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Kunjwani-Satwari highway turns into a death trap
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7-hour power shutdown throws life out of gear
Declining birth rate worries Kashmiri Pandits body
Fleecing of tourists continues
Father, son killed in mishap
Special cover on Gandhi released
Govt educational institutions score low in sports infrastucture
Boost research to protect farmers: experts
‘Satyagrah’ against JKCA scam enters Day 2
Computer application workshop held
CBI probe demanded
Increase subsidised cylinders limit: Shiv Sena, Dogra Front
PDP flays Omar for faulty transfer policy of teachers
All-party union seeks tehsil status for Arnas
NSPU alleges discrimination against youth, holds protest
Badminton Championship
WCC cruise into cricket quarterfinals
Snooker semis to be played today
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Kunjwani-Satwari highway turns into a death trap
Jammu, October 3 Besides motorists and commuters, shopkeepers along the stretch have been suffering huge losses for the past one and half year due to the road widening work which has been going on at a snail's pace. If one goes by the present status of the work, the commuters will have to negotiate with dangerous trenches and dust for six more months as the road widening work may be delayed due to technical glitches and red-tape. "The haze caused by the suspension of dust particles in the air after vehicles whizzed on the dusty and potholed road has reduced the visibility to a great extent, thereby increasing the chances of road mishaps. Deep trenches and excavations have also affected business of the shopkeepers here, especially the kiosk-owners along the stretch," Sachin Sharma, a resident of Gangyal said. He rued that Kunjwani is generally considered as a "gateway" to Jammu, which is known for its temples. "Dust and badly damaged roads greet lakhs of pilgrims and tourists coming here for the past one and a half years. Local residents and shopkeepers have been pleading for early restoration of the road but the authorities have turned a deaf ear to their problems," Sharma said. Sources said the road widening work on the stretch-which is a part of the much-ambitious four-lanning project of Lakhanpur-Srinagar highway, was started a-year-and-a-half ago. The executing agencies have dumped the construction material alongside road which is not only causing traffic obstruction but also pose the threat of fatal
road mishaps. They said the government had sanctioned Rs 50 crore for six-lanning of Satwari-Kunjwani stretch. A new bridge and nine culverts would be constructed on the road. It was also proposed that ornamental and other plants would be planted on both sides of the road; besides high-mast lights would also be installed on the road to please tourists. "We have been suffering huge loss to our business due to the dusty conditions but there seems no end to the woes of the shopkeepers and kiosk owners for another year. Customers are reluctant to visit our establishments due to huge dumps of construction material and dust all around. We don't know who is to be blamed for our losses," Rajat Prakash, a tea-stall owner said. The Minister for Revenue, Raman Bhalla, who is a local MLA, who has been personally monitoring the widening work, could not be contacted for his comments on delay in widening work. |
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7-hour power shutdown throws life out of gear
Batote, October 3 The power supply was disrupted at 7 am as per the routine curtailment schedule (7 am-9 am) and was restored at 4 pm. Work was adversely affected at many offices, banks and markets. Refrigeration of cold drinks, ice creams and medicines in chemist shops and the repair of electronic goods was also affected badly. “Our generator was in order and thus we could carry on with eye surgeries being conducted free of cost here by the Leighton Welspun Contractors Pvt.Ltd. in collaboration with the Rotary Eye and ENT Hospital, Udhampur,” said BMO, Batote, Dr AS Slathia. Many offices could function only till their invertors worked. “We could work on our office computers till 1 pm with the help of invertors,” said an employee of PMGSY office at Batote. “The seven-hour power shutdown will continue for the next two days to carry out the stringing and re-symmetry of 132 CSTL near Batote. As I was out of station the notice could not be published in the print media,” said SE, M&RE Circle-III, SC Menia. “However, there won’t be any evening curtailment from 5 pm to 7 pm,” he added.
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Declining birth rate worries Kashmiri Pandits body
Jammu, October 3 As the mass exodus brought several major changes in the community after migration and to cope with the topographical changes and harsh life in exile, people started changing their lifestyle and are compromising on their traditions and customs that had its own pros and corns, they feel. Dr Kshama Koul, writer and a Kashmiri Pandit activist said, “Our organisation ‘Kashmira Vahini’ has been fighting for the cause since 2010. We spread the message that every family should have more than two children because it has become a trend among the community to have one child only because of which the birth rate has decreased. If the situation continues, the community may become extinct within a couple of decades.” “We have started an awareness campaign that each family should have more than two children because for our struggle of our homeland,” she added. With many youth belonging to the community leaving the state to venture into different ventures for better survival, the youngsters complain that having more than one child is not possible at present as the cost of living is very high and the income is comparatively less. Kundan Kashmiri, president Kashmiri Pandit Conference said, “I have been working for this for the last 10 years. Our research shows that the death rate has grown high and the birth rate has gone down. Couples are having only one child and some after inter-caste marriages cannot contribute even one child to the community. This is a very negative for a community in exile”. “People have become very materialistic and want to enjoy life without sparing much time for their children that is why they consider them as a liability and do not want to have more,” he claimed.
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Fleecing of tourists continues
Jammu, October 3 Keeping in view the increase in the number of tourists in recent year, the state government had amended the 30-year-old Act in 2011. More powers were given to the Tourism Department to curb cases of cheating and also to fix the rates of different services offered to the tourists. "Most of the shopkeepers and travel agents charge at will, when they see a tourist, rather than providing them with the best of services. Recently a family from West Bengal went through an agonizing experience as they were charged excess amount for their tickets," said Nadeem Qadri, who runs an NGO. Under the Act, the state government can fix the rates and service charges at hotels, charges of travel agents or guides, rates for hiring of boats, ponies, river rafts, adventure sports equipment, guides, ski patrols, high altitude porters and trekking porters. However, very few people are following the norms set by the state government. "Travel agents, tour operators and guides have been charging heavy amount from the tourists and pilgrims in especially Kashmir, where religious tourism has picked up in recent years," said an official. Deputy Director Tourism (Jammu) Pankaj Sharma claimed that they had been receiving a number of complaints and e-mails from tourists on a daily basis. He said they were in the process of enforcing the Act. "We have been taking action after complaints and Rs 29,000 was imposed as fine last year.”
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Father, son killed in mishap
Batote, October 3 The driver of the truck Parvinder Singh of Amritsar died on the spot while his father, Niranjan Singh succumbed to his injuries in the Sub-District Hospital, Banihal. The truck was loaded with rice bags being brought from the Food Corporation of India store in Jammu.
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Special cover on Gandhi released
Jammu, October 3 MP Madan Lal Sharma said the exhibition would go a long way to inculcate Gandhian values among the masses. He said Gandhi showed the power of truth and non-violence to the entire world. He also lauded the role of Chief Postmaster General, J&K Circle, in infusing energy in the Department of Posts in the state besides accelerating the pace of modernisation of post offices. John Samuel, Chief Post Master General, J&K, said the Department of Posts will spend Rs 2 crore for the modernisation of post offices in the state in the current financial year.
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Govt educational institutions score low in sports infrastucture
Jammu, October 3 Sources say the Physical Education Teachers (PETs) recruited by the Department of Youth Services and Sports (DYSS) few years back in different districts of the state to overcome this problem could not yield any
benefits. Sources say due to less participation of students of government institutions in competitions at the state and divisional level in individual category organised by DYSS, they were not eligible to represent the state in the National School Games. “If you look at the list of outstanding sportspersons who have bagged medals in individual disciplines at the National School Games, you will find that maximum number of students belonging to private institutions have a clear advantage over their
counterparts from government institutions,” a source said. “Scholarships worth Rs 10,000 each which is being disbursed by the department to the medal winners at the National School Games every year went to the students of private institutions who have maximum participation in the individual events. The students of government institutions despite competing in these competitions could not match the skills of their counterparts from private schools to win a medal,” sources said. Sources said the National Institute of Sports (NIS) qualified physical education teachers recruited by the DYSS for further deployment in the government schools have not been able to use their potential in a proper manner due to lack of sports infrastructure. “Unless the authorities take decisive measures, there is hardly any scope for improvement in the performance of students in individual events”, source said. Meanwhile, a senior DYSS official said, “We feel sorry for the students of government institutions who have not been able to prove their worth in individual events. The department is trying its level best to depute its NIS qualified PETs in the schools to tap the potential of the students in various disciplines especially individual,” he said. |
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Boost research to protect farmers: experts
Rajouri, October 3 The programme was organised to create awareness for the protection of plant varieties, the rights of farmers and plant breeders to encourage development of new varieties of plants. Dr Ravi Prakash, registrar, Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers’ Rights Authority of India, was the special guest on the occasion, including several other dignitaries, panches and sarpanches. Dr Prakash while speaking on the occasion said it is necessary to recognise and protect the rights of farmers with respect to the contribution made by them for the conservation and the improvement of various plant genetic resources for the development of the new plant varieties in Rajouri and other parts of the state. He said, “We consider a farmer as a scientist who creates and preserves the traditional varieties of plants for future generations to accelerate the agricultural development. It is necessary to protect the plants breeders' rights to stimulate investment for research and development of new plant varieties.” Dr Prakash said farmers should register their traditional plant varieties at the local agriculture centers for a reward. He said, “We are planning to organise a state-level programme in collaboration with the state agricultural universities.
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‘Satyagrah’ against JKCA scam enters Day 2
Jammu, October 3 At the venue of fast, leaders observed two minutes silence to pay homage to veteran leader Jana Sangh and former Governor Kedar Nath Sahni, who breathed his last this morning at New Delhi. While addressing the gathering, Manhas said it was strange that ever since Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Association (JKCA) came into existence, its president has always been Dr Farooq Abdullah, which shows lack of inner democracy in the selection of its members and monopoly of a single family. He also referred to the nexus between the JKCA and the J&K Bank and said that the NC government has always appointed chairman and other senior officials of the JKCA as well as the J&K Bank to serve its interests and to cover up money embezzlement. Re-iterating party’s demand of handing over the JKCA scam case to CBI, resignation of Dr Farooq Abdullah from the president post of the JKCA and the reconstitution of the JKCA, Manhas said that nothing less than this will be accepted and the BJP will continue to agitate till these demands were met. Speaking on the occasion, Nirmal Singh said both the Congress led UPA-1 and UPA-2 has created history for promoting corruption and shielding the corrupt ministers and bureaucrats. While BJP led NDA was tough on corruption, militancy and always serious for the welfare and survival of a common citizen, the UPA has only single agenda of making money by any means. Jitendra Singh, chief spokesman of state BJP; Chander Prakash Ganga, Som Raj Khajuria, Col Uttam Singh, Satish Sharma, Sat Sharma (CA), Chander Mohan Sharma, Bansi Lal Bharti, Yudhvir Sethi, Shilpi Verma, Rajiv Jasrotia, Nirmal Kamal, Er. Ghulam Ali Khatana, Iqbal Singh Jasrotia, Dina Nath Bhagat, Suraj Padha, Capt Ramesh Lal, Karan Singh, Munish Sharma, Subhash Bhagat, Aseem Gupta, ND Rajwal, Kamla Gupta, Kuldeep Sharma, Chaman Lal Kanathia, Surinder Choudhary, Sangita Gupta, Mukesh Sharma, Daljeet Singh, Sanjeev Sharma, Surinder Bhagat, Jeet Angral, Dinesh Gupta, Arvind Gupta, Prema Sharma, Jagdish Pande, Ved Prakash, Bishamber Singh Jasrotia, Tripta Jamwal, Manmohan Sing, Arjun Sharma, Kanta Devi and Ved Paul addressed the gathering.
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Computer application workshop held
Jammu, October 3 Principal Dr Ramesh Chander was also present on the occasion. The principal in his speech highlighted the broader prospectus of ‘red hat enterprise edition’ as career and stressed that the workshop will be helpful for the students who are planning to take career in it. Professor Sujat Khan, HoD, computer applications, in his address spoke on the benefits of the workshop and the future prospects of ‘red hat enterprise edition’. Asif Choudhary, senior technical trainer, IIHT, was the resource person. The vote of thanks was presented by the Gohar ahmed Dar. Other faculty members present on the occasion were Shalu Gupta, Seema Gupta, Mansi Gupta, Ved Parkash, Rakesh Sharma and Deepak Sharma. |
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CBI probe demanded
Jammu, October 3 These relief holders are on a strike for more than a month now and are demanding the enhancement of the cash relief. They said the government should announce enhancement of relief before October 15 and yearly increase of relief as per the government rules. |
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Increase subsidised cylinders limit: Shiv Sena, Dogra Front
Jammu, October 3 They said the manner in which the oil companies have ordered verification of the consumers through their passbooks and ration cards to check distribution of LPG cylinders on subsidised rates inconvenience has been caused to the public “It is ridiculous that the government has been making conflicting claims on this issue,” said Ashok Gupta, state president, Shiv Sena. He said the LPG facility was extended to J&K in big way to reduce dependence on forest fuel which can in turn reduce pressure on the forest resources. He said, “If such steps are taken by the government to curb the supply of LPG cylinders to the people, it is natural that in J&K pressure will increase on forest resources for meeting the fuel needs of the people.” He appealed to the government to disband the verification process as was done two months back to continue the process of regular supply.
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PDP flays Omar for faulty transfer policy of teachers
Rajouri, September 3 He said, “Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has multi portfolios. He has made the education department a defunct body in the state, particularly in Rajouri district where there is gross violations of transfer policy framed by government. ZEO’s in Rajouri district are not submitting transfer proposals to adjust the teachers. On the other hand female teachers are being harassed and are being forced to work in uncomfortable areas whereas as nepotism and political consideration influential teachers with political support are given favorite adjustments and attachments within the city which is a complete injustice.” Dar said chief minister holding education portfolio is least concerned about the worsening condition of the education department in Rajouri as large number of complaints are being received for gross irregularities in centrally sponsored schemes in education department. Dar said students from far-flung areas are suffering because of the non-availability of the teaching staff in schools. He demanded rationalisation of the posts of teachers and masters as per the strength of students. He lambasted the state government for not providing teaching staff and infrastructure in newly upgraded high schools.
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All-party union seeks tehsil status for Arnas
Reasi, Octrober 3 The demand of teshil status for Arnas is being raised by the Congress coalition partner in the NC-led government of Omar Abdullah, whereas the opposition BJP is also spearheading the agitation for seeking tehsil status. The Wazir Commission in 1981 recommended the creation of three new tehsils in Jammu. However, the successive governments swept the recommendations under the carpet. The all-party union, Arnas, today launched an agitation in support of its demand for tehsil status to Arnas by organising a dharna outside the office of the naib tehsildar. BJP district vice-president Chain Sngh also addressed the public meeting at Arnas on Monday.
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NSPU alleges discrimination against youth, holds protest
Jammu, October 3 The NPSU activists gathered at University and raised slogans against the state government. Varinder Singh led the protest. He alleged that the DGP had recruited youths from all over the state in a special drive but neglected the Jammu region where he launched the drive only some of the blocks. Thakur said the students condemn such discriminatory attitude towards the region. He said in the special recruitment drive, the common people were ignored.
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Kashyap, Jayaram enter men singles final
Tribune News Service
Jammu, October 3 Both shuttlers scripted convincing wins over their respective rivals. Kashyap, who finished runners-up at the 2010 edition, subdued K Srikanth 21-5, 21-8 in semifinal match while Jayaram defeated Nanda Gopal K 21-14 21-15 in another semifinal match. Earlier, in the first game, Kashyap took 11-3 lead and then in the second, he opened up a 16-7 lead thereby. Meanwhile in the women's singles, reigning champion PV Sindhu thrashed Arundhati Pantawane 8-21 21-18 21-13. Sayali Gokhale defeated Tanvi Lad 21-17 9-21 21-11 to set up the summit showdown with Sindhu.
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WCC cruise into cricket quarterfinals
Jammu, October 3 Electing to bat first after winning the toss, WCC scored 177 runs. Ravi Pandita contributed 103 off 63 balls. For CCE, Sanjay Pandita took two wickets while Vinod took one wicket. In reply, CCE scored only 155 runs in their allotted quota of overs by losing seven wickets in the process. Earlier, Whites Cricket Club (WCC) and Kongposh Cricket Club (KCC) scripted wins to move into the pre-quarterfinals. In the first match, electing to bat first after winning the toss against Sharda team, WCC posted 166 runs in the stipulated 20 overs. Akshay scored 39 runs off just 13 balls. For Sharda team, Salman took two wickets while Amit Pandita took one wicket. In reply, Sharda team scored 99 runs. Sonu Sharma was the top scorer with 33 runs. Vikas and Vinood Tickoo contributed 18 and 11 runs, respectively. For WCC, Ravi and Akshay took two and one wicket, respectively.
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Snooker semis to be played today
Jammu, October 3 Earlier, in the quarterfinal matches played, Ishan Chowdhary thrashed Mukesh Kapahi by 3-2. After losing the opening frame in a disastrous fashion by 3-55, Ishan again got beaten in the next frame with a margin of 29-53. |
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The Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers’ Rights Authority of India in collaboration with the Sher-e-Kashmir University for Agricultural Sciences and Technology (SKUAST), Rajouri, today conducted an awareness programme for the farmers of Rajouri at Dak Banglow.
On the second day of the fast being observed by BJP state president Shamsher Singh
Manhas, party leaders from different parts of Jammu region today joined the fast.
At the venue of fast, leaders observed two minutes silence to pay homage to veteran leader Jana Sangh and former Governor Kedar Nath
Sahni, who breathed his last this morning at New Delhi.
The demand for granting teshil status to Arnas in Reasi district has once again started gaining momentum with the all-party union accusing the Kashmir-dominated state government of discrimination against the region.
The National Panthers Students Union (NPSU) today held a protest demonstration at Jammu University. The protesters alleged that the state government is discriminating against the youth belonging to the Jammu region.
The NPSU activists gathered at University and raised slogans against the state government.
The slow pace of road widening work on the Kunjwani-Satwari stretch of the national highway has turned this part of the road into a virtual death trap. The potholed road covered with construction waste has led to "dust haze" resulting in frequent road mishaps.
Participation of students of government educational institutions in the state remains confined to solo disciplines like kho-kho, kabaddi, volleyball, the tug-of-war. The state lags behind in nurturing sports talent in disciplines such as badminton, judo, table tennis, fencing etc.