed Asgar Ali, after threatening to stage a walkout from the House, demanded an assurance from the minister that the procedure for posting employees would be reviewed. Suharawardy also supported the concern of Ali. The minister further assured the House that the problems of the people would be solved by filling vacant posts.
|
|
58 pc agriculture land irrigated by rain
Jammu, April 5 Mir replied, “The department is providing subsidy for the construction of deep bore wells and water harvesting tanks to the farming community especially in these areas”. “22,000 hectares are being irrigated through bore wells, irrigation pump sets, tube wells and ponds. Besides, a National Agriculture Insurance Scheme is also under implementation in all the districts to cover the risk and damage to the crops due to drought, hailstorm, cloudburst and fire,” Mir added. Kundal also questioned the minister about the functioning of the sub-stations established by the Agriculture Department to develop such areas. Mir replied, “Three sub-stations have been established for carrying out research related to rain-fed areas at Dhiansar, Raya and Samba and all the three are functional”. The minister added, “Twenty two Automatic Weather Stations have been sanctioned by the Indian Space Research Organisation for all the districts in the state, which will become functional shortly. These will prove a boon for the general public and the farming community, as weather forecasts will be available at the district level”. |
|
Cricket tremors felt far and wide
After losing the "Sultan of Multan" and the "Little Master" early in the run-chase, I switched off the television set because of a migraine attack but not before giving vent to my "anger" on the dismissal of Sehwag and Sachin. But being a cricket buff I could not resist the temptation of watching the cricket bout. After swallowing two pills in an attempt to overcome migraine, I again switched on the television set and remained glued to it till Dhoni finished it off with a six. Adrenalin rush among youngsters and old matured in the middle of the night, who inundated the city roads, yet again established beyond doubt that cricket has really become a religion for a country of 1.21 billion people. Really, this cricket's tremors were also felt far and wide in the border state. Just for media space
During the just-concluded budget session of the Legislative Assembly, members sometimes staged a walkout on irrelevant issues just to get media coverage. Even members of the ruling coalition did not miss any opportunity to create uproar and stage a walkout to be in the news next day. Sometimes MLAs faced an embarrassing situation while staging a walkout on irrelevant issues. As National Conference member Nazir Ahmed Gurezi raised some issues concerning his constituency, the Speaker asked him to be brief. This made Nazir Ahmed Gurezi create uproar and move towards the exit door to stage a walkout. Some of his party colleagues intervened to tell him that "it is not such a big issue to warrant a walkout from the House". Realising his mistake, Gurazi turned back but the opposition PDP shouted to say that this was not a walkout but "walk in". Helpful gesture
As the holy Navratras have begun, the historic Bawe Wali Mata temple has been drawing a huge crowd of devotees who have to stand in long queues for hours together for having a glimpse of the deity. In the pursuit of faith, many devotees who usually come empty stomach faint or develop some health-related complications. The setting up a of medical camp (See photo) in the Bagh-e-Bahu area by the Department of Health and Family Welfare is likely to prove very helpful to such devotees. (Contributed by Ravi Krishnan Khajuria, Dinesh Manhotra and Ashutosh Sharma) |
|
Kishtwar Round-up Under its Corporate Social Responsibility, Dulhasti Power Project of the NHPC provided educational material in the shape of desks, jute matting, complete school uniform, school bags, woollen sweaters and shoes to various schools in and around Kishtwar. The beneficiaries included Government High School, Galigarh, Government Middle School, Semna, Government Middle School, Sarkoot, Government High School, Banderna, and Government Girls Middle School Bhoopnagar, Kishtwar. The educational material was distributed by general manager, Dulhasti Power Project, Kishtwar, Rajeev Hastu, in the presence of chief engineer Ajay Mathur, senior manager (HR) Om Prakash, senior manager (Finance) Samin Saha, zonal education officer (ZEO), Kishtwar Zone, GQ Butt, students and teaching staff of the beneficiary schools. Butt praised the authorities of the NHPC for providing the material to the schools. He stated that the gesture would go a long way in the overall development of the needy student community in the backward mountainous villages of the district. — TNS Awareness camp held at
Mugalmaidan village
In order to popularise various social welfare schemes and bring more deserving persons under their ambit, the District Social Welfare Office organised a one-day awareness camp at Mugalmaidan village of Chhatroo tehsil in Kishtwar district. The District Social Welfare officer presided over the camp’s activities in which the block medical officer, Chhatroo, Dr Yaqoob Ali, field functionaries of ICDS project, anganwari workers, sarpanches, prominent persons of the area and a large number of residents of Moolchiter, Sigdee, Koochal, Chhatroo, Chingam, Passerkoot, Hurna and Drubeel villages participated. The targeted audience was educated about various schemes like the National Family Benefit Scheme, the Indira Gandhi National Old-Age Pension Scheme and the National Social Assistance Programme being implemented for ameliorating the lot of elderly, widows, orphans, destitute, militancy victims and handicapped persons in the district. In his address, the chief guest stressed upon the anganwari workers and other functionaries to ensure better services to public through available resources in their jurisdiction. The block medical officer, Chhatroo, also spoke on the occasion. — TNS NSUI to celebrate
Foundation Day on Apr 8
In a meeting of the activists of the National Students’ Union of India (NSUI), a student wing of the Congress party, held under the chairmanship of the district unit president, arrangements for the Foundation Day celebrations were given final shape. The members of the NSUI in particular and students in general were appealed to participate in the celebrations to be held on April 8 at the district headquarters, Kishtwar.
— TNS Delay in link road project
causes problems
Residents of various adjoining villages of Kishtwar, including Lanyal, Chobdargwari and Dhanyari, are facing various difficulties as work on the only road link connecting these villages is moving at a snail’s pace. They alleged that the Department of R&B took up the project of the Lanyal-Semen bridge road in 2003, but only 600m road had been constructed since then. They also alleged that the authorities did not seem serious in the early completion of this road link. They have threatened to boycott the upcoming Panchayat elections if the construction work of the road is not completed at the earliest. —
TNS |
|
||
| HOME PAGE | |
Punjab | Haryana | Jammu & Kashmir |
Himachal Pradesh | Regional Briefs |
Nation | Opinions | | Business | Sports | World | Letters | Chandigarh | Ludhiana | Delhi | | Calendar | Weather | Archive | Subscribe | Suggestion | E-mail | |
I otherwise hate cricket (a leaping insect, which makes chirping noises by rubbing its forewings together), but this Saturday night I, like billions of Indians, loved cricket when India lifted the World Cup after a yawning gap of 28 years.