Jammu, May 14
Commuters have been forced to pay fares at the whims of the auto-rickshaws drivers, as the latter have been defying the directives of the government to install e-meters.

Two years ago, the district administration had directed the auto-rickshaw unions to comply with the order and install e-meters on their vehicles. The transport department was to assist the drivers in the installation of e-meters. However, most unions have failed to implement the directives, citing the exorbitant cost of meters and their installation as the reason.

Officials said the callous attitude of the transport department was responsible for the failure of the project, which could have streamlined the way the auto-rickshaws charged passengers, particularly tourists visiting the city.

“Most drivers charge fares at their whims and passengers are helpless in the absence of any strong measures taken by the authorities. They charge more than the fares fixed by the government,” said Sanjiv Sharma, a local resident.

Many commuters alleged that drivers usually refused to run their meters on the plea that these were not working.

Auto-rickshaw operators held the Transport Department responsible for the non-installation and non-functioning of the e-meters in their vehicles.

“A meter costs over Rs 3,000 and is out of our reach. With fuel prices soaring, it is impossible to survive on the fares fixed by the government,” said Devinder Singh, an auto-rickshaw operator at Jewel.

As per the fares fixed by the government, the auto-rickshaw drivers have to charge Rs 14 for the first kilometre and Rs 11 subsequently. The auto-rickshaw unions have been demanding the revision of fares, keeping in view the increase in fuel prices.

“A few years ago, we had heard that the authorities concerned were planning to install e-meters, but nothing really happened on the ground. Also, these meters were very costly,” said Sultan, an auto-rickshaw driver.

Minister of State for Transport Shabir Ahmed Khan said the government would talk to the auto-rickshaw unions on the issue.

“We will soon hold talks with the auto-rickshaw unions to find a solution. The administration will initiate steps to ensure that the plan is implemented,” he said.

Jammu, May 14
To check the use of tinted films on four-wheelers following the Supreme Court’s directive, the state Transport Department has cancelled all the permissions granted to vehicle owners, allowing them to use tinted glasses and black films on their vehicles.

The department has also asked all the Regional Transport Officers (RTOs) and Additional Regional Transport Officers (ARTOs) to constitute “special checking squads” to ensure compliance of the apex court’s directions in letter and in spirit.

“We have cancelled all permissions granted by our office in favour of any person or vehicle owner to use tinted films on their cars or any other four-wheeler. Barring special category vehicles, including those of VIPs and VVIPs, no other vehicle will be allowed to use tinted films following the Supreme Court directive,” Transport Commissioner and Chairman, State Transport Authority, Mehraj Ahmed Kakroo, told The Tribune.

He said the vehicles under Z and Z+ security covers would be allowed to use tinted glasses due to security reasons. “We have also written to the Director-General of Police (DGP) and the Home Secretary of the state to initiate necessary measures to comply with the apex court judgement,” Kakroo said.

The Transport Department had granted some permissions in special cases to use black films on four-wheelers by exercising powers under Rule 100 of the Central Motor Vehicle Rules 1989.

Out of total 9.20 lakh vehicles, there are over 2 lakh four-wheelers, including taxis, in the state.

A Bench of the Supreme Court headed by Chief Justice SH Kapadia had banned the use of tinted glass and black films on all four-wheelers in its judgement on April 27, restricting vision beyond permissible limit as fixed under the Motor Vehicles Act.

The court had given its judgement on a plea seeking a ban on the use of tinted films on car windows, including the vehicles used by the VVIPs. It was alleged that many crimes in cities were committed by the people using cars with tinted glasses.

Meanwhile, the traffic police in the winter capital city and its outskirts has intensified the drive to check vehicles using tinted films.

“So far, we have challaned and removed tinted films from over 400 vehicles in the district alone. There are over 10,000 such vehicles where vehicle owners are either using tinted films or glasses which are not under the permissible limit,” said, Manmohan Singh, SSP (Traffic), Jammu. The SSP said additional traffic policemen have been deployed across the district to check violators.

Jammu, May 14
Employees of the J&K Cooperative Supply and Marketing Federation Ltd (JAKFED) today called off their strike after getting assurance from Minister of State for Cooperatives Manohar Lal Sharma for the early redressal of their demands, including benefits under the Sixth Pay Commission and release of arrears.

The JAKFED employees expressed gratitude to the minister for conceding their long-pending demands. They also appreciated the Board members for showing keen interest in extending benefits of the Sixth Pay Commission and release of arrears.

The minister asked the JAKFED employees to work with utmost zeal, dedication and commitment towards making the their institution profitable. He said there were some other allied institutions and societies whose employees were yet to receive the Sixth Pay Commission’s arrears. He said it would be possible only when the workers put in extra efforts to make their respective establishments self- reliant.

The minister said there was a need to make strenuous efforts to make JAKFED a profitable and self-sustaining unit. He asked the employees to make all efforts to achieve the targets in the stipulated time period. He assured them that the National Conference-Congress coalition, under the leadership of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, would extend every possible assistance to help this vital institution grow.

He directed Ravinder Gupta, Managing Director, JAKFED, to constitute a committee to work out modalities for the early release of Sixth Pay Commission arrears and submit the report within a week.

Jammu, May 14
With examinations already on, students of the Government Medical College have literally been forced to burn the midnight oil due to acute shortage of electricity, and water, for the past two weeks.

While the students of “pre-final prop”, “final prop” and “second prop” are busy with their examinations, they have to grapple with power cuts, which at times stretch to eight hours a day.

“Candles are our last option these days. We have been facing frequent power cuts as well as water shortage. Power shortage leads to irregular water supply in the students’ hostels. We have to wait for hours to go to the washroom in the absence of water there,” said Assadullah Malik, a postgraduate student staying at the boys’ hostel.

“The Principal had visited us last night and assured us that regular supply of water and electricity would be provided to hostels so that students’ studies were not affected. However, nothing has changed. Things were a lot better a week ago,” he added.

Dr Arpan, a postgraduate student at GMC, Jammu, said: “The condition is quite miserable here. And this is being done to the students of an MBBS college where studies are really tough. Our carriers are at stake as we cannot concentrate on our studies under such conditions.”

Officials claimed there was no such problem in the hostels and that the authorities were ensuring regular supply of electricity as well as water to the hostels.

“The power supply was hampered due to bad weather last week. We do not have any information about the shortage of any facility in the hostels,” said an official.

The Tribune had earlier reported about the shortage of water at the GMCH, the main referral hospital of Jammu.

While there was a need for 4.9 lakh gallons of water per day at the hospital, which includes the hostel, the authorities claimed that they received only 2.25 lakh gallons.

Jammu, May 14
The All-Migrant Camps Co-ordination Committee today alleged that the government was not serious about solving the issues of the internally displaced community, as a result of which the posts announced by the Prime Minister were yet to be filled by the government.

Of the total posts announced under the Prime Minister’s package for relief and rehabilitation of the migrant population in the state, 3,800 were yet to be announced while 762 were still vacant, the committee members said during a general body meeting held under committee chairman Ajay Bharti. Bharti urged the government to implement the PM’s relief package for the migrant population in letter and spirit.

He asked the government to ensure proper and regular supply of electricity, water and other essential amenities.

The monthly relief to the beneficiaries should be increased to improve the living conditions of the migrant population, he added.

TK Sharma, general secretary, said the government was punishing the settlers of Jagti Township by enforcing 14 to 18-hour power cuts every day.

“While the Central government is extending full co-operation to mitigate the sufferings of the displaced people, the state government is doing little to extend better facilities to the migrant community,” he added.

Rajouri, May 14
To review the functioning of the Social Welfare Department, MH Bhatti, Director, Social Welfare, Jammu, convened a meeting of the officials of the District Social Welfare Department and ICDS projects of Rajouri district today.

In the meeting, a detailed review was conducted on various issues, including revised proposed list of the anganwari centres to be opened in the uncovered areas, district and block-wise up-to-date status of the selection process of their workers and helpers, national old-age pension, widow pension, NFBS, etc.

Also, timely sanction and disbursement of pre-metric scholarship and tendering process of nutrition items for the anganwari centres were discussed.

Bhatti exhorted the officers to monitor the functioning of these centres by conducting regular inspections. He directed them to submit their tour diaries and work statements to the Programme Officers and Director Social Welfare. He added that community participation in the functioning of the anganwari centres should be encouraged.

He asked the officers to work with dedication so that the benefit could percolate down to the deserving lot.

Among others, Deputy Director (Administartion) Trishla Kumari, AD Schemes Atul Gupta, District Social Welfare Officer (CDPO), Thannamandi, Surinder Paul Sharma, other CDPOs and field functionaries of SW department were present.

Jammu, May 14
The University of Jammu organised its annual Sports Day on the campus here today. Vice-Chancellor Prof Mohan Paul Singh Ishar was the chief guest, while Jai Pal Singh, Director, Youth Services and Sports, was the guest of honour.

The function began with a cultural programme by students that enthralled the audience. Jammu IGP Dilbagh Singh was also felicitated.

Later, prizes were given to students who represented the university in various inter-university competitions in different disciplines.

Prominent among those present included Registrar Prof Naresh Padha; Controller Examinations Prof Manoj Dhar; Director, Distance Education, Prof Desh Bandhu; Director, Directorate of Sports and Physical Education, Prof Dhian S Bhau; and Kuldeep Sharma, Head of Zoology Department.

Jammu, May 14
Stadium XI Blues prevailed over Young Guns XI by a margin of 94 runs in the final to win the 2nd Simula Budding Cricketers T20 Tournament at MA Stadium here today.

Deciding to bat first, Stadium Blues garnered 143 runs at the loss of four wickets in the stipulated 20 overs. Hritik played a fine knock of 46 runs off 41 balls, slamming five hits to the fence, while Sahib Mehta made a contribution of 40 runs off 42 balls. For Young Guns XI, Pavit Singh, Rattandeep Sharma and Sannat Mahajan scalped two wickets each.

Chasing 144 runs to win, Young Guns were bundled out for 51 runs in 12.4 overs. Pushpinder was the only batsman to reach the double figures, while the remaining batsmen failed to make a mark.

For Stadium XI Blues, Akash Singh Choudhary wreaked havoc in the rival camp. He claimed five important wickets, dashing the hopes of Young Guns for a successful chase. Sahil, Rishab and Prince claimed one wicket apiece.

Akash Choudhary was declared the man of the match, which was officiated by Rajinder Singh and Shashi Pal as umpires. The scorer was Sohail.

Earlier, the final match was inaugurated by Ankush Abrol, former Ranji player and president of Young Star Cricket Club in presence of former corporator Chaman Lal and Sunil Gupta.

Jammu, May 14
Jammu, Akhnoor, Bhalwal and Gandhi Nagar zones have qualified for the semifinals in U-14 boys kabaddi event on the inaugural day of the zonal-level competitions for U-14 and U-17 boys and girls commenced at Government Higher Secondary School, Domana, here today.

In U-14 boys kabaddi, Jammu Zone trounced Miran Sahib Zone by one point while Akhnoor Zone toppled Chowki Choura Zone by 15 points. Bishnah Zone had last laugh against Marh Zone by 15 points whereas Gandhi Nagar Zone emerged victorious against Jammu Zone by 15 points. In other matches, Bhalwal Zone defeated Khour Zone and Akhnoor Zone thrashed Bishnah Zone.

Now in the semifinals, Jammu Zone will take on Akhnoor Zone while Bhalwal Zone will lock horns with Gandhi Nagar Zone. In U-17 boys kabaddi event, Miran Sahib Zone dispatched Jammu Zone by 17 points in the inaugural match while Bhalwal Zone trounced Khour Zone by 24 points. Marh Zone proved too good against Jammu Zone by 21 points whereas Dansal Zone overwhelmed Arnia Zone by 7 points. In other matches played, Bishnah Zone drubbed Gandhi Nagar Zone and Chowk Choura Zone downed RS Pura Zone.

The semifinal lineup was also drawn in U-14 kabaddi in boys section. Miran Sahib Zone will square off against Akhnoor Zone while Bhalwal Zone has set up clash against Gandhi Nagar Zone in the second semifinal. Earlier, in the preliminary round matches played, Akhnoor Zone overcame the challenge of Jammu Zone by 14 points, Khour Zone toppled Gandhi Nagar Zone by 11 points, Bishnah Zone edged out Marh Zone by 5 points, Miran Sahib Zone beat RS Pura Zone by 8 points, Dansal Zone defeated Arnia Zone by 1 point, Bhalwal Zone subdued Satwari Zone by 1 point, Jourian Zone pipped Gandhi Nagar Zone by 10 points and Gandhi Nagar Zone spanked Satwari Zone by 12 points.

In U-17 kho-kho (boys), Chowki Choura Zone beat Bishnah Zone by 5 points, Akhnoor Zone defeated Jourian Zone by 7 points, Gandhi Nagar Zone trounced RS Pura Zone by 2 points, Khour Zone prevailed over Dansal Zone by 4 points, Jammu Zone got the better of Arnia Zone by 7 points, Miran Sahib Zone beat Satwari Zone by 3 points, Gandhi Nagar Zone beat Marh Zone by 1 point and Bhalwal Zone beat Miran Sahib Zone by 8 points. Satwari Zone trounced Miran Sahib Zone in U-17 volleyball.

In other matches played, Jammu Zone beat Jourian Zone and Bhalwal Zone beat Gandhi Nagar Zone. In all, 300 players drawn from all zones of Jammu district are competing in the sporting event being organised by the Department of Youth Services and Sports under the overall supervision of Tirath Ram, DYSSO, Jammu.

Earlier, Jai Pal Singh, Director, Youth Services and Sports, was the chief guest on the occasion and declared the competitions open. SS Bali, Deputy Director, Govind Ram Sharma, principal, GHSS, Domana, and Tirath Ram were also present.

Jammu, May 14
The Diamond Cricket Club (DCC), Simbal Camp, beat Lions Cricket Club (LCC), Satwari, by 75 runs to make it to the semifinals of the Baisakhi Premier League T20 Cricket Tournament at High School, Simbal Camp, here today.

DCC set a challenging total of 150 runs in the stipulated 20 overs. Shonku scored 53 runs off 42 balls while Sabi contributed 32 off 22 balls. Inderjit and Chamkor chipped in with 15 and 11 runs, respectively. Vicky was the pick of the bowlers for LCC and got three wickets, while Ashish and Hardeep got two and one wicket, respectively.

In reply, LCC were bundled out for 75 runs in 18.5 overs. Pritpal was the top-scorer with 32 runs, while Vishal and Hardeep contributed 11 runs each. Gurdev Singh was the wrecker-in-chief for DCC, who ran through the batting line-up of the rival team with a five-wicket haul. Ajitpal and Parmeet fetched two wickets apiece. Gurdev Singh was adjudged the man of the match.

The match was officiated by Kulvir Singh Kali and Gurmeet Singh as umpires. Rohit was the scorer.

Jammu, May 14
The Consumer Affairs and Public Distribution (CAPD) Department today booked 22 shopkeepers for violation of provisions of the Essential Commodities Act. A fine of Rs 20,350 was also imposed on the violators.

The official spokesperson said a team of the department, headed by Assistant Director Enforcement Wing, conducted an inspection in the market and challaned 22 shopkeepers, including cheese, chicken and vegetable sellers, besides dhaba owners, at Old City, Gandhi Nagar, Canal Road, Jewal Chowk, Railway Station, Trikuta Nagar and Muthi-Barnai.

The spokesperson said the assistant directors of Jammu province and enforcement officers of Legal Metrology Department had been directed to check overcharging and violation of rules in various markets.

Failure to display approved price list, use of domestic LPG cylinders for commercial purposes and overcharging constituted serious offence, the department told traders and business establishments.

Jammu, May 14
The J&K team started their campaign in style by notching up a thumping 2-1 win over Arunachal Pradesh in their inaugural match in the Santosh Trophy National Football Championship at Cuttack (Odisha) today. J&K dominated the proceedings from the word go as its forwards managed to sneak into rival team’s camp time and again. Khalid Qayoom drew first blood for the state team in the third minute with a brilliant pass from the left flank. Arunachal Pradesh also made desperate attempts to score an equaliser and the success finally came in the 35th minute.

The first 30 minutes of the play were completely dominated by J&K team as it had the maximum possession of the ball but Arunachal team got its act together and played with a much improved gameplan. At half time, the scorecard read 1-1. The second half was crucial for both the teams and they opted to play with caution without taking too many risks. J&K team in the, meantime, got a golden opportunity to take lead in the 80th minute and it grabbed it with both hands.

Skipper Asif Majeed scored the decisive goal that ensured much-needed victory for the team. Fayaz Ahmad, treasurer, J&K Football Association (Kashmir Wing), told The Tribune from Srinagar that the JKFA had congratulated the team for scripting a convincing win. “No doubt, it was a good win for the team but it cannot afford to be complacent”, said Fayaz. “J&K team’s coach Ranjit Singh has also instructed the team to remain focused and prepare for the next match against the formidable Maharashtra to secure a berth in the pre-quarterfinal”, he added. It may be mentioned that as many as seven players are representing the state for the first time. 

Jammu, May 14
The second phase of Kashmir Premier League (KPL) T20 Chinar Cup Tournament will commence from the second week of June. This was disclosed by RS Chib, Minister for Youth Services and Sports, while chairing a meeting of officers of Youth Services and Sports, Army and other departments to review the progress of phase I.

The minister said the government had revived the Sher-i-Kashmir Sports Award for encouraging ace players and directed the concerned for strictly sticking with the age group of players so that the budding players could get an opportunity to excel in sports. Brig Nav K Khanduri said the phase I of KPL 2012 kick started on April 14 from Baramulla and Anantnag districts and the matches of the tournament were going on.

“It is mandatory for the participating players that they should be domicile of the respective districts and should be below 20 or 24 years of age,” he said. The tournament is being conducted jointly by the Department of Youth Services and Sports, J&K State Sports Council, Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Association in collaboration with the Army under the Operation Sadhbhawna on the analogy of KPL-2011. The meeting also decided to formulate a media cell headed by Deputy Director, YSS.