Jammu, October 4
The world famous basmati rice produced from the region may suffer this year. Farmers are a worried lot as they allege that the seeds provided to them are of low quality which may lead to inferior quality of produce. The crop may also be diseased. The produce may hamper exports as well, they say.

Farmers from the region have accused the Department of Agriculture of supplying them basmati seed 370 that shows mixture, diseased and disturbed maturity which may result in the low quality of grains.

“We are worried about the production and marketing of basmati rice within and outside the country. The basmati mission and Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojna have proved to be hollow slogans as the government is least worried about the quality of our product. The seed they have provided us is mixed and is providing a low quality grain,” Dev Raj Choudhary, president, Basmati Growers Association said while addressing a press conference here today.

“The seed certification committee has passed this low quality seed (Basmati 370) for the farmers. We want a committee to look into the matter but it should not be constituted by the state government as the callous attitude of the government has made it difficult for the farmers,” he added.

The association has demanded a compensation of Rs 3,000 per kanal besides free seeds and fertilizers for the current Rabi season for these farmers.

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh had said on on March 4, 2011, that the government needs to focus on basmati in RS Pura. In 2010-11, 63 metric tonnes of basmati was exported from the state.

At present, five varieties of basmati rice; Ranbir, Sanwal, Pussa-2511, hybrid PHB-71, and Basmati-370 are cultivated in J&K.

Jammu, October 4
Wary of the facilities available at local hospitals, many patients suffering from orthopaedic problems have for long been opting for treatment at hospitals in Punjab. To cater to them private players specializing in Orthopaedic treatment have opened their hospital branches here.

Many patients from the region vouch for the quality of the treatment available in Punjab. They rue that lack of medical facilities in Jammu has pushed them to seek treatment outside.

A few months back when elderly Sham Rani fractured her leg after a fall near her house in Gole Gujral area her leg was wrongly plastered by a junior doctor in the emergency ward at Government Medical College in Jammu. A month later she had to undergo an operation at the Christian Medical College, Ludhiana, after she was told her leg had developed a half centimetre gap. “I remember the haste in which my mother's leg was plastered in the overcrowded Emergency, where many others had lined up to get plaster done," said her son Sidharth Ganjoo.

Rajni Sharma, 62, a housewife from Ploura area said, "My sister met with an accident on the National Highway on her way to Patnitop. We got her initial treatment from Jammu but later went to Jalandhar for treatment."

Amandeep Hospital Amritsar has opened a Hospital branch here providing facilities to treat various orthopaedic diseases. Doctors from Amritsar visit on a weekly basis to examine the patients here. “There is good rush of patients here. Most of the patients we receive are cases of fractures besides others. They get the treatment in Jammu and some special cases are referred to our main hospital,” said the representative of one such private hospital. “Doctors come on a weekly basis. The response here is outstanding as the basic facilities are missing at the hospitals in Jammu," he added.

Jammu, October 4
Going out with your family to celebrate the festival season may not be easy on the pocket. Your bill is all set to become costlier by 25 per cent with restaurants and hotels planning to increase the prices on their menu. The decision of the sweet meat shops to increase the prices between 20 and 30 per cent is going to leave a bitter taste in your mouth. Thanks to the fuel price hike and milk.

"We are left with no option but to increase the rates by 20 to 25 per cent. We are under pressure to increase the prices. The fluctuation in prices of petroleum products, especially LPG and diesel, has increased the cost of running restaurants and hotels. It is impossible to run business at the existing rates," Inderjeet Khajuria, president, Hotels and Lodges Association said.

"The labour cost has increased manifold as the wage of even an unskilled labourer is Rs 300 per day. The hike in the prices of diesel affected the prices of all commodities and the LPG crisis has made the situation even more chaotic. The worst affected will be restaurant owners as the oil companies have hiked the rates of commercial cylinders," Khajuria said.

Deepak Bhat, manager of a sweet meat shop at Kachi Chawni said, "We have been closely monitoring the rates following fluctuation in the prices of various items as well as LPG cylinders. We are yet to decide on our rates but we are compelled to increase our rates under the prevailing circumstances."

"About 40 to 50 restaurants and dhabas have closed their operations, while the remaining establishments are on the verge of closure. It is difficult to calculate food prices for menus keeping in view frequent changes in the price of petroleum products as well as that of the raw ingredients required," said owner of a prominent restaurant in Old city. He rued that “arbitrary provisions” of the Food Safety Act has also made it difficult for them to run restaurants. “The LPG or diesel prices used to increase only once a year but now they go up every fortnight. Hence, restaurants have no option but to go for floating rates," he said.

Jammu, October 4
The Divisional Commissioner Jammu, Pradeep Gupta, today reviewed the arrangements made for this year's darbar movement at a high level meeting of senior officers of various departments at Civil Secretariat.

The meeting was attended by the District Development Commissioner, Jammu, Sanjeev Verma; commissioner JMC, Kuldeep Khajuria; vice-chairman JDA, Sarita Chouhan; Director Health Services Madhu Khullar; RTO Jammu Verinder Salathia; Deputy Director Information, Jyoti Salathia; SE, PWD, PDD and other senior officers of various departments.

Pradeep Gupta stressed upon the officers to complete the entire repair, renovation and other maintenance works being done at Jammu Secretariat before the opening of the offices so that all departments could function in a hassle free manner.

He also called for completion of repair and renovation works of residential quarters for move employees at various locations.

The meeting was informed about the complaint redressal cell that has been setup at the office of Deputy Director Estates Jammu with a toll free No 18001807013 for the move employees so that the grievances regarding accommodation, water and power supply, sanitation on all working days during office hours could be redressed. It was also informed during the meeting that the work on additional block of Civil Secretariat was being done in double shifts.

Director Health Services was asked to make adequate medicare facilities with the provision of ambulances to the move employees' enroute from Banihal to Jammu. The police department was asked to provide security to the move employees. The DIG Traffic was asked to ensure minimum traffic jams during darbar move.

The State Road Transport Department (SRTC) would arrange buses for transportation of move employees. The BSNL authorities were directed to ensure that all telephone lines are functional besides making National Informatics Centre (NIC) serviceable.

Regarding provision of LPG gas cylinders to the move employees, the divisional commissioner asked the distributors of gas agencies to provide one cooking gas cylinder to move employees and general public so that they can fulfill all the formalities issued by oil companies according to the directives of Government of India. The meeting was informed that the manager, LPG, AK Wazir will be the nodal officer and anybody having any query may contact him.

Katra, October 4
A two-day long district-level science exhibition got underway in the premises of DIET (District Institute of Education and Training), Reasi, today.

The exhibition is being organised by the DIET. Rajinder Singh Tara, Additional District Development Commissioner, Reasi, was the chief guest on the occasion.

He formally inaugurated the science exhibition. As many as 150 science models from different government educational institutions from all six educational zones of Reasi district were displayed at the exhibition.

Rajinder Singh interacted with the students and teachers to get detailed explanations about their exhibits.

The working models prepared by the meritorious students of different schools on eco-system, pollution, water purification, greenhouse effect, water cycle, energy conservation and green roof gardening got special appreciation from the visitors.

Jammu, October 4
Lt Gen KT Parnaik, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Northern Command, said that Gandhian teachings and values had a great relevance and significance that could never be underestimated.

The GOC-in-C was speaking at the prize distribution ceremony of a four-day philately exhibition organised by the Department of Posts (DoP) to observe Gandhi Jayanti at Kala Kendra.

Lt Gen Parnaik stressed upon the people to adopt the tools of truth and non-violence as envisaged by Gandhiji for the betterment of life and welfare of the country.

He released two special covers on Mahatma Gandhi on the occasion.

John Samuel, chief post master general, J&K Circle, was also present on the occasion.

The GOC-in-C also lauded the efforts of DoP in organising this exhibition on Gandhi.

John Samuel during his address said the post office would continue to involve in the total development of J&K.

Later, Lt Gen Parnaik distributed awards to the winners of letter writing competition, Gandhiji look-a-like competition, debate, quiz, stamp designing competitions and to the philatelists.

Dilbhag Singh, Inspector General of Police, Jammu, released ‘My Stamp on Gandhiji’ Lt Gen DS Hooda, GOC 16 Corps, and Ved Kumari Ghai, president, Gandhi Seva Sadan, Jammu, were also present on the occasion.

Students of different schools presented a colourful cultural programme.

Nikhil Sharma of BSF Senior Secondary School, Paloura, was adjudged first in Gandhi Ji look-a-like competition while Abhinav from Dogra Higher Seconday School stood first in debate competition.

Aneet Kamal Kour of Government College for Women, Gandhi Nagar, bagged first position in the debate contest for the college students while in stamp designing competition, Shivam Dogra from Shiksha Niketan Higher Secondary School bagged first position.

In quiz contest, Shubanshu Sharma and Jessica Bhat from Navyug Public School shared the first prize whereas in quiz contest for college students, Ruksana Choudhary and Sanam Khan from Government College for Women, Gandhi Nagar, shared the first slot.

In letter writing competition, Kousheen Pandita from GD Goenka Public School, Jammu, bagged first prize. Amit Sharma, Director Finance (Posts), J&K, presented the vote of thanks.

Jammu, October 4
J&K Bharat Scouts and Guides Association, Jammu, today conducted an advance course for scouts masters and guides captains of Jammu Division at Gandhi Nagar here.

Sohail Qazmi, secretary general, Press Club, Jammu, was the chief guest on the occasion. He said it became imperative on the part of the scouts masters and guide captains to enhance the quality of life through moral, social and human values.

ID Soni, State Commissioner, appraised the chief guest about the aims and objectives of the programme. The event was conducted by Jamait Ali and Sehaj Singh presented the vote of thanks.

Jammu, October 4
Pinto Club and District Coaching Centre, Poonch, clinched the men and women titles, respectively today in the District Volleyball Championship which concluded at Khari Karmarha Army Ground, today.

In the men section, Pinto Club defeated Manjit Club by 2-1 sets (26-28, 25-23, 25-21). Manjit Club won the first set with a narrow margin but Pinto Club clawed their way back into the match by winning the next two sets with consummate ease. In the women section, District Coaching Centre, Poonch, thrashed High School, Khari Karmarha, by 2-0 sets.

The matches were officiated by Narinder Singh, Devinder Singh, Ram Parkash and Rajinder Singh. The tournament was organised by Nirdosh Kumar.

Ajit Kumar Sahu, District Development Commissioner, Poonch, was the chief guest on the occasion.

He distributed prizes among the winners and the runners-up team.

Jammu, October 4
Ace shuttler Parupalli Kashyap produced a flawless performance to claim his maiden national title while 2008 champion, Sayali Gokhale, created a major upset by defeating formidable PV Sindhu to clinch the women singler title today in the 77th Senior National Badminton Championship which concluded at Sher-e-Kashmir Indoor Sports Complex.

London Olympics quarter-finalist Kashyap, who had reached the finals in the 2011 edition held in Rohtak had hardly broke a sweat against Ajay. He took the first game by 21-18 and then marched along nicely to win the second game by 21-17 to emerge victorious in a 45-minute tussle. Sayali also played outstandingly to script a hard fought win over PV Sindhu by 21-15 15-21 21-15. She had earlier won the title in 2008.

In the men's doubles event, shuttlers Manu Attri and Sumeeth Reddy B clinched their maiden national title by beating the third seeds Akshay Dewalkar and Pranaav Jerry Chopra by 10-21 21-14 21-12.

“It took a long time and now I am extremely happy that I won the national title,” said an elated Kashyap after the final.

“It was a tough match. Ajay and I have been competing against each other since our junior tournaments. He is always a tough competitor,” said Kashyap.

Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy Dr Farooq Abdullah was the chief guest on the valedictory function while RS Chib, Minister for Youth Services and Sports, was the guest of honour.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr Farooq Abdullah assured every possible support to the sports organisations for promoting sports in the state.

Results:

Men's singles final:

P Kashyap bt Ajay Jayaram 21-18 21-17

Women's singles final:

Sayali Gokhale (2) bt P V Sindhu (3) 21-15 15-21 21-15.

Mixed doubles final: Aparna Balan (1) and Arun Vishnu bt Ashwini Ponnappa and Tarun K 21-13 18-21 21-15, respectively.

Women's doubles final:

Aparna Balan (1) and Siki Reddy N bt Varsha Belawadi (2) and G M Nischitha 21-11 21-13, respectively.

Men's doubles final:

Manu Attri and Sumeeth Reddy B bt Akshay Dewalkar (3) and Pranaav Jerry Chopra 10-21 21-14 21-12, respectively.

Jammu, October 4
A brilliant half-century by Gajender followed by a five-wicket haul by Mukesh Negi helped the Koshur Club to advance in the ongoing 1st Tikalal Taploo Inter-State Cricket Tournament, being organised by Koshur Cricket Club at Mohan Meakins Ground at Gaziabad.

Batting first, Koshur Club scored 131 runs in the allotted 20 overs. Gajender scored 65 runs off 51 balls. In reply, the Shehjar Club was bowled out for 115 runs. Rohit Taploo was the top scorer with 43 runs. . Gajender of the Koshur Club was adjudged the man of the match. — TNS

Jammu, October 4
The J&K Sambo Association (JKSA) is going to organise the Senior National Sambo Championship for men and women at indoor sports complex, MA Stadium, Jammu, from October 25 to 28.

Anil Gupta, chairman of the association, said as many as 250 players from different states across the country would compete in the championship. He said the lodging facilities for the participating teams have been finalised at Yatri Niwas, Bhagwati Nagar.

The states participating in the championship includes West Bengal, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Chattisgarh, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Chandigarh, Punjab, Uttarakhand, Madhya Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan, Orissa, Delhi and the hosts J&K. The opening ceremony will be held on October 26. Sanjeev Jamwal, Rameshwar Singh, Rajesh Kumar, Rahul Jamwal, Raj Kumar, Sanjeev Gupta and Rohit Sadhotra were also present on the occasion. 

Jammu, October 4
Seasoned cueist Sumesh Turki will take on Vishal Abrol in the summit showdown of the senior snooker event in the ongoing Jammu District Billiards and Snooker Championship being played at Billiards Hall, MA Stadium.

In the first semifinal, Sumesh Turki defeated Kuldeep Sharma by 4-1 frames. Sumesh grabbed the inaugural frame by 50-15 and then went on to win the next by margin of 66-52. Just when Sumesh looked all set for a comfortable win, Kuldeep Sharma pocketed the third frame by 59-17 to minimise the frame margin.

Despite losing the third frame, Sumesh kept his cool. He took the fourth frame by 66-50.

The fifth frame witnessed a fierce contest between both the cueists with fortunes fluctuating from one cueist to the other.

Finally, Sumesh clinched the thriller with a margin of 59-58 to secure a berth in the final match.

In other semifinal match, Vishal Abrol registered a 4-7 win over Ishan Chowdhary in a marathon contest. The frame score read 20-56, 60-23, 34-54, 67-56, 38-69,61-23, 48-30).