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Despite ban, polythene bags still stalk city
88-quintal plastic seized at Lakhanpur
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Pro-Azad faction rallies behind Sharma
Protests by BJYM
Cell hails govt move on temple ordinance
Martyr’s statue unveiled at Sainik Colony
Villagers seek better roads
Cartoon row
MLA holds public darbar at Reasi
Model School Satwari claim kho-kho title
HSS Mohalla excel in inter-school meet
HSS Sallan are kabaddi champs
SCC, Little Flower in cricket final
State handball team in semifinal
GHSS Mandal lift kabaddi title
Inter-school tourney concludes
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Despite ban, polythene bags still stalk city
Sources said though the Jammu Municipal Corporation (JMC) and the State Pollution Control Board (SPCB) had been conducting drives to implement the decision of the High Court directing the state government to ban polythene, the authorities had failed to get rid of the problem. “The authorities have failed to raise awareness among the public about the High Court decision. Their drives remain farcial. Initially, it was decided to provide people with jute bags to carry merchandise, etc. but that too has remained on paper,” an SPCB official told The Tribune. The official said a few residents refused to accept plastic carry bags as there was no alternative for them. “Had the authorities launched proper awareness campaign, the situation could have been altogether different,” he said, adding the public as well as tourist places in the city had become a “scene of plastic litter”. After the state High Court imposed a ban on the storage, transportation and use of polythene carry bags, the Housing and Urban Development Department had issued an SRO-182 of 2008 under the J&K Non-Biodegradable Material (Management, Handling and Disposal) Act -2007. Last year, the Environmental Committee of the J&K Legislative Assembly had also directed for a strict ban on polythene bags in the state and stressed upon launching a public awareness campaign to educate people about the hazards of using polythene. “Following the ban on manufacturing of polythene in the state, dealers started importing stock from outside the state. Recently, JMC officials seized a consignment of polythene bags, being transported to the city, from the railway station. Until the authorities launch a massive awareness campaign against the hazards of polythene, the problem will persist,” a source said. The sources said the SPCB had seized over 1,600 quintals of polythene in the municipal corporations of Jammu and Srinagar, while the Urban Local Bodies seized just 133 quintals since the ban on the use of polythene. “The approach of enforcement agencies remained faulty and lopsided. While implementing the ban on the usage, storage and transportation of polythene, the agencies virtually made no effort to control its manufacturing in letter and in spirit, which is the major reason for ineffective implementation of the decision,” they said. The sources added that a nexus between the enforcement authorities and unscrupulous elements in the trade also defeated the real purpose of the ban. One-sided effort?
The State Pollution Control Board has seized over 1,600 quintals of polythene in the municipal corporations of Jammu and Srinagar, while the Urban Local Bodies has seized just 133 quintals since the ban on the use of polythene came into force three years ago |
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88-quintal plastic seized at Lakhanpur
Jammu, May 13 They intercepted a truck and recovered 88 quintals of polythene during the checking of the truck. The banned consignment was being transported from Transport Nagar, Delhi, to MP Enterprises Lakhdata Bazaar, Jammu, the spokesperson added. The police said the polythene bags were being transported under the garb of plastic ropes. The consignment was handed over to the Sales Tax Department and the
Pollution Control Board for further action after lawful procedure. |
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Pro-Azad faction rallies behind Sharma
Jammu, May 13 The anti-graft body had issued notices to Sharma and other officers of
the J&K Cooperative Housing Corporation (JKHCC) on May 11. The BJP seized the opportunity and started organising protests at many places, demanding resignation of the beleaguered minister, who said he was ready to face the consequences if his involvement in the embezzlement was established. As the BJP and some groups with the Congress have stepped up their attack on the minister, the pro-Azad faction today came out in Sharma’s support and pointed out that some disgruntled political groups were involved in defaming the minister. In a strongly worded statement, the Congress leaders condemned the holding of demonstrations by some “disgruntled” political groups in reaction to the allegations appearing in the media against the minister. They described such demonstrations as false propaganda unleashed by certain political parties, which only reflected their political bankruptcy and desperation for power. The Congress leaders appreciated Sharma for being ready to face the consequences if charges were proven. They said it not only proved the honesty and sincerity of the minister but also frustrated those political leaders whose only motive was to exploit the situation to the hilt. They asked such people to respect the judicial institutions and allow the law to take its own course. They also warned rogue elements to desist from making false propaganda against the minister. The statement was issued by only those leaders who belonged to the pro-Azad faction. No other leader from the official body came forward to sign the statement. SAC Notice
Fissures in Cong?
A statement in support of the minister was issued by only those leaders who belonged to the pro-Azad faction. It did not bear signatures of any leader from the Pradesh Congress
Committee |
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Protests by BJYM
Jammu, May 13 The activists held demonstrations at Kachi Chawni and tehsil headquarters of Bani, Bilawar, Hiranagar, Dyalachak, Kathua before burning effigies of the minister. BJYM state president Munish Sharma demanded action against all erring ministers and officials, saying nobody should be spared for looting the public exchequer. Vijay Choudhary, Surinder Choudhary, Jaideep Sharma, Chander Mohan Gupta, Sanjay Baru, Ajay Vaid, Amreek Singh, Praduman Singh, Pushpa Wazir, Sunil Dogra and Jaideep Samyal also spoke. Meanwhile, BJP state general secretary Satish Sharma, who is camping at Leh in connection with the programmes of his party, said local workers had chalked out a programme to organise protests in different parts of Billawar constituency, from where the minister is an elected legislator. |
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No end to Jagti settlers’ woe
Jammu, May 13 “During our protest last week, the officials had assured us of providing us with regular power supply till a permanent solution to the problem was reached. They had given us a week’s time to negotiate with the authorities. However, the officials neither provided us with uninterrupted power supply nor held negotiations to end the deadlock,” claimed Shadi Lal Pandita, a resident of the township. “The Chief Engineer and Deputy Commissioner had come to the township and given us an agreement form. An affidavit was to be attached with the form in which it was to be stated that we had to pay for the electricity and other charges. When the government cannot rehabilitate us properly, how can it levy such hefty charges on us,” he added. Soon after the darbar moved to Kashmir, the government initiated 18-hour power cuts — 10 hours during the night and eight hours during the day — in Jagti Township. The administration cited the non-payment of electricity bills by the Kashmiri Pandits living in the township for the measure. The people of the township claim that they cannot sign any agreement as the government has not yet given them allotment letters for their respective flats. Another resident, Triloki Nath Bhat, while talking to The Tribune, said: “They should first rehabilitate us and then levy charge for the services. This is just a transit camp for the Kahsmiri Pandits and we are still awaiting our return back home. Once we are rehabilitated there, we are willing to pay the bills.” |
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Cell hails govt move on temple ordinance
Jammu, May 13 The Ordinance will also scuttle the move of vested interests who have been exploiting religious shrines and temples over the decades. The community, during at a convention of the National Conference minority cell recently, hoped that the ordinance would be a prelude to a full-fledged Bill on the issue, which would go a long way in properly managing the assets on the lines of Auquf Trust & Gurdwara Parbhandhak Board. The convention hailed the government for recommending to the Centre to enhance cash relief and relaxation of age limit for the youth of the community to get government jobs. The minority cell also resolved to urge the government to set up a Minority Welfare Board (MWB) for the Kashmiri Pandits to be headed by a person of the rank of minister. |
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Martyr’s statue unveiled at Sainik Colony
Jammu, May 13 Renowned sculptor Ravinder Singh Jamwal of Birpur has designed the two sculptures of the martyrs, which were installed at Sainik Colony. While the statue of Major Babbar was installed at the main chowk, the statue of Major Jasortia was unveiled today at Sheedhi Samark in the presence of a large number of people, including Army officers and family members of the valiant soldier. While unveiling the statue, Minister for Revenue, Relief and Rehabilitation Raman Bhalla said the Army had played an important role in fighting militancy and flushing out infiltrators during the Kargil war. He said the supreme sacrifices of the Army had helped in restoring peace in the state. The minister said, “The nation owes much to the Army as it safeguards the nation from the enemies, while people sleep inside their houses”. The minister said the responsibility of the Army was to safeguard the territorial integrity of the nation against external aggression. “In addition, the Army is often required to assist the civil administration during internal security disturbances and in the maintenance of law and order, in organising relief operations during natural calamities like floods, earthquakes and cyclones and in the maintenance of essential services,” he said.
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Villagers seek better roads
Poonch, May 13 Representative of Kallar and its adjoining areas raised the demands of
the villagers. They demanded resumption of work on the Kallar road under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana, besides filling of vacant posts of teaching staff in various schools of the area. They also sought action against corrupt employees of the Rural Development Department who
deliberately stopped payments of labourers under MGNREGA. The SDM said unskilled labourers should come forward to avail of benefits under the Central and state-sponsored schemes to fight unemployment. While MGNREGA catered to the employment
needs of the rural folk, schemes like SKEYWS launched by the state government provided ample opportunities to the educated unemployed youth, he added. Among the demands raised by the local residents were early settlement of land compensation cases under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana, speedy execution of road works,
adequate supply of ration, provision of potable water, improvement of power supply network, construction of school building, etc. The villagers extended their gratitude towards the officers for organising such meetings in the backward areas. The SDM assured them of redressing their grievances and directed the officers concerned for necessary action. |
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Cartoon row
Jammu, May 13 At a meeting of its workers and core committee members today, JKDF chairman Anil Gupta condemned the disrespect shown to the Bharat Ratna recipient by publishing an objectionable cartoon in a textbook. Gupta warned that people would retaliate strongly if such instances recurred in the future.
— TNS |
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Awareness on global warming
Jammu, May 13 The programme was inaugurated by MLC Vijay Bakaya at a function held on the school premises here recently. Speaking on the occasion, Bakaya insisted on maintaining the environmental equilibrium by eco-friendly activities for sustainable development. He lauded the efforts made by the NGO and congratulated Kuldeep Bhan, president of the NGO, for working at the grass-roots level. Bakaya also announced a sum of Rs 25,000 for the upgradation of school laboratory, library and sports infrastructure. On this occasion, an inter-school debate programme and a skit was also presented by the students. The event was followed by the prize distribution function. Kuldeep Bhan stressed on the need for bringing all-around change in the mindset of people for a greener and cleaner planet. He added that emission of green house gases needed to be checked in order to prevent the planet from ecological disasters. |
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Cultural programme marks Nursing Day at BN College
Jammu, May 13 Dr Arun Sharma, medical superintendent, Government Hospital Sarwal, Jammu, was the chief guest on the occasion. He said, “The strong values of Florence Nightingale influenced her work throughout the life. She promoted the importance of a nurse’s integrity”. He added that Florence Nightingale still served as a model for the nurses. Later various nursing staff were felicitated on the occasion. The Best Nurse Award was given to Jeet Kumari, staff nurse, ICU, BN Hospital, Talab Tillo, Jammu. |
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MLA holds public darbar at Reasi
Reasi, May 13 Sarpanches, panches and other inhabitants put forth their demands, including power supply, drinking water, road connectivity, health facilities, etc. Sharma issued on-the-spot instructions to officers of different departments to resolve all problems on a priority basis. The MLA directed the offices to make close coordination with the public and solve their problems. He also asked the general public to extend full cooperation in implementing schemes going on in their areas concerned and get the benefits of the schemes at their doorsteps. Sharma also announced the upgradation of Government Middle School, Nagar, to high school under the SSA, which is one of the much-awaited demands of villagers. |
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Model School Satwari claim kho-kho title
Jammu, May 13 In kho-kho (boys), Government High School, Raipur, Satwari, defeated Government High School, Sher Garh, by five points to lift the title. In under-17 girls’ category, High School, Satwari, notched up a narrow win over HS Bhour Camp by one point. Earlier in under-17 kabaddi, HS Mandal toppled HS Satwari to bag the top honours. The matches were officiated by Jatinder Kour, Hardev Singh, Ashok Kumar, Rajesh Kumar, Suraj Kour, Jasbir Kour, Rani Gupta, Neelam Rani and Anamika Khajuria. |
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Kranti Dal vows to fight unemployment
Jammu, May 13 Welcoming the youth who joined the party today, Anan Sharma, working chairman of the party, along with president Pritam Sharma said the Kranti Dal would ensure that the problems related to the youth were addressed. The party was planning to raise the issue of special employment package for educated unemployed youth and oppose the move to increase the retirement age of public servants to solve the problem of unemployment. The party would also press for the issuance of joining letter to selected teachers and regularisation of those who had completed five years of service in government departments. |
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HSS Mohalla excel in inter-school meet
Jammu, May 13 In under-17 boys’ kabaddi final, HSS Mohalla beat HS Barshalla by seven points to clinch the title. In kho-kho, HSS Mohalla emerged victorious by defeating HS Barshalla by 6 points. The volleyball title also went to HSS Mohalla. In under-14 boys’ kabaddi, MS Mohalla beat MS Banjar by 12 points. MS Battal claimed the kho-kho title by defeating MS Juddi by 4 points. Earlier, the tournament was inaugurated by KL Parihar, Principal, HSS Mohalla. |
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HSS Sallan are kabaddi champs
Jammu, May 13 Earlier, HSS Sallan trounced HS Said, HSS Mangloor beat HSS Gurah Mundian, HS Dinga Amb outplayed HS Parangoli and HSS Sallan thrashed HSS Mangloor. In under-14 kho-kho, MS Pranjali lifted the trophy by defeating MS Gurah Mundian in the final. In other matches, MS Bhaiya got the better of MS Badholi, MS Parangoli edged out MS Bhagocha Chak and MS Gurah Mundian outplayed MS Bhaiya. In the under-17 kabaddi final, HSS Sallan prevailed over HS Dinga Amb, while HSS Sallan drubbed HS Parangoli and HS Dinga Amb trounced HS Mangloor. The the under-14 category, the kabaddi title went to
MS Ladoli. Earlier, in under-17 boys’ volleyball, HS Mela won the title by defeating HS Parangoli. In kho-kho final, HS Sallan overcame HS Said to bag the top honours, while the under-14 title went to MS Bhadali. In under-14 kabaddi final, MS Badhali defeated MS Pathwal, while in
the under-17 age group, HSS Mangloor beat MS Mela. Also, HS Dinga beat HS Parangoli. |
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SCC, Little Flower in cricket final
Jammu, May 13 Riding on a quick-fire 73 by Sahil Pawar and 28 by Sahil Gupta, SCC piled up a decent total of 148 runs for the loss of nine wickets in the stipulated 20 overs. Pawar pierced eight hits to the fence and two sixes in his 47-ball knock, while Gupta hit one four and three sixes. For Akhnoor Tigers, Nitin, Karan and Rajat shared two wickets apiece, while Ayush chipped in with a wicket. In reply, Akhnoor Tigers were skittled out for paltry 96 runs in 16 overs. Ayush and Rajat contributed 23 and 16 runs, respectively. Shubam was the pick of the bowlers for SCC, claiming three wickets. Sanjay Manhas and Rajesh Sharma scalped two wickets each. Sahil Pawar also took one wicket and was adjudged the man of the match. In the second semifinal, Little Flower School, Akhnoor, got the better of Akhnoor Devils by seven wickets. Batting first, Akhnoor Devils collapsed at 106 runs in 16 overs. Akash (21) and Abhi (12) were the notable contributors. For Little Flowers School, Dheeraj was the most successful bowler with a three-wicket haul, while Vinod Kumar and Anirudh Dubey snared two wickets each. Manu also took one wicket. In reply, Little Flowers School reached the target losing just three wickets in the process. Vinod Kumar (32), Arun Sharma (23) and Varun Kumar (19) were the main contributors. Akash and Abhi claimed one wicket each for Akhnoor Devils. Vinod Kumar was declared the man of the match. |
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State handball team in semifinal
Jammu, May 13 Meanwhile, the Jammu and Kashmir Handball Association has decided to hold selection trials for the forthcoming 35th Junior National Handball Championship slated to be held at Indore from June 5 to 10. The trials will be held at Mini Stadium, Parade Ground, from May 14
and 15. |
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GHSS Mandal lift kabaddi title
Jammu, May 13 In U-14 kho-kho, John Convent School, Mandal, and Model School, Satwari, secured a berth in the final. Earlier in the semifinals, John Convent eased past Middle School, Old Satwari, by 8-2 points, while Model School outplayed High School, Bhour Camp, by 7-3 points. In the preliminary round of U-14 kho-kho, John Convent toppled Middle School, Hakkal, by 11-2 points and Model School, Satwari, spanked Middle School, Narwal Pain, by 5-4 points. The matches were officiated by Chanderkanta, Dinesh Sharma, Suraj Kour, Jitender Kour,
Neelam Rani, Hardev Singh, Rajesh Kumar, Jasbir Kour, Rani Gupta, Ashok Kumar, Sanjay Khajuria and Mohinder Singh. The competition is being held under the supervision of district officer Tirath Ram wherein
all 14 schools of the zone are participating. |
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Inter-school tourney concludes
Jammu, May 13 The under-17 kho-kho and kabaddi titles were bagged by HSS Gho
Brahmana and HS Khanpur, respectively. The matches were officiated by Deepak Kumar, Rajinder Singh, Chander Prakash, Kapoor Chand, Dhanraj Singh and Sudesh Choudhary. |
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Jammu, May 13
Jammu, May 13
On May 11, the State Accountability Commission had issued notices to Minister of State for Cooperatives
Manohar Lal Sharma and other officers of the J&K Cooperative Housing Corporation over allegations of embezzling crores of rupees