|
|
|
|
|
Home delivery of LPG cylinders stopped
Residents of Bakshi Nagar demand recarpeting of roads
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Funds crunch delays e-metering project
Damaged drain hits life in many areas of Hiranagar
Commissioner takes stock of welfare work in Katra
JU organises group song competition
Students give Sept 28 deadline to education board
SCs allege harassment by upper castes
Food Inspector conducts surprise visit
Cash shortage hampers construction
Model Training Course
Book ‘Sachi Yaidien Beete Deno Ki’ released
Hand printing signature campaign to save biodiversity held
‘Shobha yatra’ marks end of Ganesh Utsav
Man crushed under train
Karate camp concludes
Bhaderwah A win volleyball tourney
Youth, Palanwala clubs storm into finals
GDC Kathua clinch chess title
Inter-school swimming
competition under way
Raman Club thrash Narsingh Club in finals
|
|
Home delivery of LPG cylinders stopped
Jammu, September 24 Adding to the miseries, people here are also not getting new connections following the directions by the Central
Government. After the government has limited the subsidy of the LPG cylinders up to six per year, to ensure limited subsidised cylinders to the consumers, the distributors have taken this step which has created a chaos among the people here. The people are not getting new connections with the increase in the number of people who have applied for new connections after the new orders issued by the Central Government
recently. Ranjeet Singh Reen, a resident of Nanak Nagar, said, “We are not getting home delivery of the cylinders and there is chaos in everything as the decision to stop the home delivery of cylinders has become a big problem for the common people.” “I have been trying for a cylinder for the past five days. We have just one connection in our name and they are not providing new connection. I do not understand how a common man will survive under these conditions,” he added.
The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has capped the number of subsidised cylinders to be distributed to a consumer at six, saying that any additional cylinders required by the consumer should be bought at the market price. Also the ministry has initiated a move to disconnect any multiple connections that consumers may have under its one household one cylinder
programme. Pervez Malik, Director Consumer Affairs and Public Distribution, said, “The reason of the chaos is only that 1,25,000 consumers have been blocked in the Jammu region since the recent order issued by the ministry. Reason being these consumers are not verified. They are supposed to fill a “Know Your Customer” form with which they have to attach a residence proof and an identity proof. Once everything is verified and the customer himself gets the cylinder booked along with his copy, only then the cylinder will be delivered at the place of the
consumer. “Today I had a meeting with the gas agency owners, representatives of the oil companies and several other organisations. And we are trying to create a simple and transparent procedure by removing all discrepancies. This thing is creating chaos and taking time,” he added. |
||
|
Residents of Bakshi Nagar demand recarpeting of roads
Jammu, September 24 Every day chaotic conditions prevail from Vivekenda chowk to Shakti Nagar, as hundreds of vehicles are caught up in traffic jam. “Dust generated by the plying of vehicles has created a major health hazard for the people and blacktopping should be done immediately. Residents are also suffering”, said Bafar Shah, a daily commuter. The local residents alleged that government agencies had been ignoring their pleas. Since the start of the sewerage laying work, the contractors had dug most of the roads. A retired government employee, Kartar Chand, said: “Every locality is facing problem, as there is no proper planning by the administration. Government needs to speed up the restoration work in areas where roads were dug for different works as residents are facing lot of problems.”
|
||
|
Funds crunch delays e-metering project
Jammu, September 24 At present, only 2.75 lakh consumers have been fully metered, but in absence of funds, the process to install these instruments is going on at a snail’s pace, which has affected the efforts of the government to curb power theft by consumers. As per the data, there are 6 lakh consumers in the Jammu division till December 2011. “The department needs money for purchasing 3.15 lakh electronic meters for 100 per cent metering of the consumers, but funds shortage is hampering the process. Now after decision to privitise the department, a new strategy is being formulated to complete the metering,” said a official. The process of installing e-meters was started in 2005 by the then Mufti Mohammad Sayeed government and a set up was created to provide services to the people and ensure that the project is able to curb the power theft. The Transmission and Distribution (T&D) losses has shown an substantial increase in the past decade. The losses have increased from 46.98 per cent in 2005-2006 to 61.31 per cent in the financial year 2010-11, with the State Electricity Regulatory Commission (SERC) blaming it mostly on the theft by the consumers. Minister of State for Power Shabir Ahmed Khan said in the non-metered areas about 17,949 inspections had been conducted and a fine of Rs 2.98 crore had been collected from violators. “So far 100751 KW load was revised by the department and process is on to regularise the unmetered areas. Funds will be soon made available,” Khan said. Despite receiving grants from the Government of India for arresting the T&D losses, the state has failed to show any laudable improvement, leading to constant warnings from the Planning Commission of India (PCI) to curb the losses. After failure of e-meters installed by the Power Development Department (PDD) to curtail the power thefts in the state, the PDD in a last ditch effort has also decided to seek help of Asian Development Bank (ADB) to install the High Voltage Distribution System to curtail power theft.
|
||
|
Damaged drain hits life in many areas of Hiranagar
Jammu, September 24 Harsh Sharma, a resident of Hiranagar, said, “The road has been collapsed and there is no way to cross the road. The nullah was made during 1980s and since then no repair or construction work was done on it. Now during the rains many accidents take place on this road as it submerges and the people fail to understand the difference between the road and the nullah.” People of the villages of Saida, Shoal, Nouni, Nichla, Lokhli, Parngoli, Sarara, Rattanpur and Badoli are affected because of the damaged nullah in Bella of Hiranagar. The residents claim that they contacted many leaders for help, but no work has been started yet. Meanwhile, MLA Hiranagar was not available for comments.
|
||
|
Commissioner takes stock of welfare work in Katra
Katra, September 24 The chief executive officer, Katra Development Authority, Sudarshan Kumar; the assistant commissioner, revenue, Inderjeet Bhagat; the additional superintendent of police, Katra, Mohan Lal; the executive officer, municipal committee, Katra; engineers of the PHE, PWD, PDD; the Assistant Director, Tourism; ARTO Reasi were present in the meeting. The DDC discussed various issues pertaining to the development of Katra town in the meeting which mainly included water supply scheme for the augmentation of drinking water facility, Banganga protection work, upgrade of Katra- Banganga road, construction of roads connecting to the Katra Railway Station, link road connecting Mata Vaishnoo Devi University to the Katra town, widening work of Katra-Tikri road, construction of bridge at Jhajjar nullah and other necessary repair works. Addressing the meeting, the DDC stressed on the need for gearing up the developmental activities at Katra town in a planned manner to cater to the ever increasing rush of pilgrims to the shrine. During the meeting she was apprised that work on the protection wall at Banganga by the irrigation department has been completed and the 3 km-long Banganga road has been upgraded. The total amount spend on this development work was Rs 4.67 crore. She asked the municipal committee to initiate urgent repair and beautification works at the Katra bus stand. She also directed the different executing agencies to put in their coordinated efforts so that the desired results could be achieved in a stipulated time frame. She asked the officers of the Katra Municipal Corporation to launch a pre-Navratra sanitation campaign to give a pleasing look to the holy town. The Assistant Director, Tourism, Katra, was instructed to take a note of the rate list of booking charged by various hotels for room and vehicle’s parking.
|
||
|
JU organises group song competition
Jammu, September 24 The patriotic song presented by the team from Government College for Women, Gandhi Nagar, fetched the first prize. The team from Government College for Women, Parade, and Governmnet Degree College (Boys), Udhampur, secured second and third positions, respectively. The certificate of merit was awarded to the MBS College of Engineering and Technology and Government MAM College, Jammu. Professor Jasbir Singh, chairman, campus cultural committee, was the chief guest on the occasion. Speaking on the occasion, Professor Singh lauded the presentation of the young participants. He said prize winners of the competition would participate in the forthcoming inter-university youth festival. Each team presented two group songs, one Patriotic and other folk song. The jam-packed Brigadier Rajinder Singh Auditorium echoed with the ‘Aalap’, ‘Aakar’ and ‘Sargam’.
|
||
|
Students give Sept 28 deadline to education board
Jammu, September 24 According to sources, more than 20,000 students appeared for the 2008-10 examination conducted by BOSE. After two examinations, the board authorities had stopped the process without intimating the exact reason either to the students or to the ETT colleges. The sources claimed that differences surfaced up among private ETT colleges when JKBOSE had raised questions over the validity of admissions in some of the colleges. The sources added that after the completion of syllabus, the students pursing ETT course in various colleges in the state started inquiring the management of the ETT colleges about examination schedule. The owners of ETT colleges then intensified their efforts and after repeated appeals, the JKBOSE eventually decided to conduct the examination in December 2011. The sources further claimed that those ETT colleges whose admissions were cancelled had approached the court to stay proceedings of the examination of the ETT 2008 special batch. “The recently held protest was just a warning to the BOSE authorities that we are fed up with their assurances. If things don’t change, we will intensify our struggle,” said Avinash, one of the ETT aspirants. “Only we know how our parents have managed Rs 30,000 for us to pursue the course outside the state but the ongoing legal battle between JKBOSE and the ETT institutes has put our future at stake,” another ETT student Monika said. “Had Union Minister for New and Renewable Energey Dr Farooq Abdullah, whom we met at Delhi, not intervened, the BOSE could not have initiated the examination process. Let us hope that the ongoing impasse would be sorted out soon,” she added. A senior officer of JKBOSE told The Tribune “We are aware of the problems being faced by the students due to non-conduct of remaining papers of academic session 2008-10.” “We are trying our level best to find a way out,” he added.
|
||
|
SCs allege harassment by upper castes
Jammu, September 24 They alleged that community members were bullied routinely by some criminal elements and were denied water from the village well.
The All-J&K Dalit Mandal president, Pankaj Sangral, alleged that despite repeated pleas, the local administration in Kathua was not taking any action against the culprits. “They are just assuring the community, but no strong action is being taken. Criminal elements are being shielded by some local politicians,” Sangral
said. He alleged that in May at least 12 members of the Dalit community were injured in a clash after denying drinking water by the upper caste people in Hatli
village. Sangral said there were three separate wells in the village where the community had divided their wells on the caste basis. This practice was going on for the past many decades. Even the issue was raised in the Legislative Council in March this
year. “On January 20, 2012, a written report was given by the SCs of the village through the Sarpanch Panchyat Halqa Hatli but no proper step has been taken to end discrimination,” said Deep Singh, a Dalit member.
The issue is about one-year old, when some members of the SC families approached another well located near the houses of Thakur families to fetch water were denied to use the
well. General Secretary Maninder Singh said, “We are now afraid and living under fear, if they can destroy the well, they can harm
us.” Kathua Deputy Commissioner Zahida Parveen Khan said two separate FIRs had been registered in the case. “The FIRs have been lodged and the matter is sub-judious. I have myself organised two public Darbars to sort out the issue between two communities. They should approach me directly,” Khan
said. Khan said the efforts were being made to provide potable water to the village and at present
it was being supplied by tankers. |
||
|
Food Inspector conducts surprise visit
Katra, September 24 He visited the Nai Basti Chowk, the main market and the Bus Stand Market. He advised the shopkeepers to throw the waste in the dustbins provided by the Municipal Committee to ensure cleanliness. He further asked the shopkeepers to display rate lists and sell quality goods. He warned them that in case of failure to observe properly the CAPD norms, they would be fined and in gross negligence their licenses would be cancelled. The Food Inspector checked the fruits, vegetables and other items sold by the rehriwalas and asked them not to stay in the market and they should sell their items in the Bus Stand area. He also checked their licenses and advised them not to throw their waste in the lanes or drains.
|
||
|
Cash shortage hampers construction
Rajouri, September 24 The Minister for Sports and Medical Education, RS Chib, had laid down the foundation stone of the mini stadium in 2009 at an estimated cost of Rs 7.45 crore, to encourage youth of the border-belt Rajouri to participate in sports activities.
The project of the stadium was handed over to the PWD with a road map to construct an indoor and outdoor stadium with all kinds of super specialty facilities available for players of different fields.
Unfortunately, the ground reality at the stadium is different with under-constructed pavilion, stairs, ground field and boundary walls, and with the growth of cannabis all around the ground is became a grazing place for
livestock. The executive engineer (XEN), PWD Rajouri, Sadiq Wani, said “The stadium would come up with modern facilities, as the indoor stadium will have a badminton court, table-tennis facilities, skating rink, changing rooms and other improved facilities of sanitation. However, the outdoor stadium will cover the games, including cricket, football, basketball etc.”
He also mentioned that there was a plan of swimming pool as well but funds have not been approved for
it. Wani was concerned over the slow pace of works in both the indoor and outdoor stadiums and he attributed it to delay in release of
funds. “We have received only Rs 8 lakh till now whereas total estimated expenditure is Rs 7.45 crore. The contractors’ liability has reached nearly Rs 3 crore and they have stopped the construction work,” he added. |
||
|
Model Training Course
Jammu, September 24 A total of 20 participants from across the country took part in the training. Prof DK Arora, Vice-Chancellor, SKUAST, Jammu was the chief guest in the valedictory session. Speaking on the occasion, he stressed upon to have an action plan to mitigate the effect of biotic and abiotic stresses that were likely to aggravate due to global warming. Prof Arora also stressed upon the scientists to have sustainable farming systems approach which could ensure food and livelihood security to the poor farming community. Dr MK Khushu, Chief Scientist and head of the Agro Meteorology Centre, who was also the Course Director of this programme in his welcome address informed about the topics of lectures and stressed upon to develop strategies — TNS |
||
|
Book ‘Sachi Yaidien Beete Deno Ki’ released
Udhampur, September 24 The Joint Director Education, Jammu, SK Gandotra; Deputy Superintendent Dr Aijaz; Jagriti Old-Age Home chairman Dr RC Nagar, intellectuals, educationist, prominent people of the town were also present on the occasion. The speakers while lauding the efforts of Sansar Chand for putting his best efforts in bringing out a book based on his life experiences and experiments said, “It would greatly help teachers and students. The work done by the author in shaping the book would inspire the budding writers in the state.”
|
||
|
Hand printing signature campaign to save biodiversity held
Jammu, September 24 Students from classes I to XII enthusiastically participated in the programme. The programme was conceptualised and executed by the eco-club of the school-SARAS- which is a part of WWF. In addition to the signature campaign, the students pledged to protect the nature. Directror Gourav Abrol, Principal BN Sarkar and Vice-Principal Avinash Mahajan were present during the event.
|
||
|
‘Shobha yatra’ marks end of Ganesh Utsav
Rajouri, September 24 The Ganesh idol was taken out in a procession. The yatra passed through various parts of the city and ended at the Naban Mohallah.
|
||
|
Man crushed under train
Jammu, September 24 A police party from the Trikuta Nagar Police Station also reached the spot and started investigation in the mysterious death of the youth, who is said to be studying in a local college. A police officer said they were questioning the local people and had also approached the family members of the
deceased. Later, the body was taken to Government Medical College (GMC) for a post-mortem examination. |
||
|
Karate camp concludes
Jammu, September 24 During the camp, the training was imparted by Tushar Jandial, International player, Shaveta Gupta, Anup Singh Bandral, Deepika Chauhan, Sahil Singh, International player (all Black Belts from All-India Karate Federation). The certificates were awarded to the participants by Sensei Ambedkar Gupta, 4th Dan Black Belt from the All-India Karate Federation (AIKF).
|
||
|
Bhaderwah A win volleyball tourney
Jammu, September 24 A total of eight teams from Doda district participated in the event wherein Bhaderwah team A emerged victorious against Bhaderwah team B in a scintillating final. The District Development Commissioner, Doda, Farooq Ahmed Khan, was the chief guest while Singh presided over the final match of the tournament. Speaking on the concluding ceremony, Singh said the main aim behind such events was to channelise the energy of youth towards sports and nation-building activities and provide them a platform to exhibit their talent and ability. Later, the DDC distributed prizes among the winners and runner up teams. ASP Bhaderwah RR Bhagat, SDM Bhaderwah Dr RK Bharti, CPO Doda Dr Yassir Balwan, ACR Doda Neeraj Kumar , Deputy Commandant 33rd BN CRPF Durabar Singh besides Tehsil officers were present on the occasion.
|
||
|
Youth, Palanwala clubs storm into finals
Jammu, September 24 The spikes of the Palanwala Club, Amil, Sumit and Yogeshwar, were instrumental in helping their team to seal a convincing 3-0 win over the Shastri Nagar team A. The Palanwala Club took the first set by 25-16 and then went on to win the next sets with a margin of 25-23 and 27-25 to seal the win. In another semifinal, the Youth Club, Swankha, thrashed Army Public School (APS), Akhnoor, in straight sets by 26-24, 25-22 and 25-13. From the Youth Club, Anil, Vikrant, Deepak and Arvind were the stand-out spikers. The matches were officiated by Ajay Sharma, Anand Sharma, Akbar Ali, Subash Shastri and Onkar Singh Gill
|
||
|
GDC Kathua clinch chess title
Jammu, September 24 In men section, GDC Kathua defeated Government College for Engineering and Technology (GCET) by 4-0 while GGM Science College defeated Government College for Women, Parade, by 3-0. Professor Dhian Singh Bhau, Director Sports and Physical Education, University of Jammu, was the chief guest on the occasion. He distributed trophies among the winners and runners-up team. The matches were officiated by SP Sharma and Sushil Kumar Sawhney.
|
||
|
Inter-school swimming
competition under way
Jammu, September 24 A total of 150 swimmers were drawn from various institutions of the Jammu district which is being organised by the Department of Youth Services and Sports under the supervision of Tirath Ram, District Youth Services and Sports Officer,
Jammu. Results: U-14 boys: 200 mt free style - Sidham Sharma (1st), Aditya Gupta (2nd) and Karthiyan (3rd); 100 mt free style: Ukshay (1st), Sanad (2nd) and Stanzin (3rd); 100 mt breast stroke: Jatinjeet (1st), Aryan (2nd) and Karan (3rd). U-17: 200 mt butterfly stroke - Rahul (1st) and Hownesh (2nd); 200 mt back stroke: Neeraj (1st) and Rohan (2nd). U-19: 400 mt free style - Kanshik (1st); 200 mt free style: Kanshik (1st) and Ranjeet Singh (2nd); 100 mt free style: Harkirat Singh (1st), Gourav (2nd) and Ritvik Sethi (3rd); 50 mt free style: Harkeerat (1st), Gourav (2nd) and Sambhav (3rd); 50 mt back stroke: Ashin (1st), Bhanu (2nd) and Ritvik (3rd). |
||
|
Raman Club thrash Narsingh Club in finals
Jammu, September 24 The winners and runners-up team received trophies and a cash award of Rs 3,000 and Rs 2,000, respectively from Atul Goel, SSP, Kathua. Prominent among others present on the occasion included ZN Manhas, Additional SP, Kathua; Kamaljit Singh, SDPO Border and Anil Magotra, Tehsildar, Hiranagar.
|
||
|
| HOME PAGE |
| Punjab |
Haryana | Jammu & Kashmir |
Himachal Pradesh | Regional Briefs |
Nation | Opinions | |
Just days after the intimidation given by the LPG dealers of the North India, the distributors in Jammu have finally stopped the home delivery of cylinders to consumers.
Around 15,000 persons of Hiranagar are badly affected because of a damaged nullah in Bella. The road connecting Kootah village to Saida has also been badly affected as the water overflows during the
rains.
Demanding justice, nearly 70 persons belonging to the Scheduled Caste (SC) community today held demonstration and alleged harassment by the upper caste people in Hatli village of Kathua
district.
A large number of people witnessed the ‘Shobha Yatra’. The entry of vehicles to old city was restricted by the district administration. The police and Para-military officials were deployed in the city to avert any unwanted incident. The Ganesh Mohatsava commenced in the city from September 19. It was organised by Bhartiya Sanskriti Parvahan Samiti,
Rajouri.