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Double whammy for Jammu residents
Complete shutdown throws life out of gear
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Shops remain closed at Reasi
Bandh effect
Corruption on campus to be dealt with sternly: Prof Ishar
VC: Merger of genetics centre not on cards
Batote villages yet to get piped water
Full results defeat purpose of grading system
MLA Gupta asks Cong to clarify stand on interlocutors’ report
Investiture ceremony at SOS school
u-14 tourney
Inter-District Meet
SSSCM beat BCC in Gufran T20
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Double whammy for Jammu residents
A majority of localities, including metered areas, in the winter capital city are experiencing power
cuts ranging from eight to 10 hours, belying the government claim of providing “power cut-free summer” after the e-metering process. The incessant power cuts have hit the normal life in the region and disrupted the sleeping habits of the residents. Apart from the long scheduled and unscheduled power cuts, repeated spells of outages, lasting a few minutes, are also causing problems. As there is no predictable pattern to these power cuts, residents feel such outages will have an adverse impact on expensive electronic equipment like air-conditioners, televisions, refrigerators and stabilisers. “Frequent and long night power cuts have made our lives miserable. People are left with no option but to fan their children with papers and handmade fans during nights, leaving them sleepy and irritable the next day,” Lalit
Magotra, a resident of Sainik Colony. Magotra, president, Dogri Sanstha, Jammu, flayed the government for not fulfilling its promises
vis-a-vis uninterrupted power supply in the metered areas. “Enforcing long night power cuts has become commonplace and is unjustifiable,” he said, adding that the department should notify the scheduled power cuts. Savita Sharma, a housewife in Upper Laxmi Nagar, said: “We are witnessing worst-ever power cuts in the city and, that too, when the mercury has touched 45 °C. The entire Laxmi Nagar, particularly ward Nos. 14 and 15, has been without power for the past 11 hours.” A senior Power Development Department officer told The Tribune that the power requirement of the entire state was 2,300 MW but the state had a shortfall of 850 to 900 MW, as
the availability was around 1,500 MW. “The Jammu region is being supplied with just 600 MW to 650 MW power and the shortfall is being met by enforcing 8 to 12 hours curtailments in unmetered areas. The remaining power shortage is being covered by enforcing power cuts even in metered areas,” he said. He, however, said power consumption had increased several times due to scorching heat as people had been making maximum use of
air-conditioners. Besides, the soaring temperature coupled with subsequent load had also caused damage to transformers and frequent tripping of lines. “We have received several complaints regarding illegal connections and ‘hooking’ by people not only in unmetered but also metered areas to run air-conditioners. We have constituted special teams to conduct raids in
these areas and the department is also making efforts to regularise illegal connections so that the distribution system can be streamlined,” he maintained. Shabir Ahmed Khan, Minister for Power (in charge), said he had chaired a meeting of chief engineers and other senior officers to assess the prevailing situation vis-a-vis power cuts, following a rise in the mercury level. “I have directed all chief engineers and other officers concerned to take corrective steps to streamline the process. We hope that things will improve in the next few days,” he said. He added that special focus was being laid on unscheduled power cuts that had caused great inconvenience to people. POWER PANGS
PoliticianS’ TAKE
— Ravinder Sharma, Congress spokesperson
— Jitendra Singh, chief spokesperson, state BJP unit
— Harsh Dev Singh, working chairman, J&K Panthers Party
— Rattan Lal Gupta, provincial president, NC, Jammu
— Daman Bhasin, senior PDP leader People speak
— Raman Sharma, a resident of Mast Garh
— Narinder Singh, former Mayor, Jammu MC
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Complete shutdown throws life out of gear
Jammu, May 31 The day was marked with demonstrations at various places in the city by political and social organisations in support of the bandh. Most of the city markets wore a desolate look. Absence of vehicular movement and intercity transport threw life out of gear. Agitating mob burnt tiers at the Bakshi Nagar area and raised anti-government slogans. Protesters also burnt effigies of the government and took out motorbike rally. State BJP leaders and activists carried flags and raised slogans against the UPA government. BJP state president Shamsher Singh Manhas led a protest march from Janipur which passed through different areas of Jammu city before culminating outside the party headquarters in Kachi Chawni. Manhas said it was unfortunate that the present Congress- led UPA government had been unable to control prices of essential items, as a result of which there was widespread anger and resentment among the people. He said the hike in petrol price would affect price of other commodities, which would add to the already ailing public. Former Mayor Kavinder Gupta, Rajesh Gupta, Praduman Singh and other activists were also present on the occasion. Mahesh Sharma, a resident of Talab Tillo, said, “The public should support the shutdown call. We are not supporting any political party, we are just sustaining our cause against the increasing disparities and government’s neglect.” Ashima, a teacher at city-based private school, said, “Like me, many others have been facing trouble in commuting, but I support the cause.” Tourists, pilgrims face tough time
As the traffic was off the roads in city, pilgrims and tourists had a tough time at the Jammu Railway Station. Countless passengers were struggling for any means of transportation. Dr Ashok, a Hyderabad-based doctor told The Tribune, “When we planned our trip to Vaishno Devi, we were not aware of the consequences. I had a notion that summer vacations would be the best time to visit, but such bandhs are unprecedented.” On the shutdown call, he said, “I don’t think that such means would be effective any more. Such moves prove bothersome for the common man.” Pratima from Mumbai said, “The government has already created enough chaos for us and now the Opposition is playing its role. Ultimately, we are the sufferers. I have come here along with my family. We were expecting a joyous trip, but the scenario is altogether different.”
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Shops remain closed at Reasi
Katra, May 31 Over 2,000 shopkeepers in Reasi kept their establishments closed. “Keeping in mind the ongoing tourist season, we have decided not to obstruct the traffic. Shops and commercial establishments will, however, remain closed during the day,” said BJP district vice-president Chain Singh. It was business as usual in the holy town of Katra today. Shops and establishments went about doing their businesses and schools functioned normally. Also, public transport remained unaffected.
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JU postpones entrance exam
Malvika Sharma
Jammu, May 31 The university would conduct the tests in three stages in nine centres allotted throughout the state. With the postponement of the exams, it is now being speculated that exams may conclude after June 14, the previous date for the final stage of conducting tests. The departments of sociology, music and bio chemistry will be conducting their tests in the first stage. The exam scheduled for May 31 will now take place on June 1 and rest of the exams will be conducted as per the earlier schedule. “The exams will now be conducted on June 1 since the call for Bharat Bandh has hindered the conduct of exams in various centres. But this will not have any adverse effect on rest of the schedule,” said Jammu University PRO. RD Sharma, Dean Academic Affairs (DAA), University of Jammu, said they are prepared for smoothly conducting the examinations. Students, who were preparing for these exams, are feeling anxious as they were mentally prepared to take the exams today. “I had been preparing for the entrance tests for the past three months. With the exam getting postponed, it has hampered my concentration even though I realise that I will have one more day to prepare,” said Pankaj Mandotra, a student. Ashwani Kumar (21) has applied for a seat in the mathematics department. He is breathing a sigh of relief with the postponement of the exams. He says, “If the first exam would have been that of Math, I would have been rather anxious but now I have an extra day to revise and that should work to my advantage later.”
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Corruption on campus to be dealt with sternly: Prof Ishar
Jammu, May 31 “If any case comes up in the university, we will form a committee to probe the matter and approach the vigilance department in case of serious wrongdoing. We are conducting regular audit checks and keeping a record of all transactions. No illegal activity will go unnoticed and immediate action will be taken,” said Professor Ishar while interacting with The Tribune. The Vice-Chancellor said they were exploring all avenues to being about improvement on the academic and infrastructure front. New vocational courses will soon be introduced to enhance the scope of employability in the region and give students a chance to choose from a broad spectrum of courses. The existing courses are slated to get a makeover with updated academic and research opportunities. On students’ grievances regarding delayed results despite timely examination, the Vice-Chancellor said: “We are devising a mechanism to ensure that students from distance education and Hindi-medium courses do not suffer late evaluation on account of results of regular courses. Results of distance education and regular courses will be declared separately to reduce confusion.” While most universities have installed the biometric system for administration and attendance purposes, Jammu University is on its way to finding a suitable hybrid system to take care of admissions, fee collection and other financial transactions. The VC said the project would entail heavy expenditure, therefore it was essential for the authorities to select the right company for the project. On the future of IT development on the campus, which is already Wi-Fi enabled, he said: “We will have a hybrid system in the coming years wherein all students will have a biometric identity, enabling them to access their academic and financial records and keep them abreast with the administrative functioning.” “This will also help bring transparency in the system and remove corruption,” he added. While students have been demanding a formal student union for the university, the Vice-Chancellor had other plans to prepare them for a centralised student union. On creating a setup on the lines of Delhi University, Professor Ishar expressed concern over political immaturity among students. “The students have the potential to form a student union but they need time to grow politically. They should not just make a point, but also listen to a counter-argument.” The VC plans to start the process of electing class representatives from different sections of the department. This system has the potential of growing into a central student union for the university wherein all students can participate in a more comprehensive fashion towards a certain aim. |
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VC: Merger of genetics centre not on cards
Jammu, May 31 Speaking to The Tribune, Jammu University VC Prof MPS Ishar denied such claims. “There is no question of merging the Centre for Genetic Studies and Counselling with the Life Sciences Department, as the former is a research-based centre for genetics study. Since the staff of the genetics centre is superannuated, they are not given the administrative authority. The scope of research, equipment and infrastructure of the department is too vast for it to be merged with any other department. It will continue to run as it is,” stated the Vice-Chancellor. While the university is clear on its stand of keeping the Centre for Genetic Studies and Counselling as a separate entity, the students are sceptical about their future. “I have invested too much time and energy in the department to carry on with my research work and the student body will never take such a move in good stride. Though we have full faith in our HoD DR SC Gupta and the Vice-Chancellor, the media reports are perturbing for most of us,” commented a student from the genetics centre. The centre has been conducting counselling sessions for patients in need of help for genetic diseases. Since the centre is equipped with world-class machinery for genetic research and testing, patients who do not find cure through conventional medicines seek consultation from the genetics centre. The department continues to work on research and finding cures for genetically induced diseases. The authorities at this centre have treated patients suffering from variants of diabetes, hypertension, Parkinson’s and other genetic problems.
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Batote villages yet to get piped water
Batote, May 31 “We fetch water from Chakwa
Nullah, which is more than a kilometre away, even during inclement weather in this hilly and treacherous terrain. Villagers are yet to see piped water supply at their homes,” said Abdul
Rasheed, Rakhjadokh sarpanch. “Our villagers are bereft of piped water, while the neighbouring hamlets are getting regular supply,” rued
Jagarnath, sarpanch of Dharmoond Panchayat. “For the past several years, the PHE officials have been promising us of starting a new water scheme sanctioned for the area. But the project is yet to take off. It took many years for the PHE Department to send a detailed project report
(DPR) and get it approved. They are now citing shortage of funds as the reason for not starting the scheme,” said Muhammad
Ishfaq, sarpanch of the Champa panchayat. “Since the junior engineer belongs
to our area, we hope he will expedite the process,” he added. “Last year, a leopard killed a six-year-old boy and injured another in the village. Since then, we fear going to the nullah to fetch water,” said Gita Devi, one of the panches of Rakhjadokh. Satish Sharma, assistant executive engineer, PHE of Ramban, said he hoped that the area would get water supply this year. The undergoing Dharmoond Water Scheme is likely to be completed this year, he said. He added that a reservoir had been constructed near Maggu Nallah at Maggu village under the National Rural Drinking Water Scheme. They were now waiting for the arrival of the pipes. “The scheme got delayed partly because the matter was sub judice after the owner of the reservoir filed a petition. However, the case is over now and the work will resume soon,” said Satish Sharma. |
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Full results defeat purpose of grading system
Jammu, May 31 Soon after the declaration of class X and XII results recently, several reports had poured in about students committing suicide. “The JKBOSE authorities have failed to understand the very basics of the grading system and declared positions and marks scored by the students,” said an official of JKBOSE said. “Highly educated officials of JKBOSE have failed to understand the rationale behind starting the grading system. For instance, in the recently declared results, the complete merit list was declared, causing inferiority complex among many students,” the official said. “Some students took the extreme step of committing suicide because they could not bear the agony of lagging behind in the mark statistics. Officially, the grading system is in use, but it is not being implemented on the ground,” another official of JKBOSE said. “The position system and statistics of mark obtained in the board examination create stress among the students. To overcome this, grading system is being used so that students can heave a sigh of relief,” he added. “There is a sense of insecurity among students as far as the present grading system of the JKBOSE is
concerned,” said Prof Lokesh Verma, HoD, Education, University of Jammu. “Before introducing the grading system, the JKBOSE officials should have been informed about the technicalities of the system and that could have been be possible only if the authorities had conducted training programmes,” he opined. Meanwhile, MS Baloria, secretary, JKBOSE, has put the entire blame on the parents of the students for loopholes in the grading system. “Parents of students force us to show the total marks along with the percentage they have secured in the examination,” said Baloria, adding: “We hope that the present system will change soon.” The then Minister for School Education, Peerzada Mohammad Sayeed, had announced in a press conference at TRC Jammu that grading system would be introduced with an objective to relieve students of the mental pressure. The idea was conceived by JKBOSE former chairman Deshbandhu Gupta. |
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MLA Gupta asks Cong to clarify stand on interlocutors’ report
Jammu, May 31 Gupta said the “three wise-persons” picked up by the UPA government have cost the nation not only in terms of money but also made several recommendations, which are confusing, self-contradictory and go against the national interests. Gupta pointed out that the interlocutors have recommended making Article 370 a permanent feature, which was inducted as a temporary provision. Former Prime Minister Jawahar Lal Nehru had tried to pacify the agitated members of the Constituent Assembly, including Manlana Mohani, that Article 370 was a temporary measure. It would whither away with the passage of time. “It is strange that against the promises of Nehru, the interlocutors are now pleading for making Article 370 a permanent feature,” he said. “If this is done, it would not only further endanger the sovereignty of the country in the state but also jeopardise the rights of the people of the state,” he added. He said it was intriguing that the Congress was opting for silence over the controversial recommendations of the “wise persons”. He warned of serious repercussions if this report is not throws in the dustbin like the Autonomy Committee Report was rejected by the NDA Government in 2001. Gupta stressed on the measures to establish regional councils for Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh to overcome the menace of regional discrimination.
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Investiture ceremony at SOS school
Jammu, May 31 PV Paul, principal, SOS Hermann Gmeiner School, Varanasi, was the chief guest. The function began with the lighting of the traditional lamp followed by the presentation of a cultural programme by students. Head boy Shailesh Bhat, head girl Mehak Bakshi, group captains, group vice-captains and prefects of the four Houses — Jhelum, Chenab, Ravi and Tawi — were presented badges by the chief guest. Paul urged students to work hard and strive to achieve their goals. Later, the chief guest was presented a memento by school principal RK Dhar. |
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JKCA Red book berth in cricket final
Tribune News Service
Jammu, May 31 Batting first, MGCA were bowled out for 104 runs in 28 overs. Surya Singh remained unbeaten on 42, while Praveen and Vibhas chipped in with 25 and 13 runs, respectively. For JKCA Red, Sampark Gupta was the wrecker-in-chief claiming five wickets, whereas Tushar Anthral took two wickets. Dheeraj and Anshuman shared a wicket apiece. In reply, JKCA Red overhauled the target in 12.1 overs after losing just one wicket. Sahil played a match-winning knock of 56 runs, while Sahil contributed a handy 13 runs. The second semifinal will be played between JKCA Blues and JK Public School tomorrow at the same venue.
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Jammu lads clinch kabaddi title
Tribune News Service
Jammu, May 31 Earlier, in under-17 boys’ semifinals, Samba drubbed Doda by 18 points (40-22), while Jammu thrashed Udhampur by 17 points (34-17). Similarly, in under-14 boys’ semifinals, Rajouri beat Jammu by 12 points (21-9), while Poonch subdued Kathua by 8 points (33-25). In other matches, Rajouri thrashed Kishtwar by 25 points, Jammu prevailed over Ramban by 13 points, Poonch scripted a narrow win over Jammu by 3 points, Udhampur beat Samba by 5 points and Poonch drubbed Samba by 11 points. In under-17 boys’ events, Doda scripted a narrow win over Rajouri by 2 points, Jammu drubbed Ramban by 16 points, Rajouri beat Reasi by 8 points, Doda defeated Ramban by 20 points and Jammu pipped Reasi by 14 points. SS Bali, Deputy Director, Youth Services and Sports, Jammu, and chairman of the organising committee, was the chief guest and distributed prizes among the winners and runners-up. Meanwhile, the Department of Youth Services and Sports U-19 Girls’ Inter-District Kho-Kho, Volleyball competitions started at Youth Hostel, Srinagar, today. In all, 150 players drawn from Kashmir division are competing in the tournament. On the inaugural day, eight matches of volleyball were played. In the first match, Baramulla prevailed over Budgam, while Leh thrashed Srinagar in the second match. In other matches, Pulwama overwhelmed Kulgam, Kupwara defeated Ganderbal, Baramulla beat Srinagar, Leh edged out Budgam, Ganderbal eased past Pulwama and Kupwara crushed Kulgam. The semifinal lineup was also drawn in the kho-kho event.
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SSSCM beat BCC in Gufran T20
Jammu, May 31 Batting first, SSSCM accumulated 128 runs for the loss of eight wickets in the stipulated 20 overs. Karan Panday and Sameer Sharma contributed 33 and 30 runs, respectively. From BCC, Sarvan and Nitish snared three and two wickets, respectively. In reply, BCC perished for a paltry 71 runs in 13.2 overs. Sarwan and Sohan were the only two batsmen who reached double figure mark with scores of 11 and 10, respectively. For SSSCM, Nikhil was the chief destroyer with a five-wicket haul, while Sameer took two wickets. Nikhil Pawar was adjudged the man of the match, which was officiated by Sanjay Singh and Dharmesh Bhardwaj as umpires. The scorer was Dherendra Singh.
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The Bharat Bandh call by the BJP and Left parties in protest against the steepest-ever hike in petrol prices evoked good response in the winter capital city.
Jammu, May 31
Jammu, May 31
With chorus against corruption rising on the Jammu University campus, Vice-Chancellor Prof Mohan Paul Singh Ishar today said the authorities would take strict action against those found guilty.