Jammu, June 12
Mubarak Mandi complex - the insignia of royal memorabilia and once the residence of erstwhile Dogra rulers in Jammu and Kashmir - is dying a slow death, courtesy the “indifference” of the state government.

The renovation work on the 187-year-old building undertaken by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has not moved an inch over the past over one year due to paucity of funds. The renovation work was started in 2008 when the Union Health Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad was the Chief Minister of the state.

“Only a portion, Army headquarters, of the complex has been renovated in the past four years, while the remaining structure is a shambles and is crying for renovation,” an official source said, adding that the Central government had released a meagre Rs 3 crore, while the state government had sanctioned Rs 1 crore for the purpose so far.

The Mubarak Mandi Heritage Society (MMJHS), which had been entrusted with the task of supervising and executing the renovation work, had awarded the work to the ASI.

The society was constituted on December 28, 2006 under the Societies Act and according to its bylaws, the Chief Minister was its ex officio chairman.

“A total of Rs 3.69 crore had been spent on the renovation of the Army headquarters. Since the Central government is yet to release the funds for the complex, the MMJHS was forced to suspend the work mid-way,” a source added.

The Government of India had announced Rs 296 crore, including Rs 52 crore, under the 13th Finance Commission for the renovation of the entire complex after the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) submitted a detailed project report on the complex.

“The MMJHS had submitted a proposal with an estimated cost of Rs 90 crore to the Central government one and half year ago, but the Centre has not released the funds so far owing to callousness on part of the state government,” another source said. A senior civil administration officer also questioned the credibility of the MMJHS, alleging that it was constituted to “circumvent the government procedure”.

“The society has been mired in controversies since its constitution. Serious allegations of financial irregularities were raised against the former vice-chairman of the society, Gulchain Singh Charak, who had stepped down from the post after being nominated as president of the Pradesh Congress Committee for three states,” the officer said.

The official pointed out that the renovation could be supervised by the Directorate of Archives and Museology and there was no logic to create this society.

The Director (Tourism), Jammu, Robin Singh Mehta, who also holds the charge of director, MMJHS, said the government would restart the renovation work shortly.

“The renovation work on other buildings will be started after the Central government releases the funds. Though the Centre has approved Rs 25 crore for renovation, the funds have not been released so far and we are yet to receive a formal order in this regard,” he said.

Victim of apathy

The renovation work on the 187-year-old building undertaken by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) in 2008, during Union Health Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad’s tenure as Chief Minister, has not moved an inch over the past over one year due to paucity of funds

The entire government machinery has come to a grinding halt in the state. The government doesn’t want to promote culture and tourism in the Jammu region, owing to its discriminatory policies. We have raised the issue several times but to no avail. We demand a high-level probe into the entire project
— Harsh Dev Singh, working chairman, National Panthers Party

The ruling NC-Congress coalition is bent upon destroying the Dogra heritage. It has failed to hold an executive or governing body meeting in the recent times. We have decided to launch a campaign against the government’s indifference. We demand an independent probe into the financial irregularities committed during the tenure of the former vice-chairman of the Mubarak Mandi Jammu Heritage Society
—Ashok Khajuria, local MLA 

The government has not convened even a single meeting of the executive committee since April 2011. They (authorities) have made a mockery of the system. They are unnecessarily delaying the project. They must explain as to why they have failed in their obligations to start the renovation work
— Narinder Singh, former Mayor, Jammu MC

This complex holds great importance to us, as it is not just a symbol of Dogra culture but it represents the entire region as well. The renovation of the complex will restore its prestige and grandeur. I am happy that the state government has convened an executive meeting on July 20 in Srinagar to discuss the status of the work
—Lalit Magotra, executive member, MMJHS

Jammu, July 12
A new-look post office was opened in the city market here today. John Samuel, Chief Postmaster General, Jammu and Kashmir, said as part of the State Post Office Transformation Plan, post offices in the state were being upgraded to make them customer-friendly and relevant to meet the needs of the people.

The fully-computerised post office will offer speed post, registered post, post office savings bank and post shop facilities.

In Jammu city, 12 post offices have been identified for modernisation and this was the fourth one to have been renovated this year, he said.

Samuel added that the post offices at Jammu Cantonment and Jammu University would be modernised soon and dedicated to the people shortly.

“The department plans to upgrade 12 post offices in Srinagar town and as part of this plan, post offices at Jawahar Nagar and Rajbagh in Srinagar had already been opened this year. The Lal Chowk post office will be made into a tourist post office, having post shop facilities, by next month. With the post office transformation plan, the people in the state will get 250 fully-computerised and modern post offices,” he said.

He said the Jammu and Kashmir Postal Circle had registered a growth of 22.5 per cent during 2011-2012 as compared to the previous year.

“This was the highest-ever growth recorded in the state so far. This shows that the post offices in the state are on their path to recovery and people are returning to the post offices to avail of the mail, financial, speed post and retail services.”

Amit Sharma, director (finance), J&K postal circle, Jagdeep Gupta, director (postal services) J&K, JR Angural, superintendent (post offices), Jammu, and RL Bhardwaj, deputy divisional manager, were also present.

Jammu, July 12
Although the traffic police has been feeling the heat for the prevailing chaos on the city roads — be it for its failure to get traffic lights working or its inability to regulate traffic on congested roads and punish offenders — city residents cannot skip the blame either, as they have failed to adhere to the traffic norms. In some cases, people have even gone on to put theirs as well the lives of others on the line by violating the rules.

During an investigation carried out by Jammu Tribune, it was observed that city residents had been blatantly flouting the traffic norms on almost all busy roads. The frequency of violations was maximum on the national highway and other connecting roads.

People were seen entering wrong lanes on at least 17 points across the city, without caring for the lives of the people on the roads.

Most two-wheeler riders were seen crossing road dividers, some as high as two feet, just to change the lane. Some even risked their lives to avoid taking a turn just 200 m away.

Two women riders were found lifting their scooter to cross the divider near the Kujwani bypass road on the national highway.

On the reason for opting for such a risky shortcut, one of the women said: “We entered the wrong lane by mistake and are running late. It will take us a lot of time to take a turn around 2 km away.”

“This is a bit risky but two persons can manage it. And we have been taking care of the moving traffic. We are not the only ones who go for such an option,” she quipped.

Madhav Singh, riding a scooter on the wrong side of the highway, said he was trying to save fuel.

“If I take the normal route, it will cost me more as I will have to cover an extra 4 km. There is no harm in taking the shortcut during daytime. I am aware of the risks involved. I seldom do this when the roads are busy,” he added. Matador drivers were amongst the worst violators of traffic rules, as they failed to follow the lanes on busy stretches. They had a free run in the Jewel Chowk area, on the Canal Road, outside the GGM and Science College.

These matadors drivers brazenly flouted the traffic norms, leading to chaos on one of the busiest routes that connects prominent educational institutes, government offices, markets and business centres of the city. The route also serve as the only link to the Circuit House and Government Guest House.

A matador driver said: “I am not the only one to have violated the traffic rules. If I don’t do so, I will not be able to pick up as many passengers as I do.”

Illegal and haphazard parking also added to the chaos. Vehicles parked along the roads left little scope for the traffic to move smoothly.

Jammu, July 12
The Director, Health Services, Jammu, Dr Madhu Khullar visited the Yatri Niwas at Bhagwati Nagar to take stock of the ongoing medical camp being organised for Amarnath pilgrims, today.

Elaborate arrangements have been made by the Directorate of Health Services by deputing a team of doctors and paramedical staff to ensure proper health check-up of Amarnath pilgrims before leaving for the holy pilgrimage.

A queue of pilgrims was witnessed at the medical aid centre on the Yatri Niwas premises as they waited their turn for the check-up.

The pilgrims expressed satisfaction over the medical and other necessary facilities being provided to them at the Yatri Niwas.

“Doctors are available round the clock at the Yatri Niwas for our proper medical check-up,” said Savitri Devi from Uttarakhand.

“The Directorate of Health Services is trying to provide adequate medical facilities like installing ECG machines and X-ray units to ensure proper health check-up of Amarnath pilgrims,” said Dr Khullar.

Batote, July 12
The District Development Commissioner, Ramban, Shabir Ahmed Bhat, inaugurated the SBI Rural Self-Employment Training Institute (R-SETI) at Ramban today.

During his interaction with the first batch of 23 trainees registered for the computer hardware vocational programme, Bhat emphasised the need for focussing on self-employment and entrepreneurship. He asked the unemployed youths to avail the R-SETI facility.

Jagdish Raj, director, R-SETI, said the scheme was being aided by the Union Ministry of Rural Development in association with the state government and banks.

BA Khan, ADC, Ramban; VK Behnal, general manager, DIC, Ramban; Dr MS Wani, DEO, DAHO; Bharat Singh Manhas, project officer, DRDA; and MA Zaki, branch manager, State Bank of India, Ramban; also interacted with the trainees.

Katra, July 12
“The government will start classes in different streams in the 16 polytechnic colleges sanctioned under the Skill Development Mission from the current financial year,” said Minister for Medical Education, Sports and Technical Education RS Chib, while laying the foundation stone of new polytechnic college at Reasi today.

To come up at a cost of Rs 15 crore, the college would be completed in two years by the JKPCC.

The Minister said accelerating the pace of development with emphasis on growth of unattended and inaccessible pockets was the core mantra of the coalition government to steer the state towards progress and prosperity.

Among others present were Reasi MLA Baldev Raj Sharma, MLC Jugal Kishore Sharma, Deputy Commissioner Nirmal Sharma along with senior district administration officers, prominent citizens, leaders, sarpanches, panches and a large number of people.

Terming unemployment the biggest challenge before the nation, the minister said: “The Centre is well abreast with this menace and is launching several innovative employment generation programmes to combat the same. In this regard, the Skill Development Mission is being implemented with an objective of training over 40 lakh candidates.”

“The government is keen on encouraging private entrepreneurship which is vital for rapid industrialisation, besides mitigating unemployment.”

Expressing dissatisfaction over the pace of progress on the construction of the college, the minister directed the executing and other agencies connected to speed up the project.

Chib asked the administration to be more responsive and accountable to ensure an effective public delivery system.

Taking note of the non-compliance of an MoU signed between the government and the NHPC, the minister assured that he would take up the matter with the Chief Minister and ask him to direct the NHPC to adhere to their agreed conditions.

The minister directed the authorities concerned to submit the project proposals for the construction of an indoor sports complex in the Degree College besides a playing ground in the district.

Poonch, July 12
BJP state secretary Ashok Koul today demanded an early empowerment of the Panchayati Raj institutes in the state and blamed the NC-led coalition government for misleading sarpanches and panches.

He said this while addressing a workers’ meeting at Khori Nar here today.

He said: “The government fears that its powers will be undermined if Panchayat Raj institutions are empowered.”

“The government should not forget that these were the same people in the Valley who had been demanding freedom for Kashmir. They are now demanding powers for the panchayat institutions. The situation has changed drastically and the government should realise that the power should be decentralised in the state,” he said.

Leader of the opposition, J&K, legislative Assembly, Yougal Kishor lambasted on the state government for its Kashmir-centric policies.

A BJP membership drive was also launched in which party leaders appealed the local workers to strengthen the party base in the district.

Several deputations of locals met Ashok Koul and Yougal Kishor and apprised them about the day-to-day problems faced by them due to the lack of water, electricity, healthcare, road connectivity and educational infrastructure in the area.

Over 50 NC and Congress workers joined the BJP.

Koul welcomed the new members and said it was slowly strengthening the party, which would work for the development of the area.

Katra, July 12
A motivational and educational tour for under-privileged children from remote areas of Reasi district was flagged off from the Deputy Commissioner’s office here today.

The tour is being organised by the Department of Education to raise awareness among students from remote and far-flung areas about the development in the rest of the country.

As part of the tour, spanning over six days, the students will visit Punjab, Himachal Pradesh and Haryana.

Rohan Suri, a member of the tour, said: “We are really excited to visit other parts of our country. What makes it more exhilarating is that we have got an opportunity at this age to travel along with our friends to cities about which we have only heard of or read in movies or magazines.”

The Deputy Commissioner, Reasi, while flagging off the tour, said: “The excursion will leave a lasting impression on these young minds, as they will experience the difference between lives in violent and peaceful environments.”

Jammu, July 12
BCC Darnambal and Wonder Boys Cricket Club registered thumping wins over their rivals in the ongoing Ist Sopore T20 Cricket Tournament organised by the District Police Sopore under Civic Action Programme at Khushal Stadium.

The first match was played between Shere-Kashmir Cricket Club and BCC Darnambal.

Batting first, BCC scored 131 runs for the loss of seven wickets in the allotted 20 overs.

In reply, Shere Kashmir Club was bowled out for 61 runs.

Farooq Ahmad of BCC was declared the man of the match.

The second match was played between Wonder Boys Cricket Club and Welkin Riders.

Wonder Boys scored 149 runs for the loss of four wickets in the allotted 20 overs. Farooq Ahmad emerged as the best batsman with a defiant knock of 49 runs.

In reply, Riders scored only 108 runs for the loss of seven wickets.

Farooq Ahmad of the winning team was declared the man of the match.

Jammu, July 12
Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Association (JKCA) Reds defeated JKCA Blues by 38 runs to level the two-match cricket series 1-1 at GGM Science College Hostel Ground today.

Electing to bat first, Jammu Reds scored 91 runs in the stipulated 25 overs. Jassi was the top scorer with 35 runs and Payal Choudhary contributed 23 runs.

For Blues, Surekha took three wickets and Naina and Upasna claimed shared two wickets each.

In reply, JKCA Blues were bowled out for paltry 53 runs in 20.5 overs. Anju was the only batswomen to cross double figure mark. Sarla and Rohini Bharti shared three wickets each and Sandhya Sayal took two wickets.

Earlier, in the first match of the series, JKCA Blues registered victory over JKCA Reds in a close contest.

The match was officiated by Deepak Dogra and Farooq Ahmed as umpires while Suryansh maintained the scorebook.

Jammu, July 12
J&K Bank and Punjab Police registered wins over their opponents to qualify for the semifinals of the ongoing 14th J&K Police Martyrs Memorial Football Tournament played at Bakshi Stadium, today.

Earlier, Punjab Police registered a thrilling win over Food and Supplies by a solitary goal. Rohit of Punjab Police scored the important goal in the 83rd minute of the match.

In another quarterfinal, J&K Bank defeated West Bengal Police by 1-0 to secure a berth in the semifinals.

Khalid of J&K Bank struck a goal in the 43rd minute .

The match was officiated by central referee Farooq, assistant referees: Muzaffar and Hilal Punjabi and table referee Farooq Shahi. Nazir Ahmed acted as the match commissioner.

In the pre-quarterfinal match, Railway Coach Factory (RCF), Kapurthala, defeated Jammu and Kashmir Power Development Corporation (JKPDC) by 2-1.

Inspector General of Police, Arun Kumar Chowdhary, and Chairman, Sports Board J&K Bank, Tafazul Hussain were prominent among those who witnessed today’s matches.

Jammu, July 12
Blue Heavens, Chattabal, trumped SKCC, Soura, in super over in the SDA Drabu T20 Cricket Tournament here today. Batting first, Blue Heavens posted 142 runs for the loss of seven wickets in the allotted overs. Iqbal with 44 was the top scorer, while Mubeen took three wickets for SKCC.

In reply, SKCC were skittled out for 142 runs.

After the scores were tied, the match was decided through a super over, wherein Blue Heavens emerged victorious.

In another match, City Hunks trounced Coaching Centre, Sopore, by 47 runs. Batting first, City Hunks accumulated 158 runs. Adil Reshi (33), Imtiyaz (39) and Omar Aalam (28) were notable scorers. In reply, Sopore were bundled out for 111 runs. Sikander with 38 was the top scorer.

Jammu, July 12
Challenger Cricket Club (CCC), Jammu, defeated Sree Cricket Club (SCC) by 79 runs in the semifinal to set up a summit clash with hosts Singh Cricket Club in the final on July 16.

Batting first, CCC scored 158 runs in the stipulated 20 overs by losing eight wickets in the process. Ram Dayal scored 57 runs off 40 balls with the help of eight boundaries. For SCC, Amit Sharma and Sandeep Singh took two wickets each.

In reply, SCC was bowled out for 79 runs in 14.5 overs. Rakesh Koul took three important wickets and Shiva took two wickets.

Ram Dayal was adjudged the man of the match for his scintillating half-century.

The match was officiated by Sadiq Hussain Malik and Joginder Mangotra as umpires. Srikant maintained the scorebook. — TNS

Jammu, July 12
The management of Swami Vivekanand Institute of Engineering and Technology, a private education institute, has offered scholarships worth Rs 4 crore to meritorious students seeking admissions in their institution.

This was disclosed by Ashok Garg, president, SVIET, during a press meet today.

“A grant-in-aid scholarship worth Rs 4 crore has been announced by the trustee members for meritorious students seeking admissions in all courses being offered by the institution,” he said.