Key measures to arrest menace

y To issue certificates of appreciation to members of staff reporting any instances of ragging to authorities

y Head of departments to constitute anti-ragging departmental action committees

y Distributing pamphlets carrying “vital information” among students, scholars and visitors

Jammu, May 10
With the image of the BJP taking a hit due to infighting among its various factions, the party has decided to organise orientation camps for workers from all districts of the state to “educate” them about the ideology of the party.

Though the party leadership termed the decision to organise training camps a “landmark initiative”, sources in the party said the decision had been taken to boost the morale of the cadre, as the party leadership was finding it hard to infuse confidence into workers.

The cross-voting controversy of April, 2011, which had led to the expulsion of seven MLAs, had badly dented the image of the party leaders not only in the public but among the cadre as well.

“During the past one year, the BJP has been facing a crisis and the party has failed to mobilise people in its programme because the committed workers are not actively participating in such programmes”, insiders in the BJP said, adding that the party had decided to organise orientation programmes to revitalise the cadre.

The BJP, in a handout issued here today, said for the first time in the history of the state, the BJP was organising a series of training-cum-orientation camps at block level, covering all districts within a period of next 20 days, to educate the grass-roots party workers about the history, ideology and future goals of the party in the country and the state.

The first inaugural camp in the series will be held in the Arnas area of Reasi district on May 11 and will be attended by Jitendra Singh, chief spokesman of the state BJP.

The camp is expected to be attended by over 50 prominent grass-roots party activists.

Yudhvir Sethi, convener of the orientation camps, said the aim of the camps was to educate the activists about the ideology of the party. The subjects on which lectures and discussions would be held include “history and growth of the BJP over the years, vision and ideology of the party and the Sangh Parivar, landmarks in the past decades, future challenges and election strategies”.

Jammu, May 10
With the J&K State Sports Council still struggling to provide necessary sports infrastructure to the state sportspersons, the alleged ongoing infighting within the J&K Gymnastics Association has made the situation even worse.

If the present scenario persists, it may jeopardise the preparations of the state gymnasts for the forthcoming National Games and other national and international championships.

According to sources, two parallel associations — J&K Gymnastics Association and Amateur Gymnastics Association of J&K — existed before the J&K Gymnastics Association got affiliated with the J&K Olympic Council.

In order to arrive at a consensus, the J&K State Sports Council convened a meeting to find out a possible solution.

The office-bearers of both associations unanimously agreed to run a single association under the banner “J&K Gymnastics Association”. Rafiq Sadiq was elected president, while DD Mehta became its general secretary.

After Mehta’s demise, the association elected Ajit Singh Wazir as its general secretary.

“In 2008, Rafiq Sadiq passed away and the association, in order to run its affairs, elected senior vice-president SA Hameed as its working president till the conduct of fresh elections,” an official claimed.

A meeting of the general council of the association was held on September 18, 2009 at Polo Ground, Srinagar. OP Ranot, joint secretary, Gymnastics Federation of India, was deputed as the observer by the federation for the elections, which were held the same day.

Sheikh Fazal Ahmad, former secretary, J&K State Sports Council, was elected president of the association, while SA Hameed secured the post of senior vice-president.

Ajit Singh Wazir was elected general secretary, while Som Raj Gupta became treasurer. Also, Ajay Gandotra and Gulzar Ahmad were elected vice-presidents, while Harvinder Singh and Zahoor Ahmad got the posts of joint secretary.

“Before the conduct of the elections in 2009, working president SA Hameed had asked Anil Khajuria, treasurer, to get the accounts audited but after serving several reminders, Anil could not accomplish the assignment,” the official claimed.

“Hameed then nominated Som Raj Gupta as the new treasurer to get the accounts audited for its submission to the J&K State Sports Council. This, however, triggered an open revolt from some of the office-bearers within the association.”

Kiran Wattal, secretary, J&K State Sports Council, told The Tribune that in spite of the controversy surrounding the J&K Gymnastics Association, the sport would not be allowed to suffer.

“The elections held in 2009 at Polo Ground in Srinagar were not valid because there was no observer from the J&K State Sports Council to supervise them,” said Wattal.

“Nobody will be allowed by the Sports Council to dictate terms, no matter what association they represent,” he said.

“There is a set procedure and the office-bearers of all associations have to follow it,” he said.

“We are aware of the necessities of the gymnasts of our state and we are doing our best to provide them with adequate infrastructure,” he added.

Katra, May 10
In a clear violation of norms laid down by the government under the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA), the Chief Education Officer, Reasi, has allegedly transferred many Rehbar-e-Taleem (ReT) teachers working within a zone to other schools in the district.

According to local residents, the transfers have been made in order to “re-advertise these posts to accommodate blue-eyed boys and girls”.

The aggrieved educated youth of the area have alleged corruption and favoritism by officials of Education Department at zonal and district levels.

The documents available with The Tribune reveal that clear orders have been issued by the Chief Education Officer and the Directorate of School Education Jammu for the deployment of ReTs to other schools.

Under the rules, ReT teachers can’t be transferred from their respective place of posting even if their services are regularised since their appointment is school-specific. An appointment order of an ReT states: “As a matter of policy and for the smooth working of rural schools, the ReT teachers so regularised shall not be transferred out.”

“After these transfer orders were issued, the Zonal Education Officer concerned asked the headmasters working in his zone to implement the orders,” said a local resident.

The youth of this remote area claim that it is there right to be appointed as ReTs in their own villages.

“Why is somebody from another area being transferred to our village, while the SSA norms say local educated youth must be given preference,” questioned Chain Singh, a social activist. He added that the functioning of their school had been affected after an ReT teacher was transferred to another school in the area.

GA Qureshi, Director School Education, Jammu, assured that action would be initiated against the officials concerned for making the transfers.

“The appointment of ReT teachers is school-specific and they can’t be transferred. I will get the matter probed and take action against the officials who ordered the transfers,” he said.

Jammu, May 10
Zeashta Devi Prabhandhak Committee, today, organised an Annual Maha Yagya to mark the birthday of Mata Zeashta Devi in Kashmir with religious fervour and gaiety.

The “maha yagya” started from May 9 at 7.00 pm with Pushp.

Archana and Puran Ahuti were offered on May 10 followed by prashad vitaran.

A large number of the devotees both from within and outside the valley visited the shrine. The committee had also arranged dinner for the inmates of Old Age Home at Ambphalla, Jammu on this occasion.

The president of the Sanastha, Sh BB Bhat thanked the pilgrims, guests, the State Government departments and the CRPF for providing all possible help and making the occasion a success. — TNS

Jammu, May 10
Umar Maqbool, a student of BSc-III, bagged top honours in the annual college road race of SP College, Srinagar, held from Nehru Park to Nishat Garden today.

The run was flagged off by college principal Dr Nazir Ahmad Gilkar.

At least 97 athletes of the college participated in the race that covered Oberoi Crossing, SKICC, Kral Sangri and Braine Crossing before culminating at Foreshore Road, Nishat, covering 7 km.

Umar dominated the proceedings right from the onset and ended up winning the race comfortably. He was followed by Tajamul of BSc-II and Shabir Ahmad of BSc-III.

The closing ceremony was held at the Nishat Park, wherein trophies were awarded to the first three position holders. Also, medals were distributed to 10 position holders by the college principal.

Dr Gilkar urged the students to take part in competitive sports for their overall development.

The convener, Sports Board, Prof Noor Muhammad Malik, and secretary, Faculty Council, Dr M Farooq Mir, also spoke.

Jammu, May 10
Panun Kashmir, today, expressed a serious concern over the prolonged power cuts in the Jagti Satellite Township constructed for the rehabilitation of the internally displaced community.

In a meeting convened by Panun Kashmir, under the chairmanship of Dr Ajay Chrungoo, the organisation extended its support to the aggrieved inmates of the Jagti Township who were facing harassment due to uninterrupted 16 to 18-hour power cuts everyday.

Terming the unjustified power cuts as onslaught on the basic rights of the Kashmiri Pandits living in Jagti, Dr Ajay Chrungoo said, "By indulging in prolonged power cuts without any rationale, the authorities are doing injustice to the community.”

Expressing his dismay over the developments, Dr Chrungoo said, "The administration is playing with the career of the school going and college going students as it affects their education. Thus the government is violating the right to education of the community. The administration is resorting to the situation akin to the conditions that were prevalent in the Jewish concentration camps.”

He added, "In this hour of grave crisis Panun Kashmir lends its support to the brethren of Jagti and will stand with them shoulder to shoulder for their struggle."

Still, we could not believe that such a terrible thing happened to us. It is quite hard for me to believe this. He was an idol for the new generation of singers and they all needed his guidance but it is really unfortunate that he left us suddenly. Most shockingly, he was not suffering from any ailment; he always looked fit and fine. We called him Ghulam Ali of Jammu and Kashmir
— Deepali Wattal, a singer

Malla’s demise had created a vacuum in the music industry as no one else could match his stature so far. His contributions are matchless and he hardly had anybody to match his stature. I had a very long association with him. He represented the state utmost on various podiums. Malla always left the audience spell bound during his live ghazal performances and all his performances were charged with emotions. He used to put soul in the things and no doubt as an individual, he was a real artist, a straight forward man far from politicking
— Balwant Thakur, theater director

It was quite depressing for the artists and music lovers of the state that they lost a beautiful voice. We have a very few singers to match such a talent, rather no one could exactly touch his stature. He was actually a very hard working and grounded personality. I think the upcoming and the new generation singers had a lot to learn from this great singer. His untimely demise has sent us all in deep shock and given a big jolt to music of the state
— Mohan Singh, a Dogri poet and writer

Jammu, May 10
A free medical camp was organised at Sarthali, today, under the Corporate Social Responsibility Scheme. The camp was organised by Sewa 2 Power station NHPC Ltd. SK Pandey, Chief Engineer (Civil) of Sewa 2 Power Station inaugurated the camp and laid stress on the welfare activities undertaken by the NHPC Ltd under CSR.

Doctors from across the city examined the patients and prescribed medication for various other medical cases with support from the ophthalmic technicians from Kathua district Hospital.

Medicines were also given along with conducting free blood tests for diabetic patients. People from Sarthali, Bani, Bekan, Gatti and Surjan attended the camp.

Jammu, May 10
Cantt Cricket Club overcame the challenge of JKAP XI to set up a summit clash with Kashmir Cricket Club (KCC) in the Ashok Sodhi Memorial Cricket Tournament at Parade Ground here today.

Batting first, JKAP XI garnered 118 runs in the allotted 20 overs by losing nine wickets in the process.

Ashwani played an impressive knock of 46 runs, which included six fours and two sixes, while Ishtiaq chipped in with 33 runs, slamming four boundaries and two sixes.

Raj Kumar Bakshi, Pankaj Sasan and Chander Kiran shared two wickets apiece for Cantt Club, while Khushwant and Umesh snared a wicket apiece.

In reply, Cantt Club overhauled the target with utmost ease in 17 overs, losing five wickets in the process.

Vijay Dogra was the top scorer with 42 runs, hitting five boundaries. Sunil Govil and Amit contributed 21 and 17 runs, respectively.

For JKAP XI, Sanjeet, Rohit, Yasir, Ashwani and Ishtiaq claimed one wicket each.

Vijay Dogra was declared the man of the match, which was officiated by Sadiq Hussain Malik and Saleem-ur-Rehman as umpires. Sanjay Pradhan and Ajay Sharma maintained the scorebook.

Jammu, May 10
Government High School, Kachi Chawni trounced Government Middle School, RN Pura by one turn and 2 points in the final to lift the U-14 girls kabaddi title in the Jammu district zonal level Inter-School Tournaments, which concluded at Government Girls Higher Secondary School, Bakshi Nagar, here. In U-17 girls’ kabaddi final, HSS Nowabad toppled HS Panjpeer by 18 points to lift the trophy. Earlier, in the semi-finals, SOS dispatched HS Janipur by one turn and 3 points and St Peter HS BC Road got the better of HSS Muthi by one turn and one point.

Meanwhile, the zonal level Inter-School Tournament organised by the Department of Youth Services and Sports in the disciplines of kabaddi, kho-kho and volleyball for girls. Around 150 players participated in the competition, which concluded at Government Higher Secondary School, Domana. MS Akalpur eased past MRLD Burj by 9 points to lift U-14 girls title in kabaddi, while U-17 title was bagged by GHS Ghou Manasan by defeating GHS Gole Gujral (18-12).

U-14 and U-17 kho-kho titles went to GMS Galwadey Chak and GHS Marh Bagh, respectively.

Principal GGHSS, Bakshi Nagar, was the chief guest in the concluding function, while Zonal Physical Education Officer, Ram Kumar Sharma was also present on the occasion. The tournament was held under the overall supervision of ZPEO Mulkh Raj Sharma and PEMs Tarsem Singh and Rachpal Singh. All the matches were officiated by Ravi Kumar, Pavitar Singh, Hardutt Sharma, Pritam Lal, Tilak Raj Parihar, Surinder Singh, Ajit Singh, Nitin Sethi, Anita Bhat, Shifali, Harjot Kour and Swati Wadhera.

Jammu, May 10
Ankita Jala hit 68 off 55 balls to script victory for District XI against Government College for Women (GCW), Parade, today. District XI won the exhibition match by seven wickets at Parade Ground here.

Batting first, GCW Parade accumulated 104 runs in the allotted 20 overs.

Jyotsana was the top scorer with 23 runs, hitting two boundaries. Neeru and Shalu chipped in with 13 and 12 runs, respectively, while Sanjogita and Pooja also made useful contribution of 11 runs apiece.

For District XI, Isha bowled an impressive spell to scalp three wickets, while Asha took two wickets.

Sapna and Ankita shared a wicket apiece.

Chasing a modest target to win, District XI reached the target with utmost ease in just 14.5 overs, courtesy a whirlwind innings by Ankita.

It was a perfect exhibition of brutal strokeplay as Ankita bludgeoned the bowlers to all corners of the park at will. Her strokeful knock contained 10 boundaries. Anita also contributed a quick-fire 14. — TNS 

Jammu, May 10
K Rajendra Kumar, Additional Director General of Police, Armed/L&O, today presented a cricket kit to Mainder Pal Singh Bali at APHQ, Srinagar.

A native of Chatergam village, Tehsil Tral, Pulwama district, Mainder Pal Singh Bali is a budding cricketer but due to lack of resources, he was not in a position to explore his talent in the sport.

As part of the Civic Action Programme, the ADGP came forward to help the cricketer.

The JK Police, under its initiative, has been supporting deserving and needy players by various ways to explore their capabilities and sharpen their talent in their respective fields.