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Security plates for vehicles from June 11
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Cab operators shortchanging tourists
PDD to identify ‘ghost consumers’
Ex-councillors meet PDD Chief Engineer
Local shrine draws fewer devotees this year
‘JCC has betrayed employees’
YC Elections
BJP study group faces tough questions
Mahila Morcha stages protest against price rise
Housing Board staff hold meeting
Gurj Division honours ‘Veer Naris’ at Samba
Workshop on new teaching aids
JK Public School script win
Pulwama Reds lift trophy
Bazigar Club bag T20 title
SCC, CCCB register wins
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Security plates for vehicles from June 11
Jammu, May 29 The department has entered into an agreement with M/S Real Mazon India Limited, New Delhi, to manufacture and affix the number plates to all vehicles after the government terminated the agreement with a Hyderabad-based firm, Promuk Horffmann International Limited, for its failure to start the project last week. It had also slapped a penalty of Rs 10 lakh on the company. The notification stipulates the department to start the process simultaneously in Srinagar and Jammu on June 11, while the vehicle owners in other districts of the state can get these plates installed from June 26 onwards. “People in Jammu and other parts of the district can affix the new number plates to their vehicles at the Old RTO office, Jammu (Ware House), while those living in Srinagar can get the tamper-proof plates from the RTO, Srinagar (Batmaloo), from June 11 onwards,” the notification said. For all other districts of the state, the people can emboss these plates at the Additional Regional Transport Offices. “A complete set of a registration plate, inclusive of snap lock, and fixing will cost Rs 170 (scooters) and Rs 128 (motorcycles), while medium commercial and heavy commercial vehicle owners will have to spend Rs 401 each. The cost of fixing the tamper-proof plates on three-wheelers will be Rs 198,” the notification maintained. The state government had approached the Supreme Court, seeking a further extension of two months for the implementation of the project after it failed to meet the April-30 deadline. The apex court had directed various states and Union Territories to start the system by April 30 for new vehicles and June 15 for old vehicles. The State Transport Department had started the process of implementation of the system on July 27 last year. It had awarded the tender for fastening the number plates on all vehicles in November, 2011. The fixing of new number plates holds great significance in the terrorism-hit state, where vehicles with ‘fake numbers’ are often used by militant outfits to further their nefarious designs. The state has over 9 lakh vehicles — private as well as commercial — with nearly 70,000 fresh vehicles hitting the roads annually. Under the new process, the tamper-proof plates, which are non-replaceable, make tracking down of stolen vehicles easier. If someone tries to remove or replace the number plate, the snap lock will break, making it impossible to install any other number plate on the vehicle. The directive
The notification stipulates the Transport Department to start the process simultaneously in Srinagar and Jammu on June 11, while the vehicle owners in other districts of the state can get these plates installed from June 26 onwards |
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Cab operators shortchanging tourists
Jammu, May 29 While the authorities have issued a rate list to the cab operators, the practice of excessive charging is rampant, especially at the railway station and bus stand, where tourists find it hard to hire vehicles as cab operators are not willing to negotiate. Ram Reddy, who is here on vacation from Chennai, said: “I had heard a lot about Jammu and Kashmir and had planned my holiday this year to have a glimpse of the natural beauty of the state. However, the moment I reached the railway station, I had an argument with a private cab operator, who was charging Rs 1,050 for a trip to Katra,” he claimed. “Before approaching the cab operator, we had checked out the official rate list, which showed the actual cost at Rs 820,” he added. “Wonder if the authorities are aware of the malpractices that the private cab operators are indulging in,” said another tourist from Rajasthan. “According to the rate list issued by the Road Transport Office (RTO), Jammu, a Tavera (seven-seater) or a Scorpio costs around Rs 600 per head for a trip from Jammu to Srinagar. But some cab operators are not following the guidelines and charging excessive fares from the tourists, making things even more difficult for us,” said Dogra. “The official rate list specifies a fare of Rs 700 per head for cabs like Innova or Xylo for a trip from Jammu to Srinagar. However, most operators are charging tourists as high as Rs 1,800 per head for the trip,” he added. “There are so many unions of cab operators in the city and each has their own rate list,” claimed Dogra. Transport Commissioner MA Kakroo, while talking to The Tribune, said the department had made special squads to keep a check on the malpractices of private cab operators. “The Transport Department has set up special squads to maintain strict vigil on excessive charging by taxi operators so that tourists do not suffer. If a tourist faces such a difficulty, he is free to inform us and we will take action against the culprits,” he added. I had an argument with a private cab operator, who was charging Rs
1,050 for a trip to Katra. The actual cost shown on the official rate list was
Rs 820
The official rate list specifies a fare of Rs 700 per head for cabs like Innova or Xylo for a trip from Jammu to Srinagar. However, most operators are charging tourists as high as
Rs 1,800 per head for the trip
— Babu Ram DogrA, member, Friends Taxi Owners Union The Transport Department has set up special squads to maintain strict vigil on excessive charging by taxi operators so that tourists do not suffer. If a tourist faces such a difficulty, he is free to inform us and we will take action against the
culprits |
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PDD to identify ‘ghost consumers’
Jammu, May 29 The project comes under the centrally sponsored Restructured Accelerated Power Development and Reforms Programme (R-APDRP) and Wipro Infotech has been given the contract to create the data base of the distribution network and also conduct Geographic Information Systems (GIS) survey in the entire province in a phased manner. The government has received an additional amount of Rs 1,665.27 crore under the flagship programme of R-APDRP, which was conducted
last year, to strengthen the Sub-Transmission Distribution System in 30 towns of the state
with a population of 10,000 and above. “The public is requested to cooperate with the department in this endeavour so that the survey is conducted in a time bound manner and reliable data is acquired,” said an official. The Union Power Ministry and Planning Commission of India (PCI) has been repeatedly warning the state to curb the power losses and create a database to identify ‘ghost consumers’. “A plan has already been formulated for the extension of R-APDRP to 288 towns and other areas having a population of 4,000 and above. To execute this plan, DPRs have been
formulated and are sent to the Government of India, Ministry of Power for funds,” said a senior officer. R-APDRP is the second phase of the project, the first was APDRP, which aims to cap the losses suffered by Jammu and Kashmir in T&D, an area routinely pointed out by the Planning Commission of India (PCI). Under phase-II of the centrally sponsored project, funds were to be
used for renovation, modernisation and strengthening of 11KV level sub-stations, transformers, transformer centers, load balancing HVDS and laying of Aerial Bunched Conducting in the urban centres of the state. Bid to curtail power thefts
The project comes under the centrally sponsored Restructured Accelerated Power Development and Reforms Programme (R-APDRP) and Wipro Infotech has been given the contract to create the data base of distribution network and also conduct Geographic Information Systems (GIS) survey in the entire Jammu province in a phased manner The survey will allow the department to create a detailed consumer indexing and asset mapping in the city to control power pilferage, which has become a major challenge for the government The government has received additional `1,665.27 crore under the flagship programme of R-APDRP |
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Ex-councillors meet PDD Chief Engineer
Jammu, May 29 The councillors reminded the Chief Engineer that the government had assured the masses that the areas where electronic metres had been installed would be provided with regular and interrupted supply of electricity. “It is ironical that the metered areas are also facing the erratic power supply. The government has to change its policy vis-a-vis power supply,” they said. Goni, however, expressed her helplessness, saying that the PDD had ordered enforcement of eight-hour power curtailment in the metered areas. |
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Local shrine draws fewer devotees this year
Jammu, May 29 Though there was a steady trickle of devotees at the local shrine, the atmosphere was a far cry from that of the last year. Devotees were busy singing devotional songs and offering prayers at the bedecked shrine. Shwaet Bhat, a devotee, said: “My family has gone to the Kashmir shrine to celebrate ‘Jyestha Ashtami’ this year. I also wanted to join them but could not go along due to my professional commitment. So I am visiting this shrine. Most of our relatives have gone there for the first time.” “Annual fairs offer a chance to the younger generation in exile to see the customs and festivals of the community,” he added. Triloki Nath Bhat, a volunteer, said: “Though the number of devotees is still high, more people have preferred to go to Kashmir this time. This shrine used to remain packed with devotees on such occasions in the past. The number of devotees visiting this shrine is far less than the previous years.” Apart from those who went on their own for the annual Kheer Bhawani Mela, around 60 buses allotted by the government took Kashmiri Pandits to Kashmir for the fair. Only 40 government buses had taken pilgrims to Kashmir on the occasion last year. The Arth Ratri Maha Reghneya Devi Sanstha Trust built the replica of the 1,000-year-old shrine of Tullamulla in 1993 and has been organising this fair on ‘Jyestha Purnima’ ever since.
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‘JCC has betrayed employees’
Jammu, May 29 Addressing mediapersons, senior committee leaders Sushil Sudan, Suresh Sharma and Subash Verma alleged that the JCC was trying to fool the employees and was hand in glove with the government. “By giving repeated calls for agitation, they are just trying to divert the attention of the employees from the demands, which have been rejected by the government,” said Sudan. He alleged that the leaders of the JCC had called off the agitation in September, 2011, which paved the way for government’s inference in the working of unions. “The agreement with the Cabinet Sub-Committee was signed without taking the consent of all employee unions. A few so-called representatives sold the agenda of the workers,” alleged Verma. He said they had burnt the copies of the agreement in front of Raj Bhawan against the anti-employee policies of the government. The committee members said they were determined to fight for the rights of the employees and respected those employee leaders who fought for the cause. The leaders said only a sustained struggle could force the government to accept their demands. “We have decided not to support any agitation plan of the JCC in the future and an awareness campaign would be launched within the employees to show them the real picture,” Sudan added.
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Initial results surprise Congress stalwarts
Tribune News Service
Jammu, May 29 Although the counting of votes for the post of president of the Pradesh Youth Congress (PYC) would be held at Srinagar on May 31, the results of other posts of president of Lok Sabha and Assembly segments started pouring in late this evening. Reports suggested that Satish Sharma, son of Lok Sabha member from Jammu-Poonch constituency Madan Lal Sharma, emerged victorious as president of the PYC Jammu-Poonch Lok Sabha segment. Sharma is a known loyalist of Pradesh Congress Committee chief Saifuddin Soz. In Udhampur-Doda Lok Sabha segment, Pankaj Basotra won the election of the president. He secured 563 votes, while his rival polled 345 votes. Neither of the Congress factions claimed a clean sweep in the elections as activists and loyalists of different groups emerged victorious. The initial results have surprised many stalwarts in the party. The 10 candidates who are contesting for the post of PYC president are RS Pathania, Mohammed Shahnawaz Choudhary, Pranab Shagotra, Varinder Singh Chib, Manjit Singh, Rajveer Singh Manhas, Abid Imtiaz Kashmiri, Ifroza Akhtar, Yasir Amin Pandit and Sikander Bakht Jan. Rashid Choudhary has already withdrawn his candidature in favour of Pranab Shagotra. Pathanai told The Tribune that he would work to strengthen the party at the grass-roots level. Similarly Pranab also promised to carry forward Rahul Gandhi’s agenda of strengthening the party base.
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BJP study group faces tough questions
Poonch, May 29 The various social and religious organisations raised questions on the state BJP’s functioning. They alleged that the BJP, which claimed to be a party of depressed and discriminated people in J&K never raised the voice of this district at the state and national-level. People complained that the BJP never took Poonch district seriously, the party top leaders neglecting Poonch during their visit to Kashmir was a live example and the BJP had done it many times before. People asked the party leaders that the BJP always befooled the Poonchites on the name of the party top leaders who never paid visits to this border district. On being asked, why the BJP top leaders neglect Poonch district, JP Nadda firstly tried to divulge in other question, but later replied that the top leaders’ non-appearance did not affect the motive, but did not reply, why the BJP top leaders did not pay visit to Poonch district. Whereas, on the questions of the BJP’s condition in Jammu, he replied it would give more strength to the state BJP as the parties had to pass through these situations and the coming civic elections would give the results.
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Mahila Morcha stages protest against price rise
Jammu, May 29 Led by Mahila Morcha state president Sakina Bano, the protesters raised slogans against the state and Central governments for its failure to control prices of essential commodities. Bano said the government had failed on all accounts and no one was concerned about the plight of common man who was facing it with difficulty to make his livelihood that had resulted into suicides. “People in the remote and far-off areas are also suffering due to shortage. It has affected the coming generation who are not able to cope up with the new standards due to high price-rise index,” she said. Bano has announced that the Mahila Morcha would participate in the NDA’s Bharat Bandh call on May 31 against the Central Government’s move of hiking petrol price. Purnima Sharma, Rajrani Jamwal, Priya Sethi, Pinky Gupta, Sureshta, Vijay Raina, Anju Dogra, Parveen Arora, Saroj Gupta, Prem Lata, Renu Khajuria, Bimla Sharma, Kanta Gupta, Ritu Sharma, Rampiari, Priya Jaral, Sangeeta, Tripta, Sudesh Sharma, Sharda Devi, Babita, Chinta Dogra, Renu Bala, Labo Rani, Namrata Singh and others took part in the protest demonstration.
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Housing Board staff hold meeting
Jammu, May 29 Suman Sharma, secretary of the association, said just when the Housing Board was working smoothly on several projects, the government had decided to attach Thusoo with the General Administration Department. She said how the Deputy Chief Minister being the chairman of the Housing Board allowed the attachment of Thusoo. Suman said this decision would hamper the progress of the board. She further said if the government did not change its policy, the employees would be forced to go on indefinite strikes. — TNS
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Gurj Division honours ‘Veer Naris’ at Samba
Jammu, May 29 As many as 70 ‘Veer Naris’, whose husbands sacrificed their lives for the nation, were present on the occasion. Latha Shankar and other women of the Gurj Division interacted with the ‘Veer Naris’ and promised them that their husbands’ sacrifice would always live in the hearts of people. Officials from the Zila Sainik Board, ECHS, Samba and Kathua, were present and they noted the problems of the ‘Veer Naris’. They assured them that their problems would be resolved in a suitable manner at the earliest. A team of Army doctors provided medicare and free medicines to the ‘Veer Naris’ on the occasion.
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Workshop on new teaching aids
Jammu, May 29 The workshop was attended by a large number of students from various colleges and institutions. Topics related to various streams of education were discussed at the workshop. Samar Dev Singh Charak, secretary, Dogra Educational Trust, was the chief guest on the occasion. He highlighted the benefits of teaching aids during the learning process and various ways of inculcating positive work culture among students. He appreciated the various new forms of teaching aids and methodology being proposed by teachers in various schools in Jammu.
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JK Public School script win
Jammu, May 29 In reply, JK Public School did the needful in 19.2 overs and lost eight wickets in the process. Arjun Sharma remained unbeaten on 34, while Jasif and Ankit chipped in with 10 and 11 runs, respectively. For GD Goenka School, Amit Choudhary was the pick of the bowlers with four wickets, while Hrithik Raina and Jaideep Bakshi scalped three and one wicket, respectively. |
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Pulwama Reds lift trophy
Jammu, May 29 Batting first after winning the toss, Pulwama Reds posted a modest total of 122 Runs in 19.2 overs. Khalid top scored with 22 runs while Abroo contributed unbeaten 19 runs and Manzoor chipped in with 16 runs. Arizul Islam was the wrecker-in-chief for Gowsia Club with four important wickets. In reply, Gowsia Club managed to score 117 runs for the loss of eight wickets in the stipulated 20 overs. Irshad (31) and Mashqoor (34) played gutsy knocks but in vain. For Pulwama Reds, Muzamil was pick of the bowlers who scalped four wickets in his quota of four overs and was adjudged man of the match. Arizul Islam of Gowsia Club was declared the man of the tournament while Imran of the same club was declared best bowler. Oyais Ahmad Wani of Pulwama Reds was adjudged the best batsman of the tournament. The match was officiated by Javid Iqbal and Fayaz Ahmad as umpires while Shakeel Ahmad, Nazir Ahmad and Mohd Shafi maintained the scorebook.
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Bazigar Club bag T20 title
Jammu, May 29 Minister for Youth Services and Sports RS Chib was the chief guest and distributed trophies to the winners and runners-up. The minister said the government was contemplating forming Sports Councils at the district level, which would suggest measures to improve the sports infrastructure and monitor activities at the district level.
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SCC, CCCB register wins
Jammu, May 29 In the first match, SCC set a target of 99 runs after losing the entire batting side. Rahul was the highest scorer with 30 runs, whereas Parvaz contributed 22 runs. In reply, KCCD made a mess of their chase and perished for a paltry 83 runs. Imran and Gouran played fine knocks of 40 and 11 runs, respectively. In another match, CCCB won the toss and opted to bat first. They garnered 159 runs. Sameer Malik and Zahir scored 45 and 46 runs, respectively. In reply, MKRCD were bundled out for 83 runs.
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The long wait of the people for the installation of high security registration number plates on their vehicles has ended as the State Transport Department has finally notified the affixing of tamper-proof number plates in the twin capital cities from June 11.
The department has entered into an agreement with M/S Real Mazon India Limited, New Delhi, to manufacture and affix the number plates to all vehicles after the government terminated the agreement with a
Hyderabad-based firm, Promuk Horffmann International Limited, for its failure to start the project last week. It had also slapped a penalty of Rs 10 lakh on the company.
The tourists visiting the state are having a harrowing time as private cab operators at the bus stand and railway station continue to charge excessive fares from them despite having been issued the official rate list.
A lot fewer Kashmiri Pandits visited the local Kheer Bhawani shrine at
Janipur, a replica of the original shrine in the Valley, for the annual Kheer Bhawani Mela today than they did last year. Reason: Most devotees have opted to visit the shrine in Kashmir this year.
Jammu, May 29
The BJP Mahila Morcha today held a protest in Jammu against unprecedented hike in prices of essential commodities.
Led by Mahila Morcha state president Sakina Bano, the protesters raised slogans against the state and Central governments for its failure to control prices of essential commodities.
Babu Ram Dogra, a member of the Friends Taxi Owners Union, Bus Stand, admitted that most cab operators were charging excessive fares from tourists.
The survey will allow the department to create a detailed consumer indexing and asset mapping in the city to control power pilferage, which has become a major challenge for the government.