Jammu, December 27
The cold wave tightened its grip in city today with the region recording the season's coldest day. The day temperature plummeted to six degree Celsius normal. Dense fog and haze continued to affect rail and air traffic.

The Met department officials said the maximum temperature of the day was 12.4 degree Celsius which was six notches below normal, while the minimum temperature was 7.6 degree Celsius, 2 degrees above normal.

They said no respite is likely from harsh cold conditions and the region may witness light rains over the next 48 hours.

Sonam Lotus, Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), regional director, J&K said, "Yesterday, the maximum temperature was 14 degree Celsius in Jammu which was much below normal and it was 12 degree Celsius today. Though there is possibility of light rains by tomorrow, there is no respite for the people from harsh cold wave conditions for next few days. Poor visibility will continue for next couple of days in view of haze and smog."

The director said heavy snowfall in the upper reaches of Kashmir region was likely while the weather would remain cloudy. "The temperature is sub-zero in Leh and Kargil districts. The minimum temperature in Leh was minus 11 degree Celsius and it was minus 2.4 degree Celsius in the afternoon," he said.

Dr MK Khushu, Chief Scientist Agrometeorology, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (SKUAST), Jammu, said it was the coldest day in the region as the day time temperature dipped by six degree Celsius. “Barring few days since December 14, the maximum temperature had constantly remained below normal. We are expecting a light drizzle in the night today or by tomorrow. Rain may bring some relief from fog and haze," Khushu said.

Foggy conditions, however, badly affected rail and air traffic with several trains running behind schedule at the railway station.

Sources said the Jammu-Chandigarh flight of Air Mantra remained cancelled for the third day today due to fog and poor visibility. Besides, the movement of almost all flights also remained affected with some flights landing nearly one to two hours behind schedule while trains also ran late by one to five hours.

Pooja Express scheduled to arrive at the Jammu Tawi is 8.10 am ran late by more than four hours while almost all other trains were running behind schedule due to poor visibility.

Residents remained indoors as dense fog enveloped the entire winter capital city throughout the day. General visibility came down to few meters at some places.

Jammu, December 27
Uncertainty prevails over the implementation of the grading system by the J&K State Board of School Education (JKBOSE) from the next academic session. The school education board is yet to take a final decision to implement it completely.

Sources said the main reason behind the delay is lack of a strategy to implement it as the school education board authorities failed to take a unanimous decision.

Sources said some officers were of the opinion that if the system is made operational all at once, it would be difficult for the board to convince parents of the students. Parents are often interested to get complete information about the marks secured by their wards in the examination.

It may be mention here that The Tribune had reported that the BOSE authorities had claimed that the process was under way and it was likely to be implemented from the upcoming academic session. “The grading system was introduced on the pattern of the Central Board of School Education (CBSE) with the aim to reduce mental stress of students but then it cannot be make operational at once,” a senior BOSE official said.

“There is a sense of insecurity among the students as far as this present grading system of the JKBOSE is concerned and that is why the school education board is desperate to address it but I think it will take some more time before a unanimous decision can be taken in this regard,” a BOSE official claimed.

Sources said the BOSE officials during a meeting had suggested for partial implementation of the grading system so that both parents and their children can become familiar with this system and after that it would make it fully operational once all doubts are cleared.

The proposal for grading system was announced with much fanfare to reduce unnecessary stress on the minds of students. But the JKBOSE officials failed to understand the grading system and continued to declare the results on the basis of marks. The present system of declaring results leads to inferiority complex among the students.

Jammu, December 27
Unable to disburse the grant-in-aid to the 48 affiliated associations, the J&K State Sports Council has appealed to the state government for immediate release of Rs 1.5 crore grant in their favour under the non-plan allocation.

Sources said, the office-bearers of the associations had recently met the Sports Council officials and expressed resentment for not getting the grant. The officials told the officials that the department lacked funds and it would take some time to disburse grants.

Sources said those sports associations which had hosted national competitions in various disciplines this year had asked the Sports Council to release the grant in their favour. They claimed that they had to spend from their pocket to conduct the championship and it was impossible for them at this juncture to conduct even a state championship.

Sources said earlier, the Sports Council had submitted a proposal to the authorities regarding hike in the grant-in-aid from Rs 40 to 70 lakh but 50 with more associations awaiting their affiliation, the State Sports Council had revised it and informed the authorities that it actually needs a grant of Rs 1.5 crore to disburse it among all the affiliated associations.

“It is not possible for any association to organise district and state championships without the active financial support of the Sports Council but unfortunately we are deprived of it because every time we approach the officials to get our grant they simply said the government is yet to release funds,” an official said.

Mohammad Afzal Malik, Administrative Officer, J&K State Sports Council said, “Yes, we have already informed the authorities concerned about our actual requirement.”

“Spots Council is aware of the hardships being faced by the association for not getting their due share of grants but it is not our fault because we are running short of funds,” Afzal said.

The Administrative Officer said, “The Sports Council is keen to provide adequate infrastructural facilities to its sportspersons and it would leave no stone unturned to ensure it.”

Fund crunch

* Unable to disburse the grant-in-aid to the 48 affiliated associations, the J&K State Sports Council has appealed to the state government for immediate release of Rs 1.5 crore grant.

* Sports associations which had hosted national-level competitions in various disciplines this year had asked the Sports Council to release the grant in their favour. They claimed that they had to spend from their pocket to conduct the championships and now it was not possible for them to conduct even a state championship

* Earlier, the Sports Council had submitted a proposal regarding a hike in the grant-in-aid from ~40 to 70 lakh but with 50 more associations awaiting their affiliation, the State Sports Council revised the demand to a grant of ~1.5 crore

Jammu, December 27
A delegation of workers of Public Health Engineering (PHE) department, who have been engaged under community participation programme, under the leadership of Pranav Shagotra submitted charter of demands to Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) chief Saif ud Din Soz. The demands were submitted through state president of Indian National Trade Union Congress (INTUC) Shiv Kumar Sharma.

Soz, who is chairman of the Coordination Committee of the National Conference and the Congress, was requested to take up the demands of these workers in the next meeting of the committee.

Copies of the charter of demands were also submitted to Member Parliament Madan Lal Sharma, vice-chairman, OBC Board Kuldeep Raj Verma and MLC Ravinder Sharma to make them aware of the problems and demands of the poor workers.

Main demands of the workers included regularisation of their pay, regularisation of workers who have completed seven years of service as well as ITI workers who have completed five years of service. The Class-IV employees who have been transferred to far off places from their homes should also be transferred to their home station.

INTUC state president has requested the PCC president to discuss the issue of community participation workers in the Co-ordination Committee meeting to solve the genuine problems of these workers who are providing essential services to the people by working all day in the PHE and other departments. Soz and other senior leaders assured the delegation members that their demands would be redressed soon.

Jammu, December 27
The state government today extended the term of the four-member panel, constituted to probe the crash of a state-owned helicopter (BELL-407) ferrying pilgrims to the Amarnath cave shrine near Ganderbal on August 5, 2003, by two months.

Six passengers, including the pilot were killed in the crash. The helicopter belonged to state government and was making sorties to the Amarnath cave shrine, ferrying pilgrims.

Former Maharastra Deputy Chief Minister, Chhagan Bhujbal had visited the holy cave shrine in the same chopper two days before the crash.

An official spokesperson of General Administration Department (GAD) said the time for the submission of the report by the inquiry committee was extended by two months. The panel was constituted on September 14 and it was asked to submit its report within three months.

The four-member panel comprises Commissioner Secretary, Tourism Department, as chairman, Sheikh Mushtaq Ahmad, secretary General Administration Department (GAD), Ravi Magotra, Director General Accounts and Treasuries, and Sufi Mohammad Yousuf, special secretary, Chief Minister’s Secretariat.

The committee was suggested to build upon the inquiry report submitted by the then Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir, and by the Director General, Civil Aviation, as the basis for their work. It would cover the issues highlighted in the judgment of the J&K State Consumers Disputes Redressal Commission on September 26, 2011.

The panel had also been entrusted with the task of see whether the sale proceeds of air tickets were accounted for and not misappropriated, if so, had any action been initiated against the erring officials under law besides recovering the government funds? It would try to fix the responsibility to allow the misuse of the aircraft to carry the passengers against the terms and conditions of the insurance policy by using it for commercial purposes when there was no insurance cover and thus causing a huge loss to the state exchequer.

Jammu, December 27
The Mahila Congress has decided to intensify its campaign to demand more security for women. Its members have decided to submit a memorandum as well as suggestions to the authorities concerned to take some effective steps to provide security for women.

Addressing a meeting of party workers, state president of Mahila Congress Indu Pawar, said the Mahila Congress has decided to exert pressure on the authorities concerned strong steps to be taken in this direction.

She said in view of a rise in the rate of crime against women in the country, 50 per cent of the population felt unsafe and insecure. She said it was the duty of all sections of the society to ensure safety and security of women in homes, schools, colleges, work places and even while traveling.

She said crime against women was actually a crime against the entire society. Everyone must stand up against such incidents, she added.

Indu Pawar asked the authorities to constitute special cells of the police to take swift action on the complaint of any woman. She said there was need to take strict action in case of any person found committing crime against women. The Mahila Congress has decided to conduct awareness camps in rural as well as urban areas to educate women about their rights, she said. She said the Mahila Congress would made women strong to face anti-social elements.

Parveen Sarwer Khan, a prominent social and political activist of Mandher in Poonch has been appointed as the president of the District Mahila Congress Committee, Poonch. Parveen Sarwer Khan is also a panch of Mendhar panchayat.

Jammu, December 27
Vegetable exhibition under centrally sponsored scheme “Technology Mission” was organised by Agricultural Department Udhampur at village Tandar (Chenani) on Thursday.

Chief Planning Officer (CPO) Udhampur, RK Jamwal, inaugurated the exhibition in which about 600 farmers, along with sarpanches and panches, participated with exhibits. The agriculture department and other allied departments displayed their stalls and demonstrated technical interventions and income-generating schemes for welfare of the farming community.

Jamwal, while speaking on the occasion, exhorted the farmers to draw benefit from new technological inventions. He also highlighted that these exhibitions act as a platform where farmers of different blocks interact with each other and inculcate better practices of farming, which, he said, yield better results.

Chief Agriculture Officer Udhampur, KS Sambyal, stressed on the need for adoption of the latest technical knowhow for increasing production and productivity of vegetables. He emphasised on diversified farming as the need of the hour and the only way to increase the productivity per unit area.

Later, he exhorted the farmers to have their Kisan Credit Cards (KCCs) through which they can get loan of a maximum of up to Rs 1 lakh without any mortgage from their nearest bank branch. He advised farmers to come forward and fill their KCC forms to have their Kisan Credit Cards to ensure 100% credit delivery.

Various scientists from the Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Science and Technology (SKUAST) and technical experts from the Agriculture Department also interacted with the farmers in the vegetable exhibition and showed various new techniques to increase the yield of vegetables.

Jammu, December 27
Kashmiri Pandits today observed the 23rd Chetna Divas that marks the martyrdom of noted patriot and advocate of the state of Jammu and Kashmir, Pandit Prem Nath Bhat. December 27 is observed every year as Chetna Divas.

(Right) Ali Mohd Sagar, Minister for Rural Development, at a Chetna Divas function. A Tribune photograph

Two Kashmiri Pandit martyrs, Avtar Krishan Raina of Avil Kulgam who was kidnapped and then killed by militants in 1990 and Bansilal Dhar, father of Vinod Dhar, the lone survivor of Vandhama massacre, were honoured posthumously.

Noted writer Dr Rattan Lal Shant spoke on the community’s issues and said the community is fighting for old shrines, and is being denied its basic rights like employment that were promised by the Prime Minister.

Minister for Rural Development Ali Mohammad Sagar who was the chief guest on the occasion assured them solution to all their problems and said all possible things will be done for the community’s welfare.

Late Pandit Prem Nath Bhat fell to the bullets of terrorists on December 27, 1989 at Anantnag, Kashmir. Pandit Prem Nath Bhat was a nationalist, advocate and social activist who worked tirelessly for the poor and downtrodden in the state, regardless of their caste or creed. He was so popular that he had become a cult figure and a legend in his lifetime.

Bl Bhat, Prof PN Trisal, BL Saraf, Dr Ramesh Bhat, Dr Rl Bhat, TK Moza, HL Jattoo, TL Badgami and scores of members of the community attended the function.

Jammu, December 27
Rajni Baliya, a teacher of Kendriya Vidyalaya (KV) number one, Jammu, has been awarded the Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan Regional Incentive Award-2012 for her meritorious services in promotion of education. Rajni Baliya, wife of Dr JN Baliya, has been very popular among her students for effective communication skills. 

Jammu, December 27
JP Singh has taken over the charge of Executive Director, Northern Region Transmission System-II of POWERGRID. Singh would be head of the transmission system of POWERGRID in the states of Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana and UT Chandigarh.

Singh is a graduate mechanical engineering professional with over 30 years of extensive experience in contract services, project management, execution, construction, operations and maintenance, DMS in power sector. Before joining POWERGRID in 1992, Singh had served in National Thermal Corporation Ltd (NTPC). He had earlier worked in corporate contracts as head of projects in northern region-I, as head of both projects and operation and maintenance in eastern region II, as head of region in eastern region-I and at other senior levels.

Among his major achievements are construction of Kahgaon-II and TALA transmission systems in northern region-I and 400 KV Ranchi-Sepat inter-regional transmission line in eastern region-I. — TNS

Jammu, December 27
Upcoming paddler Shreya proved her supremacy by winning match in both sub-junior and junior group categories to advance into the ongoing 34th State Open Table Tennis Championship, organised by J&K Table Tennis Association at Indoor Complex, M A Stadium here today.

In sub-junior category, Shreya got the better of Yatiksha in straight sets by 11-02, 11-08. Later, she had last laugh against Archita by 11-04, 11-03 to enter into the next round.

Meanwhile, in cadet girls category, Bhabya beat Babyta 11-6, 11-5, while Yatiksha toppled Sehar 11-9, 5-11, 11-8. In sub-junior category, Ritul Charak beat Anandita Bharti 11-4, 11-5; Archita beat Bhavya 11-9, 11-2 and Shreya beat Yatiksha 11-2, 11-8.

Shreya beat Archita 11-4, 11-3 in junior girls category. In other matches played, Apoorva beat Sehar 11-3, 11-6 and Surbhi Charak beat Shelonika 11-6, 11-7.

In sub-junior boys category, Divyam beat Chetan Sharma 11-3,11-4, Sharukh beat Sahil Udhampur 11-8, 11-8, Ashank beat Nayeem Iqbal 11-9,11-8, Amrit Koul beat Hanumant Sharma 11-7, 9-11, 11-3, Anuj beat Anirudh 11-2, 11-3 and Ritwik Gupta beat Lavyan Gupta11-2, 11-4. The matches were officiated by Satish Supta, Narinder Singh, Meenu and Manmeet Kour.

Jammu, December 27
The Jammu and Kashmir Armed Police (JKAP) XI secured a berth in the quarterfinals while Jammu and Kashmir (Executive) Police suffered a defeat in the ongoing Police Martyrs Memorial Twenty20 Cricket Championship at Sports Stadium, Kathua here today.

In the first match, JKAP scripted a one-wicket win over Jalandhar Cricket Association (JCA) in a thrilling contest. Batting first after winning the toss, JCA set a target of 133 runs for the loss of eight wickets. In reply, JKAP chased it in 19.4 overs, losing nine wickets in the process.

Love Kumar and Pargat Singh played fine knocks of 29 and 25 runs respectively while Jaskaran Baba chipped in with 17 runs. From JKAP, Anshuman claimed two wickets while Rompy took one wicket.

In reply, JKAP XI did the needful in the final over with one wicket intact. Rompy kept his cool and steered his team to victory with a defiant knock of a 28-ball 35. He struck three delectable hits to the fence and a six. — TNS

Srinagar, December 27
Kashmiri Sikhs today staged a protest against the gang rape of a woman in New Delhi last week. The protesters demanded capital punishment for the accused. The protesters assembled at the Lal Chowk and raised slogans against the government for its failure to punish those involved in the heinous crime.

“The rape of a Delhi girl is a gruesome incident and the accused, who have been identified, should be hanged as soon as possible,” said a protester.

“The government should not be selective and those involved in rape cases, whether it is in J&K, Punjab or Delhi, should be hanged,” he added. They demanded that the rape cases in J&K should also be dealt on a par and the culprits should be hanged. The protesters comprised mostly students from the Institute of Gurmat Studies. — TNS