Jammu, May 27
Nearly 13,000 daily wagers of the Public Health Engineering (PHE) Department working in Jammu region have threatened to suspend their work in case their salaries are not released immediately.

Warning to launch a statewide agitation, workers today alleged that they were being treated like bonded labourers of the state government. They alleged that the department had not released their salary for the past one year.

The workers include consolidated paid wagers (CP workers), need-base workers, daily-rated workers. At the moment, daily wagers are given Rs 125 per day.

Under the banner of the Public Health Engineering Welfare Association (PHEWA), workers held a demonstration in front of the PHE head office and demanded the release of pending wages, terming the government attitude as discriminatory.

Addressing the workers, PHEWA Bakshi Singh provincial president alleged that officers concerned were befooling them as delayed tactics were adopted to deny them their basic rights.

In February 2011, the state government had issued a notice (circular number 4) according to which they had agreed to pay a uniform salary of Rs 125 per day to all daily wagers.

Till now, the state government has failed to pay salaries to these workers, who are the backbone of the department for keeping the water supply functional.

PHE Employees United Front general secretary Kartar Chand Dubey alleged that the state government was totally apathetic towards them.

“Our requests have fallen on deaf ears. Most of the workers are on verge of starvation, but they are doing their work, as they have no other option. Every month, we wait for our salary, but our hopes have been squashed. Moreover, this has been going on for the last six months,” Kartar Chand said.

“How do we manage our family expenditures? We have no money to purchase notebooks, uniforms for our children, nor foodgrains and medicines,” said Susheel Kumar, another daily wager. 

Jammu, May 27
Paras Sharma, a student of MHAC School, Nagbani, brought laurels to the school by securing 98 per cent (488 marks out of 500) in class XII Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) the result of which was declared today.

Besides, a total of 14 students of the school have secured more than 90 per cent marks in the examination while 45 students secured more than 80 per cent marks. Seventy five students secured more than 75 per cent marks.

Principal of the school, Alok Betab and Manager, Captain Dewan Singh, congratulated the students, parents and staff.

The meritorious students include Felish Saransh (94.8 per cent), Jasleen Kaur (94.2 percent), Supriya Anand (93.6 per cent), Aastha Talwar (93.6 per cent), Abhishek Negi (93.2 per cent), Komal Chauhan (93.2 per cent), Tamana (92.8 per cent), Vishay Raina (92.6 percent), Nitish Sharma (92 per cent), Parth Kuchroo (90.8 per cent), Rohit Raina (90.8 per cent), Rishab Raina (90.6 per cent) and Arpna Rajput (90 per cent).

Pearl Gupta, a student of JK Public School, Kunjwani has secured 96 per cent marks in the class XII CBSE annual examination, the result of which was declared today. Daughter of Jai Bharti and Parveen Gupta, Pearl Gupta attributed her success to hard work and good wishes of her parents. Another student, Himani Badyal, daughter of Kuldeep Badyal and Santosh Badyal, also excelled in the examination, securing a high percentage. — TNS

Rajouri, May 27
A mysterious forest fire spread from across the Line of Control into the Indian territory at Jhanger area of border district Rajouri. It has caused enormous loss to the greenery in the area.

The blaze billowing at Jhanger. Photo by writer

The fire, which triggered from Pakistan over two days, spread one-and-a-half kilometres into the Indian territory in Jhanger area and caused enormous loss to the green cover, said a forest officer of Nowshera division, Raj Kumar.

The wildfire was threatening nearly 300 residents in Kaladia village of Jhanger area in Nowshera sector. Yesterday’s heavy rainfall has stopped the momentum of the wildfire.

“We have five forest guards and a helper in this area. They have been trying their level best. Sometimes, we also take help from local villagers in controlling the wildfire,” 
he added. 

Jammu, May 27
Students who have completed their paramedical course from various private institutions in Jammu and Kashmir today alleged that they have not been given certificates by the health department even after completing their course, for reasons best known to them.

Under the banner of All Jammu and Kashmir Paramedical Association, state president Dakhseesh Sharma today said the future of paramedical students is dark, as students who have completed their courses are not being given their diploma or provisional certificates.

Addressing a press conference, Sharma demanded issuance of No Objection Certificate (NoC) immediately so that they could apply for jobs. Sharma welcomed newly placed director health BD Sharma and hoped that he would solve their problems soon.

He said despite directions of the Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to close down illegally running paramedical institutes in the state, they continue to defy the rules by admitting students without approval of the health department.

It is pertinent to mention here that Private Auxiliary Medical Training Institutes, as they are called, have been flouting the guidelines with impunity in Jammu and Kashmir.

Ashish Raina, president, Madere Meharban Institute, said last year, the government had constituted a regularity committee recommending streamlining of the recognition and affiliation procedure but the government has not done anything in this connection.

At the moment, there are 66 government and private paramedical institutes in the state with intake capacity of 13,646 students, but most of these, particularly the private institutions, are running in rented buildings and without proper infrastructure.

Last year, the government had constituted a committee to probe irregularities in the admissions, particularly issuance of selection letters by the institutes to the candidates in violation of norms. 

Jammu, May 27
In a bid to tap the hidden potential among students of government educational institutions established in rural areas, the Department of Youth Services and Sports (DYSS) has instructed the officers concerned to ensure maximum participation of these players so that they could get the necessary exposure to compete at higher levels.

Sources said ADGP Naveen Aggarwal, who had recently assumed the charge of Director General, Youth Services and Sports, laid stress on maximum participation of students of government educational institutions by conducting district and state-level competitions in all important disciplines.

“The Director General is very particular about the timely conduct of all the competitions. That is why before the commencement of competitions, a press conference was organised by the department wherein Minister for Youth Services and Sports, Taj Mohi-ud-Din, along with ADPG Naveen Aggarwal, unveiled the annual calendar of activities,” sources in DYSS said.

Sources added that the department had, in the recent past, expressed displeasure over the meagre participation of students from government educational institutions in the district and state-level competitions and also issued instructions to the educational institutions to chalk out a comprehensive strategy for ensuring maximum participation.

“Despite assurance to the department as regards maximum participation of students, the government schools failed to achieve the desired result. Further, DYSS raised objections on poor participation of students of government institutions in individual disciplines like table tennis, judo, badminton and fencing. The department had asked various heads of government institutions concerned about the poor turnout of students in these medal-winning disciplines, that too after deputing NIS-qualified instructors in these institutions.

“When the newly recruited PETs were allotted the schools, they were told by the officials that the department wants maximum participation of students from government schools in medal-winning competitions so that they are able to get the much-needed exposure to prove their worth at the highest level,” sources in DYSS said.

“If you look at the list of outstanding sportspersons who bagged medals in individual disciplines in National School Games, you find that the maximum number of students belong to private institutions, thus apparently having a clear edge over their counterparts from government institutions. In this context, it is imperative for the department to bridge the gap before it widens in future,” a DYSS official maintained.

Jammu, May 27
Taking a dig at the state government for allegedly not showing any sincerity on empowerment of Panchayati Raj Institutions in the state, All Jammu and Kashmir Panchayat Conference (AJKPC) today accused the ruling dispensation of deceiving 33,000 elected panches and sarpanches of the state.

In a press statement issued here today, Anil Sharma, general secretary, AJKPC, alleged the present government had done nothing except lip service.

“Now, we demand the Union government and the central leadership of Congress party should fulfil the promise of empowering Panchayati Raj Institutions in the state,” the leader said.

Sharma said All India Congress Committee (AICC) vice president Rahul Gandhi, during his meeting with AJKPC members last year, had assured the delegation that his party would do everything to give panchayats their due share, but unfortunately, the state leaders of the Congress had “totally disregarded” the promise of its top leader. — TNS

Jammu, May 27
Even as the university authorities urged employees to suspend the ongoing strike in the interests of the institution, non-gazetted and Class IV employees today intensified their token strike by increasing the striking hours from four to five.

The striking employees made it clear that they would not call off their agitation till the varsity authorities concede their genuine and long pending demands.

Raising slogans against the varsity authorities, the protesters staged a dharna outside the administrative block and suspended work for five hours. Expressing solidarity with the striking employees, the safai karamcharis also joined the agitation.

“We have decided to further intensify the agitation and will suspend work for five hours instead of four hours. The authorities are least bothered about the problems being faced by the employees and they have taken no initiative to resolve our pending issues,” said Krishan Chand, president, Non-Gazetted and Casual Workers Association, Jammu University.

Over 700 non-gazetted employees comprising Class IV and casual workers had been protesting in support of their demands which include removal of pay anomalies, regularisation of causal workers and reduction in the period of conducting test for the promotion of Class IV employees from five years to three years.

On Saturday, a high-level committee of Jammu University held a meeting which was presided over by University of Jammu Vice-Chancellor Prof Mohan Paul Singh Ishar and was attended by the financial adviser (Universities) BB Vyas, Principal Secretary (Planning and Development) BR Sharma and University of Jammu former Registrar Prof Naresh Padha.

The meeting assured that the genuine demands of the non-gazetted employees would be resolved soon and it urged the employees to wait for the procedural requirements which would be done in the due course of time. The employees were requested to co-operate with the authorities in formulating the modalities of the scheme of regularisation in the shortest possible time. 

Jammu, May 27
A delegation of different trade and bazar associations under the banner of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCI), headed by YV Sharma, president, CCI called on Chief Minister Omar Abdullah.

While congratulating the Chief Minister for laying the foundation stone of the flyover from Bikram Chowk to Women’s College Gandhi Nagar and also inaugurating the 4th Tawi Bridge, Sharma also stressed upon the proposed flyover from new plot to Janipur.

It is a long-pending demand of the chamber that the present bus stand should be converted into a terminus point for lifting and dropping of commuters and also a multi-storey parking should be developed on this place.

It was also pointed out that the Special Task Force Jammu (STFJ) has already finalised the Detailed Project Report (DPR) of this composite project and has also provided Rs 77 crore for the said project during 2011-13. The Centre has provided Rs 35 crore for the modernisation of general bus stand with multi-storey parking facilities and making it a terminus point.

Prominent among those who accompanied the delegation include Anil Gupta, junior vice-president, CCI, Arun Gupta, secretary general, CCI, Deepak Aggarwal, secretary, Ravi Mahajan, chairman, Jammu Paryatan Vikas Mandal, Kuldeep Wahi, president, Hotel Restaurant and Bar Association, Baldev Khullar, president, Raghunath Bazar Businessmen Association, Madhu Sharma, president, Bus Stand Shopkeepers Association, Ramesh Tak, president, Bus Stand Traders Association, Rajesh Raina, president, Hari Market Businessmen Association, Jyoti Saroop, president, Retail Dry Fruit Dealers Association and others.

Jammu, May 27
Shashi Kant of Maharishi Vidya Mandir School and Pallavi Sharma of Shining Star High School, Muthi, emerged new state champions in men and women categories, respectively, in the 13th J&K State Sport Climbing Championship held at Sprawling Buds School, Chinore, here today.

The boys and girls titles were bagged by Abhishek Slathia of Oriental Academy and Kumari Bindia Sharma of National Academy High School, Udhampur, in lead climbing.

The best contest was witnessed in the mini boys section wherein 18 climbers topped the wall and the result was determined on the basis of time taken by the climbers to top the wall. About 200 climbers from Jammu, Udhampur, Anantnag, Kathua, Samba, Kupwara, Reasi, Kishtwar and Pulwama districts participated in the two-day long championship.

S Bhattacharjee, chairman, Indian Mountaineering Foundation (IMF), North Zone Committee, was the chief guest at the concluding function who distributed prizes and medals to the winners.

Detailed Results:

Men: Shashi Kant (1st), Akshay Kumar (2nd) and Rahul Choudhary (3rd).

Boys: Abhishek Slathia (1st), Ashish Thakur (2nd) and Aman Arora (3rd).

Girls: Kumari Bindia Sharma (1st), Vanshika Gomdyan (2nd) and Muskan Abrol (3rd).

Sub-junior boys: Aman Arora (1st), Mritunjay Sharma (2nd) and Saurav Deep Singh (3rd).

Sub-junior girls: Shilpa Charak (1st), Shivani (2nd) and Nitya Sharma (3rd).

Mini Boys: Arun Deep Singh (1st), Neeraj Singh (2nd) and Sunny Charak (3rd).

Mini Girls: Asma Gul (1st), Purvee Sharma (2nd) and Neha Kumari (3rd). 

Jammu, May 27
The Internal Quality Assurance Cell (IQAC) of Government College for Women, Gandhi Nagar, today organised an alumni meet in the college auditorium here.

Principal of the college Dr Kiran Bakshi was the chairperson. The programme commenced with lighting of the lamp accompanied by Dr Kiran Bakshi and executive body of the Alumni Association namely Seema Shekhar, Prof Renu Nanda, Prof Satinder Kaur and Prof Shiveta Gandotra.

Dr Kiran Bakshi extended a warm welcome to the alumni who had spared time from their busy schedule to attend the function. She informed that six alumni were inducted into the Kashmir Administrative Services (KAS) and wished them good luck.

The principal also urged all alumni to come forward with new suggestions and help in re-building the institution. Members of the executive body promised to extend their cooperation for the growth and development of the college.

The programme was coordinated by Prof Manisha Kohli and vote of thanks was presented by Dr Geetanjali A Rana. 

Jammu, May 27
MHAC School, Nagbani, organised an inter-house matka decoration competition for boys and girls on the school premises. A total of 40 students participated in the competition and displayed their creativity and talent by decorating the matkas.

Organisers and judges of the competition were Poonam Mahajan and Jasdeep Kaur. Aksha Padha of Pratap House bagged the first position.

A declamation contest was also organised wherein pre-senior group (class VII and VIII) girls and boys exhibited their oratory skills. The competition was organised by Lalita Manhas and the judgement was made by R Gandotra S Rattan.

In the Hindi declamation contest, Ojasvi Sood of Amar House clinched first position, while Tanmayee Manhas of Ranbir House secured first position in the English declamation.

Jammu, May 27
The J&K team notched up an emphatic 3-0 set win against Odisha in a league match in the ongoing 21st mini national volleyball championship being played at Chennai.

J&K spikers dominated the proceedings from the word go by unleashing flury of smashes to push their rivals to their limits. The J&K team clinched the first set by 25-16 and then earned a hard fought victory in the next by 25-21 to make it 2-0.

With 0-2 down, Odisha spikers could not staged any comeback and lost the final set by 25-7 Arun Singh, Ranjit Singh, Fahart Jahangir, Sahil and Yudhvir were the star performers for the state team.

In remaining two league matches, J&K will take on Chattisgarh in morning session and Gujarat in evening session tomorrow. Two teams from each group would qualify for quarterfinals.

Tug-of-war tourney gets underway

The J&K Tug-of-War Association today organised an inter-school district-level competition for boys and girls at Guru Harkrishan Public School, Nanak Nagar. A total of 200 players participated in the tournament which was declared open by Rajesh Sharma, president, J&K Cooperative Union.

Results (U-19 boys): Guru Harkrishan Public School beat JK Police Public School, Unique Higher Secondary School beat MHAC School, Nagbani, New National Higher Secondary School beat Vivek Academy and Unique Public Higher Secondary School beat New National Higher Secondary School. — TNS

Jammu, May 27
Karnataka Cricket Club (KCC) and Andhra Pradesh Cricket Club (APCC) registered wins over their respective opponents to advance into the next stage of the ongoing 9th Gufran Memorial T20 cricket tournament being played at the Sports Stadium, Doda.

In the first match, KCC got the better of Uttar Pradesh Cricket Club (UPCC) by three runs in a close contest. Batting first, KCC accumulated a modest total of 118 runs in the allotted quota of overs. Ravi Chandra was the top scorer with 21 runs, while Suresh chipped in with a handy 20 runs.

For UPCC, Shahid was the chief destroyer with four wickets, whereas Aakash took one wicket. In reply, UPCC could not chase the target and the whole team was bowled out for 115 runs. Aamir was the main scorer with 33 runs, while Shahid contributed 23 runs. For KCC, Ravi Chandra and Naresh grabbed two wickets apiece.

In another match, APCC had the last laugh against Ghaziabad Cricket Club (GCC) by six wicket. Batting first, GCC posted 120 runs in the stipulated 20 overs by losing all wickets.

Akshay played a fine knock of 34 runs, while Nazim made 28 runs. For APCC, Mahesh scalped four wickets whereas Subramanyam fetched one wicket. Later, in reply, APCC cruised home with a consummate ease for the loss of just four wickets.

Subhra played a match-winning knock of 50 runs with the help of seven hits to the fence. Chaitanya also made useful 47 runs in quick succession as well. For GCC, Akshay and Nazim claimed two and one wicket, respectively. The matches were officiated by Dharmesh Bhardwaj, Sanjay Singh and Rinku Badoria.

NCC log win in cricket

National Cricket Club (NCC) scripted a narrow win by 11 runs against Stadium XI, Kathua, in the T20 open cricket tournament being played at Parade Ground here today.

The tournament is being organised by the Parade Sports Association. Earlier, batting first after winning the toss, NCC garnered 138 runs for the loss of eight wickets. Amit Billoria played a fine knock of 27 runs that came off just 16 balls, while Jatin and Inderjeet contributed 24 and 23 runs, respectively.

From Stadium XI, Shiv Dutt and Himanshu were the pick of the bowlers with two-wickets apiece, while Radhey Sham, Sheetal and Arvind shared a wicket each. In reply, Stadium XI fell short of 11 runs to finish at 127/8 in their allotted quota of overs. Atul played a gutsy knock of 22 runs, but in vain.

Nichant and Radhey Sham chipped in with 21 runs each. For NCC, Deepak Manhas was the wrecker-in-chief with a haul of two wickets while Inderjeet, Mayank and Vijay Dogra snared one wicket each.

Later, Amit Billoria was adjudged man of the match that was officiated by Sudhir Singh and Harvinder Singh. Ajay Sharma was the scorer. In all, 16 teams in the open category and eight in the veteran category are participating in the tournament which was declared open by Member Legislative Assembly (MLA), Ashok Khajuria, while BJP Mahila Morcha president Priya Sethi was the guest of honour. Chander Mohan Sharma and Yuddhvir Sethi were also present on the occasion.