Jammu, November 22
Nine out of a total of 22 districts of the state have shown poor performance in enrolling children under the Centre’s Mid Day Meal scheme in the first quarter of the current financial year. The state government, despite liberal funding from the Centre, also failed to pay for the cost of food grain to the Food Corporation of India (FCI).

The Union Ministry of Human Resource Development has also snubbed the state for its slapdash approach vis-à-vis construction of kitchen-cum-stores in schools. It was an essential component for the supply of healthy, hygienic and well cooked meal to the children and also safe storage of food at the school-level.

According to the first Quarterly Progress Report (QPR) of 2012-13, the performance of the state government vis-à-vis effective implementation of the programme was dismal with Kathua, Kulgam, Rajouri, Udhampur, Poonch, Reasi, Doda, Ramban and Kishtwar falling in the poor performing districts in terms of enrolment of children.

“The state is ranked 20th in the utilisation of the resources allocated under the scheme. Though its enrolment percentage was more than the national level of 72 per cent, the enrolment of children has gone down during the first quarter of the current financial year,” according to the findings of the report.

The report also suggests that the state’s performance in the construction of kitchen-cum-store was dismal and called for immediate attention of the government. “The pace of construction of kitchen-cum-store is very slow. Out of total 11,815 kitchen-cum-stores sanctioned during 2006-07 to 2011-12, Jammu and Kashmir had constructed just 4,775 such complexes and its percentage stood at 40 per cent. Only six new stores were being constructed while the state had failed to take up construction work on 7,034 stores (60 per cent),” the report states.

The national programme of nutritional support to primary education (NP-NSPE) or popularly known as Mid-day Meal Scheme was launched in government schools of the country as a centrally-sponsored scheme on August 15, 1995. The main aim of the scheme was to encourage enrolment and attendance in schools as well as improve the nutrition intake of schoolchildren.

The report states Jammu and Kashmir was among 26 states of the country which had failed to hold quarterly meetings of the State Steering-Cum-Monitoring Committee (SSMC).

“The SSMC, headed by Chief Secretary, is an apex body at the state level to guide, monitor and implement the scheme in the state. The meetings of the SSMC at regular intervals were required to review the scheme and suggest policy measures to implementat the programme. The state failed to hold SSMC and district-level meet to review the progress of the scheme,” it said. The callousness on part of the state government could be gauged from the fact that only 11 per cent out of 22,187 institutions were inspected during the first quarter of the year, it adds.

Nine out of 22 districts of the state have shown poor performance in enrolling children under the Centre’s Mid Day Meal scheme in the first quarter of the current financial year

The state government, despite liberal funding from the Centre, also failed to pay for the cost of food grain to FCI

Kathua, Kulgam, Rajouri, Udhampur, Poonch, Reasi, Doda, Ramban and Kishtwar fall in the poor performing districts in terms of enrolment of children, according to the first Quarterly Progress Report 

Jammu, November 22
A high-powered committee headed by Chief Secretary Madhav Lal today reviewed the status of NABARD assisted 'Rural Infrastructure Development Fund' RIDF in the state.

Under the RIDF, Rs 500 crore normative allocations for 2012-13 financial year have been sanctioned. Out of this, disbursals to the tune of Rs 254.47 crore have been made under various sectors, including rural roads and bridges, irrigation, flood protection and soil conservation projects, drinking water, school infrastructure etc.

Reviewing the position of the sanction of RIDF projects vis-à-vis the completion of the ongoing projects over the past six years, Chief Secretary stressed upon the implementing agencies to expedite work on all projects to be completed during 2012-13.

He emphasised upon the need for regular monitoring and cooperation between NABARD and departments concerned to implement RIDF during 2012-13 so that substantial rural infrastructure is created. He also asked administrative secretaries to review the progress of projects at regular intervals at their own level and ensure that Project Completion Reports PCRs are submitted on time.

Jammu, November 22
The Crime Branch, Jammu, today produced challan against three officials of the Consumer Affairs and Public Distribution (CAPD) department for alleged embezzlement of food grains meant for orphans, destitute, widows and BPL families.

The accused officials are Ghulam Rasool Sheikh, a resident of Hablich, Kulgam, then in-charge supervisor CAPD Godown, Vailoo in Anantnag, Ghulam Hassan Shah of Bachoo, Anantnag, the then storekeeper of CAPD Godown at Vailoo in Anantnag and Farooq Ahmad Reshi, a resident of Larsoo Bren Nar, Kokernag, the then storekeeper of CAPD godown, Inshan Guzar, Kishtwar.

A spokesperson said the case was registered on the recommendation of a committee of officers constituted by the government regarding alleged embezzlement of a huge quantity of food grains during the 2008-09 financial year.

“As per the preliminary enquiry report of the committee constituted by the government, huge embezzlement of food grains was detected which was allegedly committed by the staff concerned of the CAPD Department on the basis of fictitious dispatches from Vailoo and Inshan Guzar godowns. The embezzlement of foodgrain adds up to Rs 30.57 lakh,” the spokesperson said. It was found that the embezzlement had taken place after “abuse of official position” by the officials of CAPD department, Anantnag.

“After the scrutiny of the records seized and the statements recorded during investigation, it was found that the Department was supplying ration to general public under the Above Poverty Line, Below Poverty Line, Antodaya (for widows, disabled, landless and poor people) and Annapurana (for orphans and destitute) categories. The distribution was being done through ration dealers under the direct supervision of the CAPD supervisors department,” the spokesperson added.

He said these food grains were being dispatched to various locations from the district headquarters by engaging carriage contractors through road as well as ponies and mules.

“The twin blocks of Wadwan and Marwah are located in the remotest end of Kishtwar. Misappropriation of a huge quantity of rice, wheat and sugar by the officials of the Vailoo Godown itself was detected,” the spokesperson said. The seized records substantiated the misappropriation and embezzlement of the food grains meant for the poor people of Marwah block by the storekeepers of Vailoo and Inshan Guzar.

Katra, November 22
Residents of various villages across Reasi district, including women, held a protest rally to demand a crop insurance scheme in Reasi today. Sohan Lal Sharma led the protesters.

Sharma said despite heavy losses suffered by farmers, no attention was being paid by the administration to assess the losses and compensate them. They demanded that the government must implement crop insurance scheme soon.

They also demanded that the Deputy Commissioner, Reasi, should visit the affected areas and constitute teams of revenue officers to assess the loss so to compensate the farmers.

Poonch, November 22
A wreath-laying ceremony was organised by Nangi Tekri Battalion at Generals’ Memorial, Poonch, to pay homage to Lieutenant General Daulat Singh, General Officer Commanding in Chief of Western Command, Air Vice Marshal EW Pinto, Air Officer Commanding of Western Air Command, Lieutenant General Bikram Singh, General Officer Commanding, 15 Corps, Major General KND Nanavati, Military Cross, General Officer Commanding 25 Infantry Division, Brig SR Oberoi, Military Cross, Commander of 93 Infantry Brigade and Flight Lieutenant SS Sodhi who lost their lives while on duty in a helicopter crash on November 22, 1963.

Every year on this day, a grand function is organised by KG Brigade to pay homage to the martyrs.

The Generals’ memorial was constructed by Krishna Ghati Brigade and all units of Ace of Spades Division in 1980 on directions of Lieutenant General SP Malhotra, PVSM, GOC-in-C, Northern Command, as homage to the departed senior commanders. It involved blasting of granite rocks and transportation of red sandstone from Delhi. Special masons were brought from Rajasthan. After the construction, the first commemoration ceremony was held on November 28, 1980 and since then, the hut adjacent to the memorial has been converted into a commemoration hall.

The chief guest at the ceremony was Major General KH Singh, YSM, GOC, Ace of Spades Division, who laid the wreath and planted a silver oak sapling at the site. The ceremony was also attended by Brig TP Sandhu, Commander KG Brigade, Additional SP Poonch Yougal Manhas, all commanding officers and Subedar Majors of Krishna Ghati Brigade and Border Security Force Battalions. Ex-servicemen of the area also attended the ceremony to pay homage to the departed souls.

Jammu, November 22
The Directorate of Sports and Physical Education has refuted allegations of favouritism towards Akash Bholla in allowing him to play in the ongoing All India Vice-Chancellor’s T20 Cricket Cup despite his suspension. The Directorate has alleged some sections with vested interests were raising irrational points towards the functioning of the institution.

Prof Dhian S Bhau, Director, Directorate of Sports and Physical Education, told the media that Akash Bholla had neither been chargesheeted nor certain quantum of punishment was awarded to him. He said the rules governing permanent employees state that suspension is not a punishment and employees were entitled to all the benefits except reduction in their emoluments/salary.

Prof Bhau said the permanent employees of the university were invited to take part in the trials and the 17 probables had made it to the team. He said there were certain groups which were raising queries regarding participation of Akash Bholla in the tournament.

Prof Bhau said Akash Bholla has been playing for JU for the last four years and he also submitted an application after his suspension that he may be given a chance to play for the host university as till now nothing was established.

He said it was clearly mentioned in the rules that a person put under suspension cannot perform any official duties nor can be given any additional duty during the suspension period. The tournament in which he is taking part is neither additional assignment nor he would he get any monetary benefits out of it. “This tournament is recreational in nature wherein the university authorities permit the employees to take part and maintain their mental and physical fitness,” Prof Bhau said.

Batote, November 22
The ongoing 19th National Livestock Census (NLC), though apparently being done in a meticulous manner so as to avoid the irregularities and follies of the 18th National Livestock Census held in 2007 whose data couldn’t be compiled in a reasonable timeframe, is fraught with some shortcomings and the stats are unlikely to be submitted in time.

The sceptical villagers, the inefficient or less trained enumerators, manual data compilation and the treacherous hilly terrain may further delay completion of the census.

“The given period from second week of October to November 30 is too less for the NLC. All officials of the animal and sheep husbandry departments are burning the midnight oil, with their fingers aching and eyes under strain, to complete it in time,” said Chief Animal Husbandry Officer, Kishtwar, Dr Abdul Aziz Bhat.

“The use of tablets by the enumerators as in the 2011 human census and NLC’s wide publicity through the media to make villagers realise the survey’s importance in planning, policy making and funding could have expedited the process,” he said.

“Enumerators had to spend a lot of time convincing the reluctant villagers who feared the imposition of new tax etc,” said Dr Bhat.

Enumerators of some of the remote hilly areas like Padder in Kishtwar are yet to submit the data to their supervisors despite the extension of the last date thrice from November 10 to 15 to 18 and now November 29.

Pets like cats have been kept outside the purview of the census.

“Many a people domesticate the cat either for entertainment or to repel the rodents to save their ration, farm produce and other edibles. Any ailing pet cat may also require the treatment, especially the anti-rabies vaccine from the government veterinary dispensary,” said Surinder Singh, having a cat each at his shop and home.

“Only the animals having good economic importance or whose population might need to be grown or controlled are being enumerated,” said Dr GR Mir, Director, AHD, Kashmir.

“As the estimate of cats’ population is not required for controlling their population or any massive vaccination campaign, they are excluded. Moreover, nobody or any state government ever sent any relevant requirement. In the case of fisheries, we tried to avoid duplicity,” said Jaishree, Director, Central Census Department,  New Delhi.

Jammu, November 22
Concerned over the “deteriorating” political, economic and social condition of the Gujjar community in the state, Jammu and Kashmir Gujjar United Front - a frontline organisation of the community - today announced it would organise a day-long state-level Gujjar convention in Jammu on November 25.

Talking to mediapersons here, Shah Mohammad Choudhary, president of the front, said the convention is being held in the backdrop of a “systematic exit” of Gujjars from political and administrative priorities in the state.

“Gujjars and Bakerwals are the third largest entity and make up more than 20 per cent of the total population of Jammu and Kashmir. It is an irony that their interests and concerns are no more on the priority list of the government and administration. The political parties seem to have abandoned welfare of Gujjars which they committed during the elections,” the leader said.

He said in the backdrop of the existing alarming situation, they had invested months of efforts to get prominent Gujjars leading various organisations - cutting across the party affiliations - to sit together and chalk out a future strategy.

“On the request of the front, all Gujjar ministers, legislators and Gujjar office-bearers from all political parties have agreed to attend the convention. It is high time for complete unity among the Gujjars,” Choudhary said.

Jammu, November 22
A four-day-long training programme, Facility Based Newborn Care (FBNC) for medical officers and paramedical staff began today at Post-Graduate Department of Paediatrics of Shri Maharaja Gulab Singh Hospital here.

The programme is being organised by the National Rural Health Mission, J&K in collaboration with the Department of Paediatrics, Government Medical College, Jammu and National Collaborative Centre (NCC) in FBNC, New Delhi under guidance of Dr Yashpal Sharma, Mission Director, NRHM, J&K.

National trainers from NCC for FBNC, New Delhi, led by Dr Sushma Nangia, co-convener at Kalawati Saran Children Hospital and Lady Hardinge Medical College, New Delhi, are imparting training to paediatricians, medical officers and staff nurses from the Government Medical College and Hospital, Jammu and Special Newborn Care Units (SNCUs) in district hospitals at Anantnag, Handwara, Poonch, Rajouri and Government Hospital, Gandhi Nagar for specialised training in treatment of sick newborn towards reducing infant mortality rate in the state.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr Harjeet Rai, divisional nodal officer, NRHM, J&K, said the FBNC had significant potential for improving newborn survival in the state and SNCUs had been set up at district hospitals (DHs), Newborn Stabilisation Units (NBSUs) at Community Health Centres (CHCs) and Newborn Care Corners at DHs, CHCs and PHCs.

“Nine SNCUs, 69 NBSUs and 273 Newborn Care Corners have been established so far,” he added.

Dr Rekha Harish, Head, Department of Pediatrics, GMCH, Jammu and Dr Sadhna Mehta, Project Coordinator, NCC for FBNC at Kalawati Saran Children Hospital, also spoke on the occasion.

Katra, November 22
To review the pace of work on different ongoing road projects in district Reasi, District Development Commissioner, Nirmal Sharma, convened a meeting of officers of various executing agencies.

Additional Deputy Commissioner, Reasi, Rajinder Singh Tara, Sub Divisional Magistrate, Mahore, Sher Singh, Divisional Forest Officer, Reasi, Executive Engineers of PWD & PDD, besides representative of the Boarder Road Organisation (BRO) and officers of the line department were present.

Expressing concern over the slow pace of work on some road projects in the district, Sharma directed the executing agency concerned to speed up work to ensure time-bound completion of the projects. She also asked the officers concerned to submit a weekly progress report to her office.

Regarding road widening work on the Reasi -Jyotipuram stretch by the BRO, she directed the Executive Engineer, PDD, to shift electricity poles coming obstructing road alignment as early as possible to complete the project within the deadline.

She also issued instructions to the officer of the BRO to initiate immediate repair work on Katra-Reasi road to open it for the traffic. Sharma also asked the agencies concerned to expedite the work for clearance of landslides on the Reasi-Mahore road.

Jammu, November 22
The students and scholars of the University of  Jammu (JU) today held  a protest on the campus under the banner  of National Secular  Forum (NSF).

The protesters, led  by Surjit Choudhary, raised slogans against the Jammu University authorities. Surjit Choudhary, while briefing the media, condemned the statement of the Vice-Chancellor wherein he had said the students holding demonstrations on the campus were being used by people with vested interests.

“We would like to clarify that it is a misconception on the part of the Vice-Chancellor that vested interests are holding demonstrations in the varsity to expose malpractices of corrupt officials. We are students of the university and it is our prime duty to expose the misdeeds of the officials who are misutilising  students’ money and  are ruining their future,” Surjit said.

The National Secular Forum leader said the Vice-Chancellor was shielding his corrupt Officer on Special Duty (OSD) Jai Kumar Sharma, who was directly involved in various corruption cases.

“He has given a clean chit to his OSD and showered praise on him.  The Vice-Chancellor should remember that he is the same OSD who has managed to get his eligibility file cleared from the state law department through corrupt means and a case against him is still pending with the judiciary,” the National Secular Forum vice-president said.

Ravi Choudhary, general secretary of National Secular Forum, mocked at the Vice-Chancellor’s statement that an FIR had been lodged in connection with the ongoing inquiry into the tiles scam that took place in University Works Department.

“The Vice-Chancellor is saying that a vigilance inquiry into the case is going on and on the other hand, one of the officials booked in that case has played a cricket match in the ongoing All India Vice-Chancellor’s T-20 Cricket Cup tournament. How could a corrupt official be allowed to play for Jammu University? There is clear indication of the Vice-Chancellor’s approach of shielding corrupt officials,” Surjit said.

Jammu, November 22
Jammu and Kashmir Punjabi Forum (JKPF) today demanded introduction of Punjabi subject at high school level for promotion of the language.

“Students want to take and study Punjabi subject at high school levels but they are forced to drop their plans because of non-availability of teachers. We demand that the government should take immediate steps to fill up 300 posts of Punjabi teachers which were referred by the HRD Ministry in 2007,” JKPF president Simranjeet Singh told reporters here.

He said all the neighbouring states had filled up the posts of Punjabi teachers which were created by the HRD Ministry.

“We also demand that there should be an exclusive Punjabi section including editorial board and research analyst at Jammu and Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture and Language, Radio Kashmir, and Radio Jammu,” said Singh.

Jammu, November 22
Challenger Cricket Club (CCC) notched up a thumping 38-run win over Brigadier Rajinder Singh Cricket Club (BRSCC) Samba to advance into the next round of the ongoing Anti-Drug Cricket Tournament at Red Rose cricket stadium, Arnia, here today.

Batting first after winning the toss, CCC accumulated 154 runs in their allotted quota of overs. Ashu was the top scorer with 38 runs including four delectable hits to the fence while Parveen contributed 23 runs with the help of one mighty heave for the maximum. Sumit of BRSCC was the wrecker-in-chief with a haul of 3 wickets.

In reply, BRSCC were skittled out for 116 runs. Sahil played a fighting knock of 31 runs while Saleem made 12. For CCC, Anku and Kaka shared 2 wickets apiece. Ashu was declared the man of the match. Tehsildar Bishnah Shalo Ram was the chief guest on the occasion. Tomorrow, Akhnoor Cricket Club will take on Nandpur Cricket Club.

Jammu, November 22
Hosts Jammu University continued their winning spree, scripting their second victory on the trot today in the ongoing All India Vice-Chancellor’s T20 Cricket Cup being played on the campus here.

University of Jammu (JU) overcame the challenge of PAU Ludhiana by 69 runs. Batting first, JU garnered 183 runs for the loss of four wickets. Raj Kumar played a brilliant knock of 60 runs with the help of seven fours and three sixes. Akash Bholla also contributed a handy 43 while Rajesh chipped in with 26 runs. For PAU Ludhiana, Surinder, Krishan and Parveen shared a wicket apiece. In reply, PAU Ludhiana perished for 114 runs. Jagtar was the top scorer with 37. — TNS

Jammu, November 22
Three skaters from the state who were part of the Indian team excelled in the recently concluded 15th Asian Roller Skating Championship held at Hefei City in China.

Jatin Sabarwal, who took part in quads hockey event , bagged a silver. A student of the Law School of the University of Jammu, Jatin was part of the Indian team that won the quads hockey title after a gap of 25 years at Asian level.

In finals, India lost to a formidable Macau. Skaters Safandeep Singh and Jasmeet Singh had to be content with fifth position. 

Jammu, November 22
Singh Club, Bandhu Rakh defeated Shahid Bhagat Singh Club by four goals to zero to secure a berth in the semifinals of the Vijay Memorial Hockey Tournament being held at Army Ground, Bandhu Rakh here today.

Gurpreet Singh was the star striker for the winning team with two goals that came in the 12th and 36th minutes, respectively.

Agandeep Singh also scored two goals in the 9th and 27th minutes.

Rajouri, November 22
Nine sheep were found dead after they consumed a poisonous substance under mysterious circumstances in border district Rajouri today.

Reports said nine sheep of Aslam Din, son of Rajwali of Nowshera area of village Gagrote, were found dead after they consumed a poisonous substance. 

Jammu, November 22
Ramban police booked five persons for smoking in public places at Ramsoo today. They were fined Rs 200 each.

Jamal Din of Sarbagani, Abdul Rashid and Khjoor Singh of Bhata Sarbagni have been booked under the Cigarette and Other Tabacco Products Act and fined Rs 200 each. Dharamkund police also arrested Muzaffer Iqbal of Jaman Gool and Nawaz Sharief of Dalwah, Ramban for the offence.

Meanwhile, Ramban police arrested four absconders wanted in different cases at Banihal police station. —TNS