Jammu, October 28
As poor sanitation in the Government Medical College (GMC) and other associated hospitals has become a major concern, Jammu Municipal Corporation (JMC) will jointly work with the hospital authorities to clear waste.

Officials said the hospital management is seeking the help of Municipal Corporation to ensure that solid waste dumped outside the premises is lifted so that it does not become a breeding ground for diseases. At the moment, a private sanitation company is handling the job in the hospital, but shortage of equipment and manpower is causing lots of problems.

The municipality is regularly providing one JCB, two trucks, one dust bin carrier and 12 personnel at the disposal of the hospital management, which is facing the ire of the civil society, for failure to keep the area around the medical institutions clean.

“The government should come up with a proper policy to keep GMC and SMGS in good shape, as they cater to thousands of patients from the entire region,” said Nadeem Qadri, who runs an NGO.

“OPD and emergency wings of both the hospitals are facing huge pressure but we are making every effort to streamline the functioning of the hospitals. New equipments are being procured for the same,” said a source.

The hospitals in the city also suffer due to poor sanitation since the drainage system has not been upgraded for the last two decades.

“The drainage system is as old in most of the hospitals; nothing has been upgraded over the past few years despite an increase in the influx of patients,” sources said.

“Health institutions in the city are under huge pressure due to influx of hundreds of patients everyday and as such, problems arise for the management. The basic priority is to maintain proper sanitation,” said Dr Aniece Choudhary, principal of GMC.

“Lack of toilets is a big problem, but it can be solved easily. It is clear that hospitals can afford to have enough toilets for patients. That is why I have ordered all hospitals to construct toilets,” a source said.

Some employees at the hospital said the bad sanitary situation in the hospital prevailed due to inadequate Class IV employees and sweepers.

Batote, October 28
One-year-old ailing child of Nisar Ahmed died when his condition deteriorated after remaining stranded for long in the bus near Panthial and they could not reach the District Hospital, Ramban, by foot on October 11.

It took Dr Tanveer, his wife Dr Irfana and their children 16 hours to reach their home at Doda from Anantnag in their car on October 11 after remaining stranded for 10 hours between Banihal and Ramsu.

Principal, DIET, Banihal, Bahadur Singh couldn’t attend a meeting at Ramban on Friday due to a seven-hour traffic jam on October 12.

Vehicles remained stranded for 24 hours between Banihal and Quazigund on October 16.

In the wake of the recent frequent traffic jams and to ensure uninterrupted journey for the Annual Darbar Move for employees and the record-carrying vehicles from the summer capital, Srinagar to the winter capital, Jammu, the traffic police has ordered that only “one way convoy from Srinagar to Jammu shall be allowed and no vehicle from Jammu to Srinagar shall be allowed on October 27, 28, 29 and November 3 and 4,” said a traffic police notice.

The last fortnight proved toughest for the commuters as snarls caused by migrating nomads was compounded by the breakdown of big overloaded trucks and trailers on the highway.

“Despite the ever-growing multitude of vehicles, the problem could be solved to some extent by taking some urgent steps,” said DSP traffic Kuldip Ganju, incharge of this stretch for the past about two years.

“Bridle paths alongside the highway through the forests, shortcuts or overhead bridges at some places be constructed for the nomads; blind curves be widened to make the two big vehicles to pass; funds for placing big cranes, bulldozers and labourers be engaged for removing the heavy snagged vehicles, boulders, debris and trees at the vulnerable points; passenger vehicles be allowed to ply during the day and trucks or heavy load carriers, only at night; removing the illegal structures beside the highway; construction of highway bays and shoulders after some kilometres” is his prescription.

Jammu, October 28
It seems the Jammu Municipal Corporation (JMC) is in a deep slumber. The people in Jammu continue to suffer, especially during the marriage seasons, with most of the banquet halls violating the norms, having very less or no parking space available.

The Jammu and Kashmir High Court has put a stay on the Jammu Municipal Corporation’s order regarding closure of more than 90 banquet halls that either did not have licences for operation or had violated building permission laws in 2010. But after this stay, hardly anything is being done to regularise the traffic chaos outside the banquet halls that is triggered by lack of parking space.

As per SRO 64 of Housing and Urban Development Ministry under Master Plan Jammu-2021, building bylaws governing community and banquet halls have a fixed minimum requirement of construction of a banquet hall on an area of two acres, with 30 per cent of the coverage area, 10 metres setbacks, 12 metres height and 60 per cent green area, besides licence from JMC with sanitation, power and water supply sanctions. But hardly any norm is being followed by the banquet hall owners here.

Sudeep Sharma, resident of Nater Kothian, said, “During the marriages season, jams on the national highway are a common scene as most of the banquet halls here do not have sufficient parking space and the cars are parked on the national highway leading to long traffic jams.”

“There was a stay on closure of these halls that was put some two years back, but since then, nothing has been done in this connection. JMC is in deep slumber as they do not want to act in the matter,” he added.

Not only the parking space but also the location of these halls is a source of bother for residents here. Banquet halls hosting gala marriage functions, musical nights and live concerts not only cause noise pollution but also violate building norms for a hall.

Surjeet Sinch Chib, resident of Anuradha Puram, Barnai, said, “Recently constructed Kangra fort is located in a residential colony. And every second day, there is some marriage function or some musical concert, that too with a high-pitch DJ system. Life has become hell here as the administration is hand-in-glove with the banquet hall owners.”

Jammu, October 28
Panun Kashmir, at a meeting of its Executive Council today demanded immediate enhancement of the cash relief given to Kashmiri Pandits. It was stated that relief to and economic rehabilitation of the displaced Kashmiri Pandit community is the primary responsibility of the state and central governments.

Ashwani Kumar Chrungoo, president, Panun Kashmir, in his address, said the state government had given a constant feeling to the displaced population that it was non-serious regarding the issues of the community. The relief-holders have been driven to destitution due to the callous attitude of the government regarding enhancement of relief.

“The displaced community is eagerly awaiting the outcome of the goings-on on October 29 when the decision regarding enhancement of relief would be taken. The decision to increase the relief, having already been taken by the state Cabinet, is now being put before the Central government for the final decision,” he added.

“Panun Kashmir would intensify its struggle on the subject if the demand pertaining to enhancement of relief is not taken to the satisfaction of the displaced community. We are in constant touch with the leaders sitting on dharna and unanimously agreed to broadbase the struggle of the community in the coming days,” he mentioned.

Virender Raina, national spokesperson, Panun Kashmir, while addressing the EC meeting, said Panun Kashmir demands an equal and proportionate representation to the Pandits in the distribution of state resources and overall employment opportunities available in the state. The Kashmiri Pandit community has an equal right over the opportunities and resources in the state but it has been ignored in matters of employment and proper economic rehabilitation, he stated.

Reasi, October 28
Apex's decision to sack two staffers has spawned discontent among its workforce. Workers were affiliated to its T-5 site staged protest against the company.

Apex Encon Projects Pvt Ltd is working on T-5 site, which is the part of the Udhampur-Katra-Quazikund rail project at Gran Morh in Reasi district.

The workers' body at site said Apex has been indifferent to its employees with the dismissal and demanded reinstatement of all innocent workers sacked by the company.

The spokesperson, Karan Dev Singh, said: “We were not consulted on the issue. The workers of T-5 site are our colleagues. We oppose this sacking of workers. There should have been a proper inquiry before any worker's services are terminated. We demand all innocent workers arrested should be released.”

“The dismissal of regular workers tantamount to inflicting capital punishment on them in respect of their livelihood before the guilt is proved,” said another union leader.

He however did not disclose the future course of action to be taken by the union by claiming that future action would be determined by generating a consensus among all workers.

Workers and union members from across T-5 site came together in a mass protest at Gran Morh on Sunday protesting against Apex’s decision to terminate services of two employees.

As many as 50 protesters gathered near the Company Office at Gran Morh demanding reversal of the sackings by Apex at T-5 site. They also submitted a memorandum demanding reinstatement of these employees to company top officials.

Krishan Raju, in-charge of the T-5 site, Apex Encon Projects Pvt Ltd, said: “This is the internal matter of company and we are working on it.”

Jammu, October 28
As part of its Sunday Theatre series, Natrang staged Hindi play ‘Do Zaaviye’ today. The play unveils a confrontation of two different visions of life. A debate opens with a discussion on the necessity of women in life.

The play, written by Balwant Gargi and directed by Balwant Thakur, features a debate between two friends.

One of them, while nullifying sentiments, emotions and feelings, glorifies the importance of materialistic possessions in life and the power of money.

There was a time when he had nothing in his pocket and everyone rejected and dejected him. His lover abandoned him because he had no status; his parents threw him out because he was not able to contribute monetarily to the family. His creative powers, innovative, strength and intellectual acumen, all were of no use in a world which believes in numbers. He is supposed to have realised the power of materials and claims to have acquired the capacity to buy anything on the earth.

The debate continues and by the time it reaches a climax, one realises that mechanised life is at the root of abnormal behaviour of human beings.

The show featured Vikram Sharma as Rakesh, Shakshi Prakash as Alka, Baljeet Singh as Rajindra and Abhinav Vimarsh as Gangu. The lights were designed and executed by Rohit Verma. The sound was scored by Ankush Lakhnotra and Uplaksh Singh. The show was coordinated by Sugam Singhal.

Jammu, October 28
War of words over recently appointed body of the Jammu University Research Scholars Executive Association (JURSEA) is turning murkier with every passing day.

As some scholars, whose nomination papers were rejected by the authorities, stepped up their attack on the appointed office bearers, the newly-formed JURSEA countered the allegations, blaming the protesting scholars for working at the behest of a political group to vitiate the atmosphere on the Jammu University campus.

JURSEA president Rakesh Chib urged the Jammu University Vice-Chancellor Mohan Paul Singh Ishar to restrict the entry of outsiders into the campus as they had been making attempts to disturb the peaceful atmosphere under the political influence.

He appealed the Vice-Chancellor to identify the trouble-makers within the campus and initiate strict action against them.

“Some trouble-making elements within the campus are working at the behest of the political groups which are trying to disturb the peaceful atmosphere on the campus for their vested interests. We will not allow such elements to get succeeded in their nefarious designs,” Chib said.

He said some scholars, who failed to get elected for the JURSEA due to their own weaknesses, had been raising hue and cry at the behest of a political group and it was a serious threat to the prevailing peace on the campus.

The JURSEA chief said an attempt was being made to defame the Vice-Chancellor and the ruling government that the University authorities acted under political influence.

“It is totally incorrect and wrong to blame anyone if these people themselves are at fault. These scholars, supported by outsiders, are vitiating the atmosphere on the campus and that too for the sake of money which will not tolerated by the student community,” Chib said.

Meanwhile, the protesting scholars continued their protest for the fourth consecutive day today and demanded for dissolution of the new JURSEA panel. They alleged described the appointment of the new panel as illegal and unconstitutional.

“Despite knowing the fact that the scholars and students have been protesting in support of their demand for dissolving the newly elected JURSEA panel and holding of fresh open elections in which all the scholars be allowed to cast their votes, the University authorities are still unmoved and seems as if they are not concerned over the issue,” Anil Sharma, a scholar said.

He also requested Governor NN Vohra to intervene into the matter and get the issue inquired by some agency, so that the truth of involvement of ruling party in the JURSEA elections comes out.

Jammu, October 28
Archers have cautioned the University of Jammu authorities that any delay on their part in initiating the construction of the archery centre might slight their credibility.

Directorate of Sports and Physical Education, JU had already submitted a proposal to the Vice-Chancellor, Prof Mohan Paul Singh Ishar, for further forwarding it to the University Grants Commission (UGC) to get its approval.

The ambitious project is estimated to be constructed at an approximate cost of Rs 25 lakh, including Rs 14 lakh for the purchase of equipments and imparting training to the archers.

“The University of Jammu has made rapid strides as far as upliftment of sports is concerned and the proposed construction of the archery centre is an excellent example of that but it is imperative for the department not to delay the process,” one of the archers told The Tribune.

“The archers of the state, especially from Leh, Ladakh do not have many options available with them to improve their skills and they are now eagerly awaiting construction of the centre,” he said. “We are hopeful that the University will start the process soon so that the migration of archers of the state to other institutes of the country to learn technical know how would stop,” another budding archer said.

“Unfortunately, there are many Universities in the country which are lacking necessary sports infrastructure and they eventually end up losing their credibility because they fail to live up to the expectations of their sportspersons,” the archer claimed.

“No matter, how good the university be in academics but if it lacks infrastructural sports facilities which is also an important component, the University is set to lose the confidence of its students”, an archer said.

Meanwhile, Prof Dhian S Bhau, director, Directorate of Sports and Physical Education told The Tribune, “The department would try its level best to complete the ambitious project as soon as possible.” “Infact, the department is likely to get the archery equipments within a few days from an Uttarakhand firm. These were purchased at a cost of Rs 1,73,000,” Prof Bhau said.

Jammu, October 28
Next Education India Private Limited today organised an education seminar for the school principals on the benefits of digital technology.

Next Education vice-president Yog Raj discussed about the benefits of adapting digital technology at the schools.

Sher-e-Kashmir Police Academy director Farooq Khan was the chief guest on the occasion while Brig Sameer Kala was the special guest.

Dr Dheeraj Mehrotra highlighted the advantages of using technology to empower schools with technology for effective teaching and learning in the digital classrooms.

The seminar provided an opportunity for the experts from the industry and school decision-makers to share their experiences and challenges faced by them in imparting quality education to children. Dr Dheeraj discussed educational technologies and created awareness about digital technology across the school education fraternity.

The principals were given a run-through of TeachNext- an e-learning solution that offered advanced interactive tools and virtual activities, ensuring that a teacher is able to explain and illustrate concepts using life-like animations and engrossing voice-overs.

The participating principals were also given a demonstration of Next education’s other technology solutions: ‘NextLabs’ for Mathematics, Science and English; ‘LearnNext’ and also their ERP software ‘NextERP’ for the smooth running of the school administration.

To convey e-learning knowledge and show its application in classrooms, Next Education has used a variety of engaging formats: demonstrations, case studies, debates, presentations, panel discussions and ended the session with a question and answer round.

Dr Dheeraj said, “The seminar focuses on educating the principals about the benefits of adapting digital technology in the classrooms. The response has been immensely positive and we hope to make a difference by bringing the principals a step closer to embracing the futuristic system of education.”

Jammu, October 28
NGR defeated Vijay club by a solitary goal today in the ongoing senior division football league tournament, being organised by the Jammu wing of Jammu and Kashmir Football Association (JKFA) at GGM Science College Football ground here.

The first half remained goalless despite concerted attempts from both the teams. It was PD Singh of NGR who struck in the 65th minute of the match to give his side a decisive lead. Omar of NGR and Suraj Parkash of Vijay Club were shown yellow cards for foul play.

In another match, Sainik Colony football club got walkover against Engineering XI to stay alive in the tournament.

Jammu, October 28
Jammu and Kashmir Police (JKP) XI and Vishal Cricket Club (VCC) notched up resounding wins over their respective opponents today in the ongoing Eid-Diwali Milan T20 Cricket Cup being organised by the Jammu and Kashmir Police Department in collaboration with the Simula Group of Companies at MA Stadium here.

In the first match, JKP XI got the better of Aircel XI by 32 runs with an utmost ease. Batting first, JKP XI scored 177 runs in the stipulated 20 overs for the loss of 3 wickets. Amit Sharma played a brilliant unbeaten knock of 94 runs studded with 11 delectable hits to the fence and four mighty heaves for the maximum.

Skipper Rajesh Gill also contributed handy 35 runs off 24 balls while Naresh Kumar chipped in with 19 runs.

Aircel XI, in reply could manage 145 runs for the loss of nine wickets in the process. Sumeet was the top scorer with 33 runs while Ajay contributed 26 to the total. Pawandeep Singh and Balbir Singh also contributed 20 runs apiece but that was not enough. For JKP XI, Rajesh Gill bowled an impressive spell to grab three important wickets. Sunil, Vishal, Aman and Sohan Lal also claimed one wicket each. Amit Sharma was adjudged man of the match.

In another match, VCC had the last laugh against Atman Cricket Club (ACC) by six wickets. Batting first, Atman Club scored a modest total of 101 runs in the stipulated 20 overs for the loss of 9 wickets.

In reply, VCC overhauled the target in just 16.3 overs by losing 4 wickets in the process. Avinash struck a match winning half century (52 not out) while Bansi contributed 23 runs. Mohammad Saleem, Raman Singh and Raj Kumar claimed one wicket each for ACC. Avinash of VCC was declared man of the match.

The matches were officiated by Rakul and Vinod as umpires. Yogesh Sharma was the scorer.

Jammu, October 28
Haryana clinched the overall trophy in the senior national sambo championship concluded at the Indoor Sports Complex, MA stadium today.

In the 52kg weight category in men’s section, Naveen of Haryana bagged the gold medal, Akhil Badkulia of J&K won the silver medal while Harish of Chattisgarh and Sumit Thakur of Chandigarh claimed bronze medal each.

In the 57kg category, Hitesh Saini of Himachal Pradesh fetched the yellow metal whereas Abhinav Mishra of Uttar Pradesh claimed the silver medal. Raman Saini of Uttrakhand and Sahil Sharma of J&K won the bronze medal each.

Gagan Chahal of Chandigarh clinched the gold medal in the 62 kg men’s category while Shivam Patel of Uttar Pradesh bagged the silver medal. Ravi Saini of Haryana and Shubham Raina of J&K shared the bronze medal each.

In the 68 kg category, J&K claimed the gold medal while Haryana won the silver medal. In 74 kg men’s category, Prayan Koul Tyagi of UP bagged the gold medal, Rajesh Singh of J&K won the silver medal. The bronze medal was jointly bagged by Surinder Kumar of Chhattisgarh and Rajeev Singh of Haryana.

Shiren Mirza of J&K claimed the gold medal in 82 kg while the silver medal went to Shamsher Singh of Haryana and Ganesh of UP claimed the bronze medal.

In the 90 kg men’s category, Arvinderjeet of Chandigarh bagged the gold medal, Shaid Qyoom of J&K won the silver medal and Lalit Naryan of Haryana claimed the bronze medal.

The championship was organised by the Jammu and Kashmir Sambo Association under the aegis of the Sambo Federation of India.

MLC Jugal Kishore Sharma was the chief guest on the occasion who distributed prizes among the winners.

Khour, October 28
Member of Parliament (MP), Jammu-Poonch Constituency, Madan Lal Sharma today inaugurated a community hall and dedicated it to the inhabitants of Palial village panchayat, Dori Degar, Khour block, which was constructed at the tune of Rs 8.70 lakh.

Sharma interacted with Brig Ravin Khosla at Dori Degar and requested him to organise various medical awareness camps in the far-flung areas so that the people get maximum benefit.

Sharma showed concern over the road, which was under-construction, under the PMGSY scheme and said due to some reasons the work had not commenced at a rapid speed.

The MP directed the officers of various departments to provide adequate facility like medical, power, water to the inhabitants of the remote areas. Sharma directed the PWD authorities to start the work on Sandal to Palail and Paniya to Palail roads. He also announced Rs 10 lakh as the machinery cost out of his MP LADS funds.