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No LPG supply till Oct 15
Oil firms’ portals adding fuel to fire
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Bus stand a breeding ground for diseases
Distributors violating SC norms: Consumers Council
HC upholds decision of Jammu University
Kashmiri Pandits’ stir for hike in relief enters 57th day
Students criticise anti-buddhism remark
Panun Kashmir observes ‘Vitasta Divas’
Birth anniversary of Bhagat Singh celebrated
‘Victims of unprovoked war need care’
Rashtriya Rifles holds veterans’ rally at Surankote
Students donate blood in Vijaypur
Inter-school quiz contest held
Mithilesh Wanchoo steals musical show at Jammu University
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No LPG supply till Oct 15
Jammu, September 28 This decision has added to harassment of the consumers, as there is no other alternative for them to get LPG cylinders. The distributors have expressed their helplessness citing shortage of gas and directions from Indian Oil Corporation and Hindustan Petroleum, the two companies that supply LPG cylinders to Jammu and Kashmir. People from the rural areas were not informed that their connections had been blocked and when they approached to get refills, they were told to approach the oil companies to get clearance so that their connection could be restored. Even the Consumer and Public Distribution Department (CAPD) has failed to provide any succor to people, leaving them high and dry. A gas agency dealer said they were helpless as the oil companies had passed strict directions. “We are also feeling frustrated as there is no clear plan. There are always multiple directives. People complain to us but it is the government which has put the restrictions”, he said. The LPG connections were blocked by the oil companies in the Jammu region due to their non-verification in view of the policy to cap the number of subsidised cylinders to six per household in a year. “My connection was abruptly blocked and now they are saying that the oil company will clear our case. Till then, they have denied us the refill,” said Tarseem Lal, who is using a LPG connection in the name of his father for the past two decades. Another aggrieved consumer Surinder Bhat said, “We are citizens of this country but the government is treating us as criminals. Till our documents are processed, the LPG supply should not be put on hold”. However, CAPD director Pervez Malik said, “It’s not in our hands. The oil companies took the decision to block the connections. It’s beyond our mandate to intervene. People should follow all the formalities. Till then, the supply will remain suspended.” The distributors have already suspended the home delivery of LPG cylinders, saying that it is difficult for them to track how many households have crossed the limit of six cylinders. The consumers are at the receiving end, as many of the distributors are not taking new bookings. |
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Oil firms’ portals adding fuel to fire
Jammu, September 28 With chaos ruling the roost at various outlets of LPG dealers in Jammu, several consumers said the portals of their respective oil company didn’t reflect their names. However, Consumer Affairs and Public Distribution (CAPD) Department director Parvaiz Malik had told The Tribune yesterday that the consumers, who had lost their documents of LPG connections and stopped taking refills from their respective dealers for the past many years, need to punch their names and addresses on the “transparency” portal of their oil company on the Internet to retrieve their consumer numbers. But The Tribune came across several consumers who said that their names simply did not figure in the database maintained and supplied by the LPG dealers to their respective oil companies. “After the government blocked 1.25 lakh LPG connections and capped the number of subsidised refills to six in a year, I approached my dealer - Chenab Trading Company - at Ambphalla, urging him to provide me my consumer number so as to complete the re-verification process but the proprietor bluntly refused,” said a man, who insisted anonymity. “I admit that I had stopped taking refills from Chenab Trading Company for the past many years but following strictness by the government I wanted to re-start my connection of only one refill,” he added. He regretted that the proprietor of Chenab Trading Company - an outlet of Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL) - refused to help him in locating his consumer number. But the CAPD director, on the other hand, maintained that in such cases every dealer has to facilitate the consumer and locate his or her consumer number. “It should not happen. But if any dealer fails to help such consumers in tracing their numbers, then the consumers should approach the oil company concerned,” said Malik. Even this correspondent failed to trace some specific names of such “dormant” consumers on the database supplied by Chenab Trading Agency on the transparency portal of the HPCL. The database maintained on the portal also had several discrepancies with incomplete addresses of consumers, repetitive names of some consumers and consumers enjoying subsidised refill quantity up to seven refills. Meanwhile, following public outcry in Jammu, Health Minister Sham Lal Sharma yesterday raised the issue in the Cabinet meeting at Srinagar seeking immediate resolution of the problem being confronted by the people. |
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Bus stand a breeding ground for diseases
Jammu, September 28 The bus stand, which is used by thousands of passengers travelling on inter-state and inter-district routes, seems to be forgotten by the Corporation, which is responsible for keeping the city clean. Apart from being one of the dirtiest spots, lack of proper parking space results in frequent jams as the buses are forced to park on the roads. Almost all the inter-state vehicles operate from the bus stand spread over 52 kanals, which include vehicles from Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan, Utter Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Delhi. In the absence of proper sanitation facilities, a foul smell always emanates from the area. Heaps of garbage, potholed roads, stagnant water and blocked drains dot the bus stand. Passengers sitting on a platform in dirty conditions is a common scene. The unhygienic condition speaks of indifferent attitude of the authorities towards this place, which is among one of the busiest bus stands in northern India. “We have pleaded to the authorities concerned for maintaining hygiene in its surroundings but nothing
has been done so far. We feel ashamed before the tourists and pilgrims visiting the city”, said Rajesh Abrol, a shopkeeper. The city is already facing shortage of 1,000 safai karamcharis, as recruitment has been stopped due to shortage of funds. The Jammu bus stand was inaugurated in 1971 and most of the shopkeepers were allotted shops then. The authorities have decided to increase the area of the bus stand and demolish some of the structures so that new buildings and a shopping complex can be constructed. There is also a plan to cover the drain flowing through the area. |
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Distributors violating SC norms: Consumers Council
Jammu, September 28 The council has said this is a violation of the Supreme Court directions regarding home delivery of LPG refills. The council has contented that in the licences issued to the distributors, clear directions of home delivery have been laid down to avoid hardships to consumers. “Long queues of customers are witnessed at the delivery centres and consumers are made to wait for hours. This causes a lot of problems, especially to senior citizens, women and employed customers, who have to spend long time in queues to get an LPG refill,” said a press note issued by the council. The council has also alleged that domestic cylinders are being sold in black market for Rs 1,000 each, creating artificial scarcity. The Consumers Council has also flayed the fresh verification process of already registered customers. Records are already there with the respective distributors and CAPD department. Hence, there should not be fresh verification of all the documents. The supply of LPG should not be denied pending re-verification of their records. In a joint statement issued, RK Chadha, senior vice-president, Jatinder Bakshi, general secretary, Dr Nirmal Kamal, vice-president, Ramesh Gupta, treasurer, Prof Ayub Khan, JS Chouhan, Harbhajan Kaur, Sarla Kholi, Jafari, Hemla Aggarwal, Prof BL Koul, SH Qazmi, Kewal Mahajan and Prof Shoab Malik, all senior members of the council, have questioned the logic of stopping the home delivery of LPG cylinders by the distributors.
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HC upholds decision of Jammu University
Jammu, September 28 The petitioner had obtained her degree in 2007 and was admitted to B.Ed course for the year 2011-12. During the scrutiny of documents, it was found that the candidate had passed her graduation from a study centre, which was banned by Jammu University, and accordingly her admission was cancelled. The petitioner’s counsel had argued that in terms of SRO 339, the petitioner, who was already enrolled to undergo a graduation course in the study centre, was protected from the rigor of law and no adverse action could be taken against her. The plea of the petitioner was that after admitting her to B.Ed course and allowing her to study for one year, the university could not cancel
her admission. However, the Jammu University argued that it had informed all the concerned vide October 2005 notification that a decision was taken by the Standing Committee of Academic Council that any courses run by study centres
or franchises of any university in the country, except IGNOU, were not recognised. It submitted that the petitioner had obtained her graduation degree from a study centre which was not recognised by Jammu University and her admission to undergo B.Ed course was supposed to be cancelled. Justice Muzaffar Hussain Attar of the high court, after hearing both the counsels, dismissed the petition filed by the petitioner, who was not eligible for being admitted to undergo B.Ed course as she had obtained the graduation degree from a study centre which was not recognised by university. The court further observed that the decisions of the academic institutions have to be implemented and the university authorities cannot be directed to proceed in breach of their own
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Kashmiri Pandits’ stir for hike in relief enters 57th day
Jammu, September 28 Even after the assurance from Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and recommendations sent by the state Cabinet to enhance the cash relief of the Kashmiri Pandits, the process has been hanging fire. Ravinder Koul, a relief holder, said, “This is the second time that we are sitting on a strike and this time our strike has entered the 57th day. The government is least bothered about the issue otherwise they could have sent a reminder to theCentral government about the recommendations they had sent earlier.” The state Cabinet had sent recommendations to the Home Ministry on June 20 to give the approval for the enhancement of cash relief up to Rs 10,000 per family. Since then, many meetings of the apex committee members were held to discuss the matter with the higher authorities but nothing has been done so far. The Chief Minister had also assured that he would take up the matter with urgency as the problem of Kashmiri Pandit Relief Holders was genuine.
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Students criticise anti-buddhism remark
Jammu, September 28 Four Buddhist families of Zanskar embraced Islam, shunning their age-old tradition, culture and people. President of the All Kargil Buddhist Student Association, Stobden, said: “There were some false allegations quoted against Buddhist people of Zanskar in some local newspapers of Jammu. We will not tolerate such kind of biased and false allegation against Buddhism in future.” Jamphel, president, All Zanskar Student Union, said: “There might have been some sort of inducement to trap these people in their fold otherwise how it is possible for four families to embrace Islam in one day; shunning their age old religion, culture, tradition and people. Norbu, president, All Ladakh Student Association Jammu, said: “There must be a grassroot level scrutiny to curb out the dilemma and problems of these converted people who had embraced Islam. A fair judgment without hurting the sentiments of both the communities should be given .”
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Panun Kashmir observes ‘Vitasta Divas’
Jammu, September 28 Panun Kashmir observed the ‘Vitasta Divas’ on the bank of Ranbir Canal.The members of Panun Kashmir were joined by the delegates of Daughters of Panun Kashmir, the women wing of Panun Kashmir. The Panun Kashmir team was led by its president, Ashwani Chrungoo, and national spokesperson Virender Raina in paying floral tributes to the river. Ashwani Chrungoo while addressing the gathering said the cultural genocide is going on at a fast pace. Drastic measures needs to be taken to heal the irreparable wounds of the Kashmiri Pandits. He said, “There is a need to take massive confidence building measures to instill a sense of confidence among the displaced community. The outcome of the recent Apex Committee meeting in Kashmir has not given much confidence to the community.” Virender Raina, national spokesperson, while addressing the gathering said there is an urgent need to enhance the relief work of the displaced community members as per the cabinet decision of the state government on the subject. Under all cannons of law and justice the relief and rehabilitation of the victims is the first and foremost responsibility of any civilised government.
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Birth anniversary of Bhagat Singh celebrated
Jammu, September 28 The party state president Thakur Randir Singh said, “Bhagat Singh was the most influential man of the Indian independence movement and his 64-day-long hunger strike in Jail is still an important milestone.” He said for the past 10 years Nationalist Congress Party has been demanding the 73rd and 74th amendment in the Panchayati Raj Act for the empowerment of the panchayats. “The vision of Bhagat Singh can only be realised when the panchayats are empowered and democracy is given a window to grow,” said Randhir Singh. The Jammu and Kashmir Freedom Fighters Association also organised a function at the DBN School, Mubarak Mandi, on Bhagat Singh’s birth anniversary. Speaking on the occasion, DIG Joginder Paul Singh said remembering martyrs’ was a sanctimonious because there were many sacrifices made by the freedom fighters for the sake of the nation. |
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‘Victims of unprovoked war need care’
Jammu, September 28 The inaugural address was given by the special guest of honour, Mubharakh Singh, Deputy Commissioner, Samba. He spoke on the importance of humanitarian laws which deals with victims of war and subsequently invited the ICRC’s chief resource persons to visit the international border at Samba to interact with the inhabitants residing in the adjacent areas. He also praised the vision of Gulchain Singh Charak in developing the Centre of Education at Dogra Educational Complex in Samba district. The chief guest, Gulchain Singh Charak, delivered a thought provoking and educative lecture. He said victims of unprovoked war in states like J&K need additional care by the International Red Cross society. He also welcomed the chief resource persons, Alexander Formaisno from Colombia and Head of International Committee of Red Cross J&K; Dr Sanoj Rajan, Director Academics International Committee Red Cross, New Delhi; Pooja Ahluwalia, legal advisor, ICRC; and Rizwana Rashid, field officer, J&K, ICRC by presenting them mementos.
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Rashtriya Rifles holds veterans’ rally at Surankote
Poonch September 28 Brigadier HS Shanbhag, commander, 6-Sector Rashtriya Rifles, inaugurated the rally and interacted with the veterans, and assured them of all possible assistance from the Army. As many as 270 veterans and 40 veer naris attended the event. Information kiosks were established by various departments of the state government to assist the veterans in gaining information on their resettlement, including the civilian setup. The help desks included banking services, loan for higher education, small-scale enterprises, crop diversification, cultivation of high yielding special varieties of crops/vegetables, mushroom cultivation and fish farming. Speaking on the occasion, Brigadier Shanbhag assured the veterans that the Army would earnestly work to alleviate their genuine problems. Maj (retd) Prem Singh, officer-in-charge, Zila Sainik Welfare Board, Poonch, apprised the veterans about various welfare schemes introduced by the Central and state government, and various welfare activities being undertaken by the Zilla Sainik Welfare Board. He also assured them that all necessary assistance would be provided to mitigate the problems being faced by them. The veterans and veer naris appreciated the efforts of the Army to reach out to them in remote areas.
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Students donate blood in Vijaypur
Jammu, September 28 The students also attended a preliminary session of awareness programme of blood donation conducted by the doctors. The principal of the college, Professor RK Koul, expressed appreciation for the blood donation by the students and the organisation of the programme. |
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Inter-school quiz contest held
Poonch, September 28
As many as 35 students from various schools of Krishna Ghati sector took part in the competition. The motive of the competition was to inspire the rural students of various competitive examinations. The participants were tested on the challenging questions, including questions on Poonch district, audio-visual round and buzzer round. Prominent citizens of the neighboring areas also attended the event and made it a resounding success. Students of various schools, including Government High School, Jhallas, Government Middle School, Jhallas, Baba Garib Dass Academy, Salotri, and Modern Academy participated with enthusiasm. Speaking on the occasion, Colonel lalit appreciated the performance of the students and said that rural students have a great potential. Government Middle School, Jhallas, Government High School, Jhallas, and Modern Academy were declared 1st, 2nd and 3rd, respectively. —
OC |
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Mithilesh Wanchoo steals musical show at Jammu University
Jammu, September 28 In the classical instrumental (solo) non-percussion, Mithlesh Wanchoo from Acharya Sri Chandra College of Medical Sciences, Jammu, stole the show by presenting the raga ‘bhairav’ on Violin to clinch the first Prize. Sheetal from Government Women College, Parade, was adjudged second position. She presented the raga ‘miyan malhar’ on sitar while Rajani Devi from Government Women College, Gandhi Nagar, Jammu, presented the raga ‘yaman’ on sitar to bag the third position. The ‘aalap’, ‘jod’, ‘jhalla’, ‘razakhani’, ‘maseetkhani’ and ‘gats’ were presented by the young participants. In classical instrumental (solo) percussion competition, Ashish Attri from the Department of Environmental Sciences, University of Jammu, was the sole participant. He was recommended for the special prize. He presented ‘teen taal’ on tabla, including ‘tode’, ‘tukre’ , ‘tihayeean’, ‘parans’, ‘chakradaar parans’ , ‘laggies’ and ‘relaas’. Professor JS Tara, director, Poonch Campus, was the chief guest on this occasion. He distributed prizes among the winners in the presence of Professor NK Tripathi, dean, students’ welfare. Speaking on the occasion, Professor Tara appreciated the performance of the participants. He said that Indian Classical Music is an integral part of our rich cultural heritage. We should make every effort to preserve it. Kulbhushan Sharma, Dr Usha Bagati and Ashwani Sharma were the experts for the classical instrumental (solo) non-percussion whereas Balbir Singh and Neeraj Verma were adjudicators in the classical instrumental (solo) percussion competition. Among others, Professor Jasbir Singh, chairman, campus cultural committee; Nidhi Kaila, secretary, students’ cultural council, and Anshu Bala, joint secretary, students’ cultural council, were present on the occasion.
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to the 1.25 lakh LPG consumers in Jammu whose connections were blocked by the oil companies, the LPG distributors have decided to start supply only after October 15 even if their verification process has been completed.
The “transparency” portals of various oil companies in Jammu and Kashmir, where the state government has blocked 1.25 lakh LPG connections in the Jammu region in a single stroke, has been adding fuel to the fire.
Putting a question mark on the claims of Jammu Municipal Corporation (JMC) of making the general bus stand garbage-free, the area is teeming with stinking solid waste dumps and stagnant water, providing breeding ground for parasites and mosquitoes.
Jammu, September 28
As many as 100 students today assembled at Ladakh House under the banner of All Kargil Buddhist Student Association to condemn the remarks against the Buddhist families of Zanskar who recently embraced Islam.
The 105th birthday anniversary of the Shaheed-e-Azam, Bhagat Singh, was celebrated by various political and social organisations in Jammu today.
The Nationalist Congress Party organised a function to mark the day.
Students from different colleges of Jammu today performed classical instrumental (solo) and non-percussion and classical instrumental (solo) percussion at a competition that was conducted by the Department of Students Welfare, University of Jammu, under the aegis of the ongoing ‘Display Your Talent 2012-13’.
