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Protest paralyses flow of traffic
ReT teachers call off strike after CM’s Adviser intervenes
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One dead, four hurt in road accidents
Aligarh Muslim University’s founder’s day celebrated
Chief Secretary reviews darbar move arrangements
Army Public School awarded
J-K Police to upgrade building infrastructure
Ex gratia demanded for kin of civilians killed in Pak shelling
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Protest paralyses flow of traffic
Srinagar, October 17 The protest erupted around 1 pm when a group of middle-aged and elderly women from Maisuma marched onto the centre of Budshah bridge - in the heart of the city - bringing the entire traffic in the vicinity to an immediate halt. The women, who were protesting that their electricity bills had shown the bill amount nearly three to four times higher than their regular monthly amount, were furious and refused to allow any vehicle to move. Maisuma is a volatile neighbourhood located in the midst of the city’s commercial heartland. The area has been a stronghold of separatist group JKLF and a bastion of stone-throwing protesters. The protesting women and Maisuma residents said they had been paying Rs 107 and Rs 300 as monthly electricity bills but the fresh bills issued by the Power Development Department had printed the billing amount as Rs 1,370, which had agitated the residents. An official of the department, who was present at the protest spot, said the bills had been “wrongly” printed due to a technical error. As the women burnt their electricity bills on the bridge and raised slogans against the state’s Electricity Department, the state government and the Chief Minister for nearly three hours, no vehicle moved over the Budshah bridge - a critical intersection which connects most of the city roads. The protesting women refused to meet lower-rung power department officials and demanded higher officials to come as the police officials failed to persuade them to leave the spot and allow the traffic to move. After nearly two hours, a senior official of the Power Department came along with newly printed bills but the women tore them apart as they alleged the bills were still not correct. Senior police and power department officials later held a series of meeting with the protesting leaders on the spot and after assurances that the error would be rectified, the protesters agreed to disperse. |
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ReT teachers call off strike after CM’s Adviser intervenes
Srinagar, October 17 The teachers have been on a hunger strike since October 9 protesting against the state government's alleged denial in the payment of their dues since 2005 under the Sarv Shiksha Abhiyaan (SSA) project. Not only that, the school education department has failed to upgrade various Education Guarantee Centres under the scheme to the level of primary schools under the SSA, which is a Ministry of Human Resources and Development (MHRD) initiative. Rana met the protesting teachers today and said a committee headed by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah would look into their concerns and address their problems within 10 days. He requested the protesting teachers to end their hunger strike. "We understand that you have genuine concerns, but going on an indefinite strike is no way out. We have to solve the matters amicably," he added. The teachers said as per the scheme the ReTs were engaged as Education Volunteers (EVs) in 2003 by the school education department and that two years after their service they were to be upgraded as ReTs. Even after the Education Department approved of their five years of service as ReT, they have not been paid the dues for the same. “The state government is now changing its stance and saying that they will pay our dues as ReTs with effect from 2008 which is a clear case of injustice,” Abdul Qayoom Sanayi, press secretary of ReT Teachers’ delegation told The Tribune. The volunteers added that they were duly promised by the state government that the first two years will be considered as volunteer service. After completion of two years, the concerned EVs would be upgraded to ReTs and after five years of their engagement as ReTs, they would be
promoted as regular teachers. “Not only has the government failed to fulfil the promises, it is also denying our dues by paying us the honorarium for all these years as volunteers and not teachers. There seems to be a huge embezzlement of funds under this Central government initiative which is costing us our hard work and money. We will see how true are these promises made by the government and decide our future course of action accordingly,” Abdul Qayoom added. |
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To ease traffic, foot bridge at Pantha Chowk on the cards
Srinagar, October 17 “In the wake of huge increase in the number of vehicles and non-availability of an alternate road, a proposal for the construction of overhead foot bridge (pedestrian crossing) at Pantha Chowk for the convenience of the general public is under active consideration of the government,” Minister of Home Nasir Aslam Wani said. "This will overcome problems of the general public besides contributing in proper traffic management and smooth flow of traffic and reduction of accidents," he added. A senior official of the government said as Pantha Chowk was one of the most important road junctions in the Valley, the government had initiated various measures to widen the chowk for vehicular and pedestrian movement. “Though the chowk itself has been widened to a considerable extent, the existing NH-IA on either side - towards Pampore as well as Srinagar - is choked as the widening has not been possible beyond a particular point. The presence of nearby quarrying site at
Zewan, criss-crossing by pedestrians, huge rush of vehicles going out of and coming into Srinagar and adjoining areas, besides movement of vehicles from the cantonment area has added to the problem,” the officer said. “Moreover, rapid urbanisation has generated a lot of traffic which has further compounded the problem,” he added. Every day hundreds of commuters get held up during traffic jams at the Pantha
Chowk. Though government claims that it was doing its bid to regulate traffic at the Pantha
Chowk, locals blame that the government has failed to solve their problems. "The government keeps on holding meetings but the fact is every day we face harrowing traffic jams. Even ambulances, which ferry critical patients from south Kashmir to
Srinagar, are also stuck in the traffic jams," said Abdul Qayoom, a business executive. |
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Mughal road expected to boost tourism
Srinagar, October 17 To boost tourism in the region, the government intends to construct wayside amenities at various spots on the Mughal road for the convenience of visitors. “Detailed project report - ‘Wayside amenities on Mughal road' has been prepared for an amount of Rs 8 crore under the Tourist Circuit Development Scheme of the Union Ministry of Tourism. Infrastructure development at tourist places like Dubjan and Peergali have been included in the project,” revealed official documents tabled in the recently concluded autumn session of the legislative Assembly. The Methvain and Lehanthore areas located alongside the Mughal road too would be brought on the tourism map. “It is expected that tourists travelling on the Mughal road will get attracted towards the historical buildings located alongside the road,” the official documents added. The historical buildings include caravanserais that were constructed for
travellers along the Mughal road. The route was used by the Mughals travelling from Lahore to Kashmir via Rajouri and Poonch during the 16th century. While light vehicles have already started plying
on the Mughal road, it is expected to be thrown open for all types of vehicles by March-end next year. Reviving the lost links
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Water sports festival begins at Dal Lake
Srinagar, October 17 Various water sporting events, including water polo, kayak and canoe, swimming, shikara race, dragon boat race, demb boat race and Open Kashmir Marathon Shikara race would be part of the three-day festival, an official spokesman said. While inaugurating the festival, ADGP K Rajendra said: “The activity is being held under the department’s civic action programme with an aim to cultivate talent among the youth in various disciplines of water sports.” He said the state youth have vast scope to excel in water sports as the state is having enough water bodies which could help in carrying out such activities. He said the state police department has carried out such activities in the past and would continue to do so in future also. “Youth are our future and the organisation deems it as a social responsibility to guide them in choosing their career,” said the ADGP. The festival would conclude on October 19. |
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Guv exhorts boys to improve performance
Srinagar, October 17 Vohra said, "Around 90 per cent of the medal awardees were girls which indicate that boys in Kashmir are lagging behind in this sector." He said, "I have been to so many universities across the nation and this is one of the rarest of the universities where 90 per cent of the medals and awards were bagged by the girl students and scholars which is a positive sign and will lead to the formation of the vibrant society in future in which women would be more empowered and will have equal representation in various walks of life including academics and administration." The awards were given away by Governor NN Vohra; Chief Minister Omar Abdullah; State Higher Education Minister Abdul Ghani Malik; and Professor Talat Ahmad Vice- Chancellor, University of Kashmir. While awarding the recipients today Vohra said the state of Jammu and Kashmir was fortunate to have nine universities, shaping careers of young students in higher education. Addressing the awardees, Vohra said they have a great responsibility and should contribute to the stability of state in various walks of life. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah who is also the Pro-Chancellor of the university said in the wake of uncertain public and private sector jobs, the youths can fetch a promising career in entrepreneurship. "Success and progress in this world is contingent upon delving into the unknown, culling opportunity from where none apparently exists, exploring new vistas and a certain restlessness and inquisitiveness. In combination with intellectual capabilities which your education has equipped you with, imbibing these qualities would equip you with skills to take on this world," he said. Chief Minister said, "The world demands initiative and entrepreneurial zest from youth. Those times are over when university education would command a premium for passed out student in the job markets guaranteeing jobs." Omar said it has become the need of the hour for youths to nurture and brainstorm innovative ideas. "This approach, however, should always and eternally be tempered with prudence, humility and recognition of your duty towards your society and the world. This means using your new skills and knowledge to work toward public good and better the human condition. The nature of the contemporary world makes it eminently possible to expand your horizons and position yourself in a way that enables you to work towards global public good," he said. He said the aim of any knowledge process should be exploration and seeking solution of problems and challenges confronted by the society for the overall benefit of mankind. In his address Minister for Higher Education AG Malik who was the guest of honour on the occasion said, "There is need for out of box thinking which will increase the employability of the educate youth of the state in different fields and areas." He said, "It is a great moment for all these students and scholars who are getting felicitated today and it is the reward for their sheer hard work and dedication. However they must not only think about the government jobs. It is time for them to explore the opportunities in private sector and try to contribute towards solving the unemployment problem by becoming the entrepreneurs where they could not only get jobs for themselves but provide and create jobs for others also." Malik said there has been a phenomenal change in the quality of human resource joining various services in the government sector over the last few years which is the result of the tremendous efforts put in by universities in nurturing the talent of students and providing them the right type of education. The proceedings of the special award ceremony were conducted by the registrar of the university, Professor S Fayaz Ahmad, who also presented vote of thanks on the occasion. Dean of various faculties Heads of the departments, members from civil society and state administration attended the event. |
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Governor thanks stakeholders for smooth conduct of Amarnath yatra
Srinagar, October 17 He also gave away insurance claim cheques to the owners of ponies/ horses who were involved in accidental deaths during the yatra. The Governor, who is also the chairman of the Shri Amarnath Shrine Board (SASB), said: “Several new initiatives are being taken by the board to bring about progressive improvements in the yatra.” He said the compensation amount this year had
been raised from Rs 25,000 to Rs 30,000. Referring to the lower compensation which had been sanctioned by the insurance company in certain cases, on technical grounds, the Governor said SASB Chief Executive Officer Navin K Choudhary had brought this matter to his notice. Vohra said it had been decided that, as a special gesture, the board would pay the differential amount to the pony/horse owners concerned. He advised the pony/horse owners to deploy only healthy animals during the yatra. The Governor gave away cheques to 80 ponywallas involving payment of Rs 24 lakh as compensation for the loss they had suffered due to the accidental death of their ponies/horses during the pilgrimage. Speaking on occasion, Aga Syed Ruhulla Mehdi, Minister for Animal and Sheep Husbandry, said: “The provision of insurance cover for the ponies/horses in case of their accidental deaths during the yatra was a laudable welfare measure as it provided significant benefits to the economically weaker sections of the society.” |
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One dead, four hurt in road accidents
Srinagar, October 17 In north Kashmir’s Sopore town, a passenger bus turned turtle at Gund Karim Khan near Dangiwachi, injuring three persons. All the injured have been shifted to a hospital, the spokesman said. A passenger cab hit and injured a CRPF man in south Kashmir’s Anantnag district. The police spokesman said Vijander Jah of CRPF’s 40 batallion was injured at Ashajipora. The injured has been shifted to a hospital for treatment, the spokesman said. |
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National academic workshop begins at KU
Srinagar, October 17 The eminent resource persons for the said workshop have been invited from the different prestigious institutions of the country. The workshop aims at to lay down the recommendations for School and Higher Education for Jammu & Kashmir. Professor Nighat Basu, Dean and Head faculty of education, Kashmir University, said: “The workshop will try to identify areas of priority in school and higher education in the state and suggest measures for bringing about qualitative improvement in teaching-learning process both at school & college level in the state.” She informed that to update and restructure the existing course of study at school and higher education level and to identify job oriented courses for Schools & higher Education institutions in the State will be among the objectives of the workshop. In curriculum and instruction group headed by noted academician Professor NA Nadeem, who is the chief coordinator of workshop, discussed what the schools curriculum and instructions should be like in higher education and the group will present their recommendation to the core committee yesterday. The other working groups deliberated on the .assessment and Evaluation, information and communication technology /special needs, quality of teacher training and professional development, innovations in teaching-learning, life long learning/extension/outreach activities. In the school groups, the themes discussed were curriculum and instruction, assessment and evaluation, vocationalisation of courses, early childhood care & education, universalisation of elementary education, secondary education, ICT /special needs, quality of teacher training and professional development and innovations in teaching learning. |
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Aligarh Muslim University’s founder’s day celebrated
Over 200 former students of the university, today gathered at the banks of serene Nigeen Lake in Srinagar, where they paid rich tributes to the founder of Aligarh Muslim University, Sir Syed Ahmad Khan, who was born on this day in the year 1817. On the occasion, many speakers recalled their old memories at Aligarh Muslim University and also paid rich tributes to founder. Later, the Nigeen Lake was also abuzz with the melodious chants of
Aligarh Muslim University’s anthem (tarana), which was written by the famous poet of sub-continent Asrar-ul-Haque Majaz. “I love the university tarana, especially the couplet, Jo Abur Yahan Say Uthaye Ga Who Saarey Jahan Pay Barsay ga... This is my favourite line,” said Mohammad Shafi Lone, one of the former students who were present in the function. Refreshments were also served on the occasion by the organisers. Another participant said celebrating Sir Syed Day in Kashmir is one of the best tributes to Sir Syed. “This is the day when we pay tributes to the founder of Aligarh Muslim University. Besides, gathering here on this occasion creates a sense of belonging in us,” said Ravis Maqbool, who was also present during the function. Last year, the former Kashmir based students of Aligarh Muslim University also celebrated Sir Syed Day by organising a dinner party at Zabarwan Park on the banks of Dal Lake. More than 150 Aligarh Muslim University alumni had participated in that function. |
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Chief Secretary reviews darbar move arrangements
Srinagar. October 17 An official spokesperson said the Chief Secretary received briefs from officers regarding transportation facilities put in place for moving employees and transfer of records and assets. “The Chief Secretary was informed that the renovation and face-lifting works at the Civil Secretariat, Jammu, and residential accommodations for the employees is on the verge of completion. The concerned authorities also gave updates about the electricity, water, ration and LPG supply facilities put in place for employees,” said the spokesperson. “The Chief Secretary was also briefed about internet connectivity, Wi-Fi, bio-metric attendance systems and other issues in the Jammu Secretariat,” he said. The Chief Secretary directed all departments concerned to complete the works and provide the necessary facilities so that the employees don’t face any inconvenience. |
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Army Public School awarded
Srinagar, October 17 Sandeep Maratha, principal, Army Public School, Srinagar, was presented the Best Academic Excellence Award at a function held at Northern Command, Udhampur, in which principals from all the Army Public Schools of the Northern Command participated. Applauding the principal and the faculty of Army Public School, Srinagar; the Northern Command observed that the achievement of the school in academic field in the session 2011-12 was remarkable. “It was indeed a moment of immense pride and pleasure to bag such a prestigious award for attaining zenith in academic excellence during the aforesaid period. The trophy infers that it is the first time in the history of Army Schools that no school has shown such a maximum progression in a short span and stipulated time period as Army Public School, Srinagar, did,” said Sandeep Maratha, principal, Army Public School,
Srinagar. |
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J-K Police to upgrade building infrastructure
Srinagar, October 17 “The organisation is focusing to strengthen its all components to upgrade its performance in all fields of policing and building infrastructure has remained on top priority in view of increasing manpower during the previous years,” said Prasad. The Director General of Police who is also the commandant general of the State Disaster Response Force, said that with the completion of the building consisting of three barracks, the living facilities for the SDRF personnel working in the capital city would be enhanced. “The building which has been completed within a record period of 18 months at a cost of Rs 60 lakhs by Police Housing Corporation (PHC) is equipped with latest facilities and requirements,” said Prasad. |
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Ex gratia demanded for kin of civilians killed in Pak shelling
Srinagar, October 17 “Chief Minister Omar Abdullah should personally visit the spot and release the ex-gratia of Rs 10 lakh each from the CM fund,” said Eshfaq-ur-Rehman, state president, Poswal ABGM, in a statement. “The Gujjar community has faced a lot of trouble due the militancy but the state government till date has not helped the victims,” he said. According to statement, the three persons killed at Uri border belong to the Gujjar clan of Khatana Dynasty. The persons who have lost their lives have been identified as Mohammad Shafi, Liakat Ahmad and Shaina Akhtar. |
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Srinagar, October 17