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Public hassles belie ‘good governance’ claims
Traders charging inflated MRP prices
Water coolers installed by JMC fail to dispense
Man stabbed, condition critical
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PDD on chopping spree to save power lines
PDD employees chop tree branches in Gandhi Nagar area on Wednesday. Tribune photo: Anand sharma
ZPEOs protest denial of financial powers
Anti-encroachment drive launched
Shopkeepers remove goods from the main bazaar, Katra, after the MC launched an anti-encroachment drive on Wednesday evening. A Tribune photograph
Swarnkars to observe holidays from June 14
Motorcyclist crushed to death
PCC chief meets supporters
Five-day camp for sculptors, painters begins
JNU student teaches her way to empower underprivileged
Bank donates ambulance to NGO
Bihar Regiment, Jammu Reds in hockey final
Chess meet begins
Bamial XI beat Kadyala Bamilal by 19 runs
‘Sports inculcate spirit of brotherhood’
Cricket meet from June 16
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Public hassles belie ‘good governance’ claims
Jammu, June 13
The visitors are being forced to walk a long distance for a simple formality of attaching a treasury receipt of Rs 20 as fees to get the permanent resident certificate (PRC). According to the revenue department order (number 187 of 2010), it is mandatory for all the residents of the state to deposit a fee of Rs 20 in the form of a treasury receipt for getting PRC, Rs 20 for miscellaneous certificates and Rs 20-Rs 1,000 for issuance of property, income or valuation certificates for income ranging between Rs 1 lakh to Rs 50 lakh. The non-availability of any mode of public transportation, barring autorickshaws, from deputy commissioner office has compounded the problems of the people who cover a distance of two to three kilometers to get the required fees deposited in the nearby treasury branch. Ironically enough, despite having received several complaints regarding hardships being faced by the public, the authorities have failed to find out any solution to the problem. “All the documents such as application forms, affidavits etc are available on the complex but a simple formality of attaching a treasury receipt of Rs 20 for getting PRC in favour of my son forced me to spend Rs 90 on an autorickshaw for moving from DC office to treasury branch at Town Hall. It was indeed irritating in scorching heat,” lamented Shambhu Nath, a resident of Janipur. On April 27 last year, Sangharsh- an organisation of RTI activists in J&K- had submitted a representation before the Jammu DC, seeking change in the mode of fees for single-window system on the complex. “It is difficult for the physically challenged, senior citizens, females and student applicants to deposit their fees for single window system in the form of treasury receipt which is only available at the treasury office hall. The applicants suffer and feel harassed unnecessarily,” the organisation had submitted. It had suggested some alternative mode of fees like non-judicial stamp paper, Indian postal order, revenue tickets, demand draft or any other mode feasible or setting up of one treasury counter on the complex. RTI activist Balwinder Singh said, “We fail to understand why a simple administrative decision takes years together, especially when it pertains to public. It doesn’t require any amendment in the legislation or a special meeting of the cabinet. The setting up of a simple fee counter at the DC office complex will serve the purpose.” He said that the decision to introduce single window system on the complex was a good initiative but the hardships being faced by the people in the name of a treasury receipts are illogical. “What is the fun to make operational single window system if people have to move from one office to another for a treasury receipt of Rs 20 for getting PRC or any other certificate,” he regretted. When contacted, Jammu DC Sanjeev Verma said they had sent three reminders to Principal Secretary Finance, Mohammad Iqbal Khandey, for necessary action in this regard and they had been waiting for a response from the department. “We have already sent three reminders to the Finance Department but it has not responded so far,” he said. Principal Secretary Finance, Mohammad Iqbal Khandey, however, was not available for comments.
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Traders charging inflated MRP prices
Jammu, June 13 Pertinently, there is no Central or state law to regulate them at present. The manufacturers determine and mark MRP including cost of production, distribution and margin of profit at different levels up to retail. But nobody knows how this is fixed. Though there are several acts such as the Essential Commodities Act, Drug Control order, Central Excise Act and Hoarding and Profiteering Ordinance in place which deal with the quality of the products sold in the market but there is law to deal with the prices. Officials said the State Consumer Protection Council headed by Minister Qamar Ali Akhoon has constituted a WG headed by MLC Ravinder Sharma to examine the issues of fixing of MRP of consumer goods and drugs sold in the state. “Profiteering has plagued our business environment. Our businessmen always look for higher return on investment at any cost. To achieve this, many of them resort to unethical practices,” said Nadeem Qadri, a social and environmental activist. A senior officer from Legal Metrology said, “In our state, the focus of most of our business community is how to fleece the customers.” “We are studying feasibility or bringing amendments for incorporating certain new provisions to cover the MRP issue and detailed meeting are being held with consumer groups, lawyers and trader bodies,” said MLC Ravinder Sharma, who heads the group. Sharma said that there is a consensus to further strengthen the ordinance on hoarding and profiteering by adding new provision to tackle the menace of printing of inflated MRP on the consumer goods. Many instances were reported in the city when different products had different rates. It becomes very difficult for a consumer to check whether retailers are actually charging the right amount of local taxes on the products they sell or they are overcharging. |
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Water coolers installed by JMC fail to dispense
Jammu, June 13
Though the civic body had recently begun process to repair the coolers, many of them are not suitable for use. Most of these water coolers were installed after the MC elections in 2005 by the elected councillors who used the money for this which they had got for their ward development. There are 71 wards in the city and each former councillor had installed two to three water coolers in different areas but no regular maintenance was done for them. “The cooler in our area worked normally just for few months but after one fateful day its transformer got damaged and no JMC official turned up to have a look at it,” said Sunil Sharma, a Parade resident. “At many places, the Power Development Department (PDD) has snapped the power supply to many installations as the JMC had been using the electricity illegally. The matter is being taken up with the PDD,” a JMC official said on the condition of anonymity. Pertinently, residents have filed numerous complaints with the MC officials who in turn showed their inability to fix the problem saying the decision in this regard has to be taken by the higher officials. “When compared to the coolers installed by the social organisations or individuals in charity, these coolers occupying the space with filthy and stinking surroundings,” said Rakesh, a shopkeeper. When contacted, MC Joint Commissioner, Babu Ram said the civic authorities have directed the engineering wing to make all these coolers functional before the Amaranth Yatra commences. “Whenever we receive complaints, we act on them but people also have duty to protect the public property. We are talking to different departments to help restoration of those coolers which are in dysfunctional state,” said Babu Ram.
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Man stabbed, condition critical
Jammu, June 13 Reports said some unknown persons stabbed Shamsher Singh, son of Swarn Singh, a resident of Phlayan Mandaal. Doctors said the victim was in critical condition as he was stabbed on several body parts and might be shifted to Amritsar for treatment. |
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PDD on chopping spree to save power lines
Jammu, June 13 Recently, trees were found to be the main reason behind snapping of electricity supply leading to short circuits. “The trees and other vegetation near power lines need to be responsibly managed to ensure the safety and reliability of the electricity supply system. Trees that tower too high near the lines pose threat to them. If left unattended, it can result in fire or extensive damage to the distribution and transmission system,” said a PDD official. The department has launched a drive in Gandhi Nagar, Shastri Nagar and Trikuta Nagar localities and later it will be extended to other areas of the city. Officials said they will complete the process before the start of monsoon. When there are strong winds, tree branches are main culprits snapping the power supply. The power department officials said that it was important to cut down branches of trees that were extended beyond limit. “As homeowners and landowners, people have a responsibility to keep their property safe from the danger from trees which are too close to the power lines,” said PDD official.
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ZPEOs protest denial of financial powers
Jammu, June 13 The ZPEOs have alleged that they have not been authorised to spend even a single penny due to lack of provision of drawing and disbursing (DD) powers to them. According to sources, the re-organisation of DYSS was specially done with a view to create posts of ZPEOs on the lines of zonal education officers (ZEOs) but all the executive powers vested in the ZEOs were not provided to the newly-appointed 199 ZPEOs. This, they feel, has proved to be an impediment while carry out their duties in a smooth manner. Sources further said the All J&K Youth Services Sports Employees Association had written a letter to Sports Minister RS Chib few years back wherein it was mentioned that despite the establishment of zonal offices, there was a need to create adequate infrastructure besides other powers for the ZEOs. “What is the fun of creating posts of ZPEOs when there is no provision of DD powers? We are just handicapped,” said one of the ZPEOs on the condition of anonymity. “If our duties have been specifically mentioned by the department, then why it hesitates to grant all important powers to us,” he added. “We are reduced to mere puppets as we have to dance to the tunes of the officials who are not at all interested in delegating financial powers to us,” said one ZPEO. Another ZPEO said that they had also apprised Jai Pal Singh, the DYSS director, in a meeting held at Youth Hostel, Nagrota, recently about the problems being faced by them due to non-vesting of DD powers but nothing concrete had come out of it. Meanwhile, a senior DYSS official while talking to The Tribune admitted that the issue of drawing and disbursing powers had been sorted out at the time of creation of posts of ZPEOs. “The department has already approached the government in this regard and we are hopeful of a positive decision in favour of ZPEOs soon,” the DYSS official said. It is pertinent to mention here that the ZPEOs have been entrusted with the task of ensuring Common Minimum Programme (CMP) in primary, middle and high schools beides implementation of Centrally-sponsored scheme (CSS) such as Panchayat Yuva Krida Aur Khen Abhiyan (PYKKA), to furnish physical and financial proposals to district officers for their approval.
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Anti-encroachment drive launched
Katra, June 13 The drive was carried our on the instructions of Sheetal Nanda, Deputy Commissioner, Reasi. The drive was launched at the main bazaar, lower bus stand, upper bazaar and Udhampur-Banganga Road. The team carried out raids in various shops and reharis to check the usage of polythene. A few juice vendors were fined and their reharis were seized when they were caught with sugar-diluted water to be mixed in fruit juice. A number of juice sellers often mix-up sugar water in juice to deceive devotees. However, several citizens impressed upon the department to make it a regular exercise to curb such menace.
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Swarnkars to observe holidays from June 14
Jammu, June 13 He said the prices of gold were rising up by Rs 500-Rs 700 per day and also the wedding season was off. So, the Sangh was going to observe holidays for four days. Raj Kumar Babbar, member of the Sangh, said like previous years, summer vacations would be observed for four days this year also. On June 14, 15, 16 and 17 all the jewellery shops would remain closed across the Jammu region.
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Motorcyclist crushed to death
Katra June 13 Eyewitness said a motorcycle on the Pouni-Reasi Highway collided with a bus coming from the opposite side resulting into critical head injuries to the driver and the other boy riding on the bike. The motorcyclist, identified as Ranjit Singh, a resident of Arnas, succumbed to injuries, while Manjit Singh of Arnas was rushed to Government College and Hospital, Jammu, for advance treatment. — OC |
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PCC chief meets supporters
Jammu, June 13 Although Soz faction had not official declared support to any candidate, victory of Shah Nawaz Choudhary has been considered a setback to this faction because Choudhary was openly supported by the rival group. Pranab Shagotra, a staunch supporter of Soz, had become vice-president of the PYC after losing the election of the state president by a narrow margin. Sources said during his stay at Jammu, Soz discussed prevailing situation in the state. He also discussed outcome of the PYC elections. Pranab Shagotra also met with Soz and briefed him about the PYC elections.
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Five-day camp for sculptors, painters begins
Jammu, June 13 As many as 20 artists of the state, including Rajinder Tikku, TS Batra, Gokal Dembi, Vijay Saraaf Meenaghe, Ravinder Singh Jamwal, Amrik Singh Namdhari, Jang S. Verman, Sudhir Kamal, Naresh Kumar, Arjinder Kumar, Naresh, Shekhar Chander, Jasleen Singh, Varun, Narinder Kumar, Chemit, Amarjeet Singh, Aneesh and Parveen, have been participating in the camp. Amarjeet Singh, general secretary, AAG, said the camp was organised to promote the artists of the state. He said the camp was an important event in which the artists of the national and international repute were participating and many of them had got training from the reputed art institutions, including MS University, Baroda, College of Art, Punjab University, Chandigarh, Visva Bharati Visvavidyalaya, Shanti Niketan, Institute of Music and Fine Arts, Jammu.
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JNU student teaches her way to empower underprivileged
Jammu, June 13 Malvika wants to dedicate most of her time providing quality education to slum dwellers with a special focus on women and children. She is holding special classes at Gole Marker Park, Gandhi Nagar, from 8 am to 11 am every day. Sharing her experiences with The Tribune, Malvika says, “For me, it is the best way to utilise my summer vacations. My aim is to enlighten the weaker sections of the society. It fills me with pain to see a particular class of the society suffering because of an inequitable social structure.” When asked about holding classes in simmering summer heat, she says, “When we have a dream and we are dedicated to accomplish it, nothing can stop us.” On the programme for slum dwellers, Malvika says that she has designed a special curriculum for the students which includes alphabets of both Hindi and English, elementary knowledge of languages and mathematics. “For women, I have designed a special course to enable them to read and write. It gives me immense pleasure when they express happiness after putting their signature on some documents for first time.” Education is the best tool to empower women, she opines. On pursuing other interests, she says, “I have love for my place and my mother tongue Dogri. I wish every youth of Jammu could make an effort in preserving our culture.”
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Bank donates ambulance to NGO
Jammu, June 13 NK Chari, chief general manager, SBI, Chandigarh circle, presented the keys of the ambulance to ID Soni, chief patron of the NGO. Ashok Kumar Gupta, Deputy General Manager, J&K Zone, was also present on the occasion. The ambulance presented by SBI would be used by the NGO in providing medical facilities to the rural and remote areas of the Bilawar region. On this occasion, NK Chari, CGM, said the bank would continue to perform its duties towards society in the best possible way in future also. The chief patron of the NGO thanked the bank for this service.
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Bihar Regiment, Jammu Reds in hockey final
Jammu, June 13 In the first semifinal that was played, Jammu Reds got the better of PK Club, a Sports Authority of India (SAI) team by 2-0 goals. In the other semifinal, 21st Bihar Regiment toppled Waryam Club by 3-1.The matches were officiated by Kulwant Singh, Gurmeet Singh, Pushkar Raj and Ruchika Sharma, hockey coach. The tournament is being held under the supervision of Mohammad Tariq Khan, the organising secretary. Prominent persons present on the occasion included Netar Singh, Rajinder Singh, Nazir Charak, Gurdev Singh, Mahinder Singh, Ajeet Singh,
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Chess meet begins
Jammu, June 13 The championship is being organised by the District Udhampur Chess Association, under the aegis of the J&K State Chess Association. — TNS
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Rajinder and Shenty Cricket Meet Tribune News Service
Jammu, June 13 Batting first, after wining the toss, Bamial XI scored 89 runs for the loss of seven wickets in the stipulated 12 overs. Skipper Sunny remained the top scorer with 42 runs. From Kadyala, Sachin was the most successful bowler with three wickets. In reply, Kadyala could not chase the target and the whole side was all out for 70 runs in 11.2 overs. Sachin was the top scorer with 25 runs. Varinder bowled a destructive spell. For his all round performance, Sachin of Kadyala was adjudged the man of the series. He scored 175 runs and took 15 wickets. The victorious side received a cash prize of Rs 4,000 along with the trophy. The runners-up team was awarded a cash prize of Rs 1,500. The tournament was organised by Rocky Thappa, Dimple, Ankit, Sandeepu and Vishu under the guidance of Ashwani Thappa.
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‘Sports inculcate spirit of brotherhood’
Kishtwar (Padder), June 13 He further said there was no dearth of talent in far-flung areas like Padder, but due to the lack of sources and exposure it remained confined within the mountain walls. Sheikh Nasir also congratulated the Padder Youth Development Forum for organising the tournament. Later, the match was won by Warriors. Joghinder, who played a brilliant knock, was declared the man of the match.
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Cricket meet from June 16
Jammu, June 13 The inaugural match will be played between JKCA Rising Star and Laxmi Cricket Club. — TNS |
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The Power Development Department (PDD) is on a chopping spree these days. To keep its power lines clear of the tree branches, the department has launched a huge cutting exercise to trim down trees close to its high tension wires.
Employees of the Katra Municipal Committee, including food inspector Ajay
Sangra, khilafarzi inspector Ashwani Sharma with naib teshildar Katra Sher Singh, launched a drive against the menace of encroachment, polythene and unhygienic food at various outlets, reharis and shops of the town.
The Aspiring Artists Group (AAG), Jammu organised a five-day sculptors and painters camp at Bhagh-e-Bahu today in the memory of Govind
Kour, an eminent sculptor of the state.
Malvika Upadhyay, a Jammu resident, is pursuing her M.Phil in sociology from Jawaharlal Nehru University, Delhi. She is living up those things which most of the people at her age would see as impractical or utopian.
Malvika wants to dedicate most of her time providing quality education to slum dwellers with a special focus on women and children. She is holding special classes at Gole Marker Park, Gandhi
Nagar, from 8 am to 11 am every day.
