The Tribune, Chandigarh, India

	Fruit growers to be brought under crop insurance scheme Dinesh Manhotra Tribune News Service Jammu, February 28 As income generated by fruit production in the state has been increasing with every passing day, the government has been going through crops and horticulture insurances schemes being launched in other hilly states and is thinking of implementing the same in Jammu and Kashmir. The government is thinking to cover fruit growers under the crop insurance scheme. Minister for Horticulture Sham Lal Sharma told the Legislative Assembly on Monday that the government had been examining insurance schemes of various states, but no final decision had been taken. He said the state had generated Rs 7,506 crore by fruit production and its dispatches during the past two years. The minister said keeping in view that horticulture was the mainstay of the state’s economy, the government was paying attention on its development by long and short-term measures. He said post-harvest management infrastructure had been strengthened in the state. He said terminal markets at Parimpora, Narwal and Sopore had been established, adding that eight satellite markets had been made functional. He said to provide a platform to the growers of the Jammu division for marketing their produces, the work on development of fruit vegetable mandis at Bishnah, Kathua, Batore, Akhnoor and Rajouri was in the advance stage and would be made functional during the next fiscal. Moreover, the department was also organising weekly kisan markets in various localities of the twin cities for growers to sell their produce to the consumers at reasonable rates. He assured that the government was taking all the necessary steps to promote horticulture in the state. He said the government was also working for covering growers under the crop insurance scheme. CPM member MY Tarigami underscored the need for linking production with marketing channels. He said this was imperative to achieve dividends of increase in the fruit production. He said Though fruit production in the state has increased manifold, it’s likely to benefit the farmers unless the production is linked to marketing. Tarigami said horticulture was the major component of the state’s economy, adding that there was a dire need for developing basic infrastructure for pre and post-harvest management in this sector. He urged for developing grading and packaging units and establishing cold chain to increase shelf life of the fruits so that it reaches the terminal markets of the country in fresh condition. These facilities would enable fruit growers to fetch better remuneration of their produce, he said. He urged for introducing the crop insurance scheme to protect fruit growers against the losses due to natural calamities, including hail-storms and drought.
	Mining in Trikuta Hills evokes sharp criticism Sonika Raina/TNS Jammu, February 28 The approval for mining activity in the vicinity of the Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine by the Standing Committee of the National Board for Wildlife has evoked sharp criticism from various organisations here. The decision was taken in a meeting of the committee held in November last year, which was chaired by Environment Minister Jayanthi Natarajan. The All-Jammu Hotels and Lodges Association (AJHLA) has expressed concern over the report that mining activity is going to be undertaken in Trikuta Hills, with blasting to be allowed at a distance of less than 3 km from Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Inderjeet Khajuria, president of the AJHLA, said, “The report that the Union Ministry for Forest and Environment has given the permission for the blasting and drilling work at a distance of 3 km from the Shrine is highly disturbing. It hurts the religious sentiments of the people.” “The mining activity to extract magnesium will adversely affect the ecology of the fragile Trikuta Mountains, the abode of the Mata Vaishno Devi. The blasting in the area and mining activity will also vitiate the serene and holy environs and atmosphere of the area,” Khajuria added. The association added that the extraction of magnesite, as an economically viable and profitable venture was in doubt, as in the past the extraction of coal in the nearby Jungle Gali area and also in the Kalakot mines had proved futile. There is every apprehension that pilgrim tourism, which has brought economic boom to the area and the state as a whole may receive a setback. The Minister of Environment had given a nod for mining in Trikuta Hills in November last year. The committee had given an approval for setting up of a magnesia plant near a sanctuary, home to endangered species like leopard, goral and peafowl.
	231 schools record nil result in two years Arteev Sharma Tribune News Service Jammu, February 28 In sharp contrast to the government’s claim that literacy rate in Jammu and Kashmir had witnessed a significant increase, the sorry state of affairs in the education sector could be gauged from the fact that 231 government and private schools recorded zero per cent result in the past two years. As per the official document, the literacy rate in the state had gone up to 65.57 per cent as against 55.52 per cent during the past 10 years, but the government’s claim to improve results in board exams (class X and class XII) seems to be proved hollow. In response to a written query by Chaman Lal Gupta, MLA from the Jammu West Assembly segment, the School Education Department admitted the dismal performance of the government schools in board exams. “As many as 152 government schools in Jammu (116 in 2009 and 36 in 2010) registered zero per cent result, both summer and winter zones, in class X exams conducted by the Jammu and Kashmir Board of School Education (JKBOSE). Similarly, 41 government schools (19 in 2009 and 22 in 2010) and four private schools failed to open their account in pass percentage,” the minister (in charge), School Education, said. The minister further said 29 government schools (14 in 2009 and 15 in 2010) of Jammu recorded zero per cent result in Higher Secondary part-II (class XII) exams. Five government schools in the Kashmir region also failed to register any pass percentage during the academic session 2009-10. “Headmasters of schools having zero per cent result have been directed to ascertain the causes of poor performance. Increments of teachers in these schools have been withheld. The SIE/DIETs have been assigned the duty to monitor schools,” the department said. Asked about the steps taken to consolidate and improve the school education system during 2009-10 and 2010-11, the department said expansion of schools had been restricted and only need-based demands were being accepted. “The existing schools are being strengthened in respect of infrastructure and manpower by way of right-sizing of staff,” it said. The department added that 1,320 government schools (630 in the Kashmir division and 690 in the Jammu region) were previously functioning in rented accommodation and had been provided the accommodation during 2009-10 and 2010-11.
	Sociology Dept of JU holds lecture on diaspora studies Tribune News Services Jammu, February 28 The Department of Sociology, University of Jammu (JU), organised a lecture on the topic ‘New Anthropology and Sociology: A Perspective of Diaspora Studies’. It was held under the aegis of ‘Prof SC Dube Memorial Lecture Series’, which is an annual feature of the department. The programme started with paying of floral tributes to Prof SC Dube. Prof Abha Chauhan, Head of the Department of Sociology, JU, welcomed the guests. In her welcome address, Chauhan shared her experiences with the participants and informed the guests about the activities of the department. Dr Suresh Babu, Assistant Professor, Sociology Department, threw light on the life and work of Prof Dube, who was the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Jammu. Dr Vishav Raksha, Associate Professor, Department of Sociology, introduced the keynote speaker by highlighting his works and achievements. In his keynote speech, Prof RK Jain focused on the diaspora studies, as part of new anthropology and sociology. He also highlighted the relationship and distinction between the culture and society by calling them two sides of the same coin. Prof Jain also gave a background to the interface between anthropology and sociology and talked about the reintegration of social and cultural anthropology with other social sciences. He also stressed that the glasses of ethnocentrism must be removed, even while studying ones own society. He argued that the stage had come when transnational migration had become a reality and should not be underestimated in the present century. The lecture was followed by a discussion and an interaction session. Prof RD Sharma, Dean, Academic Affairs, in his presidential remarks put forth his ideas about the theme and the lecture delivered by the main speaker. He added that in this era of globalisation, the role of anthropologists and social scientists had become more important, in preserving the ethnic and cultural peculiarities.
	Jammu sewerage project deadline extended again Dinesh Manhotra Tribune News Service Jammu, February 28 The deadline for the completion of the Comprehensive Sewerage Project for Jammu city has once again been extended. Earlier, the deadline for completing the project was fixed as December 2011, but now the government has said the expected date of completion of the on going Sewerage Project is March 2013. Replying to a question by the Jammu East MLA of the BJP, Ashok Khajuria, who represents the old city area in the Assembly, Deputy Chief Minister Tara Chand, who holds the Housing and Urban Development portfolio, said work on the sewerage projects in Jammu and Srinagar cities was going on a fast pace. The Deputy Chief Minister said the National Buildings Construction Corporation (NBCC) was executing these sewerage projects. He said the Urban Engineering and Environment Department was the nodal agency for the implementation of the projects, which was constantly monitoring and revealing the execution of the projects on ground. He said to ensure adherence to quality norms, a third party inspection and monitoring was being done in addition to independent review and monitoring by separate agencies. BJP member Ashok Khajuria said the project was started in a haphazard manner without conducting proper survey and groundwork. He said the comprehensive Detailed Project Report (DPR) of the project was not prepared before starting the construction work. Khajuria termed this on going project as the biggest scam, as public money had been going down the drain. He demanded a thorough probe on how the project was approved for Jammu city without proper survey and a DPR. Panthers Party member Harsh Dev Singh said residents of Jammu city had been facing hardships due to digging of streets. Members of pro-Jammu parties said the government was not serious to mitigate the problems of the residents of Jammu city. Khajuria said streets had been dug up only in those areas where the BJP has a stronghold. He alleged that the government had deliberately slowed down the speed of this project to defeat BJP candidates in the coming Jammu Municipal Corporation (JMC) elections.
	Jammu Diary Jagti township to complete 1 year Just three days are left for the completion of the one-year of the Satellite Township at Jagti in Nagrota, as it was on March 4, 2011, that Prime Minister Manmohan Singh inaugurated the township for the Kashmiri Pandit migrants. It was built under the Prime Minister’s Reconstruction Programme. Vinod Kumar, the lone survivor of the Vandhama massacre, was the first person to receive the keys of his flat at the township by the Prime Minister. Still waiting for the day to return to their homes in Kashmir, the displaced Kashmiri Pandits have at least a better place to live in for the last one year. Different rules The state crime branch is quite media-friendly when it comes to sharing information about cases concerning commoners. It promptly sends press releases with exquisite details of the case and the investigation. But true to the adage that some persons are more equal than others in this democratic country, the same crime branch has till date not shared the details of the inquiry against former Education Minister Peerzada Mohammad Sayeed. The Minister is accused of helping his son in allegedly using unfair means to clear Class X examination. Persistent requests by mediapersons for seeking the details have not borne any fruit. Now, a local resident has used the Right to Information Act to seek a copy of the inquiry report. Hope the facility works. Traffic violations The ‘no entry’ signboards put up by the Traffic Police at many places in the city act as sources of laughter just like the popular Hindi comedy movie by that name. No one seems to take its meaning in letter and in spirit. Drivers, especially those driving mini buses, care two hoots for them. The boards simply seem an invitation to specially enter the path. Policemen also remain mute spectators, as they, too, do not protect the sanctity of the ‘no entry’ orders. (Contributed by Sonika Raina, Jupinderjit Singh and Arteev Sharma)
	Army comes to rescue of elderly couple Our Correspondent Katra, February 28 Janema Bibi, a 60-year-old woman, lives with her 70-year-old husband Abdul Aziz, at Sarh village of Mahore tehsil in Reasi district. Janema Bibi is suffering from a stone in her gall bladder and is bed-ridden for a long time. The family has meagre source of income and is unable to meet the cost of treatment. Seeing his wife's miserable condition day by day and having no options left, Abdul Aziz recently approached the Commanding Officer of the 61 Rashtriya Rifles Battalion for immediate help and medical aid for the treatment of his wife. On seeing the plight and misery of the elderly, the Commanding Officer immediately sent the Regimental medical officer for her treatment. The doctor treated her and rendered medical aid to Janema Bibi. The Commanding Officer also provided monetary assistance to Abdul Aziz for carrying out necessary tests like ultrasound, etc. Abdul Aziz, along with his wife, thanked the Rashtriya Rifles Battalion for its support.
	Gulmarg to host Kashmir winter festival from Mar 9 Jammu, February 28 A three-day festival devoted to music and winter adventure sports at the ski resort of Gulmarg in the Kashmir valley aims to promote cultural exchanges between people across the country as well as create a platform for the local artists. "I am very delighted to announce the country’s first winter festival of music and adventure. Gulmarg Winter Festival 2012 is going to provide a platform for artists from the state to showcase their talent,” said Minister for Tourism and Culture Nawang Rigzin Jora. The three-day music and adventure winter festival from March 9 at Gulmarg is supported by the Jammu and Kashmir Tourism Department. The minister said music and adventure would not only attract a large number of people but would also encourage them to promote peace and harmony. “The event will involve local people displaying their handicrafts skill and also offer a platform to artists from Jammu and Kashmir to showcase soulful and peaceful music along with invigorating folk dance performances,” said Aditya Shinde, organiser of the festival. "The festival is a celebration of winter sports, great music, wonderful people, vibrant cultures, sumptuous food and opportunities. It promote winter sports such as skiing and snowboarding. It showcases some of the best and upcoming local and national music talents from the country", Shinde said. The festival also hopes to be a gateway to the natural beauty and music art and culture of Kashmir. — PTI
	Kashmiri children visit Ooty Srinagar, February 28 Twenty Kashmiri children, who are on a peace and friendship tour to south India, visited Ooty, the famous hill station in Tamil Nadu. The tour was flagged off by Special Director General, CRPF, from Srinagar on February 15. The tour is being organised and conducted by the CRPF, Srinagar Sector, from February 15 to March 3. A total of 20 girls from the Rahat Ghar, Srinagar, are visiting various parts of south India, including Chennai, Coimbatore, Ooty and Trivandrum. They are also scheduled to call on senior dignitaries of various states, besides visit famous tourist locations, including Marina Beach, Snake and Fun Park and Planetarium in Chennai and the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre, Kovalam Beach and the National Park in Trivandrum. — TNS
	30 women farmers from Kupwara go on study tour Srinagar, February 28 A group of 30 women farmers of Kupwara district were flagged off by the District Development Commissioner, Kupwara, Mohammad Shafi Rather, on a 10-day study tour here yesterday. The farmers would visit the Agriculture Department Farms, research stations, the Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (SKUAST), Jammu, Punjab Agriculture University, Ludhiana, the Karnal Indo-Israel Vegetable Project, the National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, the Vegetable Research Station ICAR, Solan, the Horticulture Development Farm, Ramban, and other relevant places during the tour. The District Development Commissioner advised the women farmers to get acquainted with technology in the field of agriculture, allied sectors and interact with agriculture scientists and fellow farmers and bring latest technology with them on their return and apply the same in their fields and also educate other farmers. Meanwhile, the Department of Agriculture organised a Farmers’ Awareness Camp at the Town hall at Kupwara on Sunday, an official spokesman said. Rather stressed upon the officials of the department to take the latest and modern technology to the doorsteps of farmers, which will help in increasing crop production and help farming community. — TNS