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THE TRIBUNE SPECIALS
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TERCENTENARY CELEBRATIONS

12 saved from Ujh in spate
Jammu, August 2
At least 12 persons belonging to the Gujjar community trapped in a flashflood were rescued in Ujh river in Kathua today. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an advisory for heavy rain in the Jammu region over the next 48 hours.
Girls walk through the rain Girls walk through the rain. Tribune photo: Anand Sharma

AICTE to decide on number of polytechnics in state
Jammu, August 2
The All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), under its Public Private Partnership (PPP) scheme, will fix the number of polytechnics that can be established in a particular state and the same will be conveyed to the respective state governments. The scheme would also be applicable in the state.


EARLIER STORIES




Daily fill: Pigeon enjoying corns near Dogra Chowk in Jammu on Friday
Daily fill:
Pigeon enjoying corns near Dogra Chowk in Jammu on Friday. Tribune photo: Inderjeet Singh

Municipal Corporation digs garbage graves in forests around city
Jammu, August 2
In the absence of a landfill, Jammu Municipal Corporation (JMC) is dumping tonnes of solid waste in deep trenches dug in forests around the city. It could prove criminal to the environment, particularly ground water sources in the coming years, warn experts.

School wants prize money back
Jammu, August 2

The family members of a girl student,who won cash prize for a science project she submitted to the Department of Science And Technology, has alleged harrassment by the government school to deposit the prize money.

No worker joined PDP in Ramban: NC Leader
Jammu, August 2
Former MLA and National Conference (NC) district president, Ramban, Chaman Lal Bhagat today ridiculed the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) over its claim about NC political workers joining the party in Ramban.

Gram panchayats educated about welfare schemes of Central, state governments
Jammu, August 2
In order to aware people about the proper implementation of welfare schemes launched by the Ministry of Rural Development, Government of India and state government, the Regional Rural Extension Training Centre, R S Pura, organised awareness programmes for stakeholders at the gram panchayat level.

22 girls begin trip to North
Rajouri, August 2
An education-cum-motivational tour has been organised by the Rashtriya Rifles Battalion, located at Jhangar, under the aegis of Headquarters, Counter Insurgency Force (Uniform), for the children hailing from far-flung and remote border areas of Nowshera tehsil, under the ongoing Operation Sadbhavana, yesterday.
Army officers flag off an education-cum-motivational tour of 22 girl students from Nowshera on Thursday. A Tribune photograph
Army officers flag off an education-cum-motivational tour of 22 girl students from Nowshera on Thursday

Jammu varsity awards PhD to journalist
Jammu, August 2
Journalist-cum-broadcaster Rajesh Bhat has been awarded Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) by University of Jammu (JU) for undertaking media-related research work regarding cultural and strategic interests of India.

Army hosts poor at Iftaar
Kishtwar, August 2
The Indian Army organised Iftaar for poor and deprived people of Bonjwah, Saroor and Keshwan at Patnazi, Bimalnag and Shergwari. The step of the Army was welcomed as a milestone towards promoting communal harmony in Kisthwar.
People have food during Iftaar party organised by the Army in Kishtwar on Friday. Tribune photo
People have food during Iftaar party organised by the Army in Kishtwar on Friday

200 saplings planted
Jammu, August 2
Cadets and staff of Sainik School, Nagrota, planted 200 saplings in the premises as part of vanmahotsava celebrations on Wednesday. The event was organised in collaboration with the Department of Social Forestry.

Course for nomad children concludes
Batote, August 2
The second ten-day study course for 25 children, including 7 girls of Gujjars, conducted by the Rashtriya Rifles, under the aegis of Headquarters Counter Insurgency Force (Delta), concluded at Lamod Top, Halaran, in Ramban today. The first course was conducted from June 13 to June 20.

For a better tomorrow: A child prays along with his family during Jumat-ul-Wida at Jama Masjid at Talabd Khatinkan in Jammu on Friday
For a better tomorrow:
A child prays along with his family during Jumat-ul-Wida at Jama Masjid at Talabd Khatinkan in Jammu on Friday. Tribune photo: Inderjeet Singh

1 killed in accident
Batote, August 2
One person was killed and another was injured when a tanker trolley plunged into a 400-feet gorge from the NH-44 at Nashri in Chanderkot in the afternoon. The deceased has been identified as Netarpal, 25, of Sarsoli in Agra. He was an assistant to the driver.

JK Police win state football championship
Jammu, August 2
Director General of Police (DGP) Ashok Prasad said J&K Police had been contributing a lot in encouraging the youth to excel in national competitions. He added that sports activities carried out by the JKP were proving instrumental in promoting sports culture, besides inculcating moral values among the youth of the state.

Romy Club win volleyball match
Jammu, August 2
Romy Club overcame the challenge of Parnit Club by 3-2 in an exhibition volleyball match, played at Sarore village today. The match went right down to the wire as spikers of both the teams displayed excellent skills.

DCC win cricket tourney
Jammu, August 2
Dabuj Cricket Club (DCC) got the better of Ghagwal Cricket Club by four wickets today in the final match of the Night Cricket Tournament, played at Ghagwal, Samba.

Awadhi Food Fest extended for week
Jammu, August 2
The Awadhi Food Festival “Shaam-e-Awadh” at Fortune Inn Riviera, Jammu, has been extended for another week. The hotel is hosting the festival for residents from 26th July to 11th August.





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12 saved from Ujh in spate
Met Dept warns of heavy rain in next 48 hours; urges people not to venture near rivers
Sumit Hakhoo
Tribune News Service

Basanter river in spate in Samba district after heavy rain in the region
Basanter river in spate in Samba district after heavy rain in the region. Tribune photo: Anand Sharma

Jammu, August 2
At least 12 persons belonging to the Gujjar community trapped in a flashflood were rescued in Ujh river in Kathua today. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an advisory for heavy rain in the Jammu region over the next 48 hours.

Officials have advised the people not to go near the rivers and water channels, particularly, Tawi, Chenab and Ujh.

Heavy rain over past 24 hours has affected normal life in the city. The police and the administration saved 12 persons belonging to the Gujjar community from the flash floods in Ujh River in Kathua.

They had got trapped due to flash floods in the river in Rajbagh area on Friday afternoon. “We have alerted the administration in Jammu about heavy rain and that the water level in the rivers and streams is likely to increase. Low pressure over the state has created perfect conditions for monsoon,” said Sonum Lotus, Director, IMD, Srinagar.

Meanwhile, overnight rain clogged many roads in the city leading to traffic chaos in the morning rush hour. Damaged roads further compounded the problems as vehicles got caught in the mud, damaging several of them. Chaos prevailed on the Janipur-Bus Stand road, Canal Road, Bohri and Dogra Chowk today as water submerged the road thus slowing down the traffic.

The district administration has also alerted its men and machinery keeping in view the rising water level in Tawi and Chenab. The threat of flooding in several low lying areas has increased. “Till late evening 12 mm of rain was recorded in Jammu. Rain lashed the entire region today, including the mountainous areas,” said Dr MK Khushu, a weather scientist at SKUAST-Jammu.

Water also entered houses at Preet Nagar, Gangyal, Nanak Nagar and Nai Basti areas damaging public property. Water logging at Bari Brahmana, Jewel Chowk, Science College and other localities caused traffic disruption in the morning today.

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AICTE to decide on number of polytechnics in state
Vikas Sharma
Tribune News Service

Jammu, August 2
The All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), under its Public Private Partnership (PPP) scheme, will fix the number of polytechnics that can be established in a particular state and the same will be conveyed to the respective state governments. The scheme would also be applicable in the state.

As per data, there were 21 Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) and two polytechnics in the state at the time of the creation of the Directorate of Technical Education, J&K, in 1981 but with the growth and diversification of the activities of the department, the number now stands at 47 it is and 12 polytechnics.

Sources said the state government was trying to consolidate the technician training facilities in the state. Sources said the decision of the AICTE to introduce the PPP scheme will provide much- needed boost in the area of technical training in the state. It will diversify the areas of training, which will increase the employability of the youth of the state.

Under the PPP scheme, the AICTE will invite proposals from a single or a group of industries who after meeting the criteria will join hands with the state and Union Governments to establish polytechnics in the region. In the absence of sufficient number of industries showing interest, proposals from the private service education providers, such as societies/ trusts/ section 25 companies as has been prescribed by the AICTE in its regulations concerned will be considered. After that, the Ministry of Human Resource Development (HRD) on the recommendations of the AICTE will release the grant to the state governments in instalments.

Under the PPP scheme, it is mandatory for the state to constitute Institute Management Committee (IMC). The industry may provide land in the industry’s campus separately for the setting up of the institute as per the requirements of the AICTE but the land deeds are to be transferred to the management committee of the institute. The Ministry will provide Rs 3 crore to the state governments in instalments on the recommendations of the AICTE while Rs 2 crore will be provided by the state government and in case the land is provided by the state government, the condition of Rs 2 crore could be waived.

The state government will conduct admissions. However, it will have to be ensured through the MoU that the access to the weaker and disadvantaged sections is facilitated through fee concession/scholarship and other such steps.

Fees for all the polytechnics under the PPP mode will be decided by the state government in consultation with the representative of the IMC.

New rules

Under the PPP scheme, the AICTE will invite proposals from a single or a group of industries who after meeting the criteria will join hands with the state and Union Governments to establish polytechnics in the region.

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Municipal Corporation digs garbage graves in forests around city
Sumit Hakhoo
Tribune News Service

Jammu, August 2
In the absence of a landfill, Jammu Municipal Corporation (JMC) is dumping tonnes of solid waste in deep trenches dug in forests around the city. It could prove criminal to the environment, particularly ground water sources in the coming years, warn experts.

The city generates 400 tonne of solid waste every day, but in the absence of any dumping site, it is mostly thrown on the outskirts of Jammu and some of it is burnt by the municipal staff. Officials said it was the only option left with the civic authority. Jammu Municipal Corporation is unable to deal with the large amount of waste produced by the 15 lakh residents of the city.

Officials said though in Srinagar, solid waste is dumped in Achan area, but so far no such spot has been identified in Jammu.

Garbage is collected from 453 points within the city limits before disposing it off at various places around the city.

Few years back, the government had identified land at Kot Bhalwal, 15 km from the city centre, to be used as a dumping ground, but locals objected the project after which the administration could not use the site to dump waste.

Villagers opposed the move fearing the entire area could turn into a garbage dump and foul smell could become a health hazard for the surrounding villages. After this the project did not go ahead despite the officials maintaining that a solid waste treatment plant was to be established at the place.

However, Joint Municipal Commissioner, Kapil Sharma, said the Jammu Municipal Corporation had not abandoned the Kot Bhalwal site, but a project report was being prepared to establish a solid waste treatment plant.

“Till the plant is ready, we are digging deep trenches in the forest area for the purpose after giving due consideration to the environment. If some violation is found, we will check and take necessary action," said Sharma.

However, Sharma said the process to find a permanent landfill was now a priority for the administration, keeping in view the future expansion of Jammu.

Despite a ban by the government, the Jammu Municipal Corporation continues to transport solid waste generated in the city by way of municipal trucks during the day. A fleet of 200 vehicles is used to collect garbage from 71 wards of the city.

At the cost of the environment

  • In the absence of a landfill, Jammu Municipal Corporation (JMC) is dumping tonnes of solid waste in deep trenches dug in forests around the city.
  • The 15 lakh population of the city generates 400 tonne of solid waste every day
  • Following protests by villagers a few years back, the government could not use the land at Kot Bhalwal to dump solid waste.
  • A solid waste treatment plant was also to be at the site

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School wants prize money back
Girl student alleges harassment by staff over money she won in science congress
Amit Khajuria
Tribune News service

Jammu, August 2
The family members of a girl student,who won cash prize for a science project she submitted to the Department of Science And Technology, has alleged harrassment by the government school to deposit the prize money.

The school has, however, denied the allegation and said that the money was meant for new projects.

Twinkle Mehra, a former student of Higher Secondary School for Girls, Shastri Nagar, has alleged that the teachers and the principal of the school were forcing her to give back Rs 5,000 in cash, which was paid to her through cheque by the Department of Science and Technology for her participation in the district-level ‘20th National Children Science Congress’.

She had made a project on the topic “How to conserve electricity”, for which a certificate was given to her in October 2012 and a cheque of Rs 5,000, dated March 30, 2013, was handed over to her in May 2013.

“The principal is asking me to pay back the money, which has been credited to my account. The cheque was given to me for my last project which was presented by me in October last year,” Twinkle said.

“The principal is saying that this is the school’s amount for preparation of new projects,” she added.

Twinkle’s mother, Vandana Mehra, alleged that the staff members of the school were harassing her daughter. “A teacher came to me and misbehaved with us,” she said.

“It is clearly written on the back side of the cheque that Twinkle is the bonafide beneficiary of this warrant. How can they claim it? If the amount was for the school, why was it in the name of a student?” she asked.

Kanta Devi, principal of the Higher Secondary School for Girls, Shastri Nagar, said, “The cheque was given by the District Institute of Education and Training (DIET), under a scheme in which a one-time award of Rs 5,000 is given to the student who will utilise about 50 per cent of the amount for making a science project for the district-level exhibition centre. The girl left the school after Class X, that is why we are asking her to pay back the amount”.

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No worker joined PDP in Ramban: NC Leader
Tribune News Service

Jammu, August 2
Former MLA and National Conference (NC) district president, Ramban, Chaman Lal Bhagat today ridiculed the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) over its claim about NC political workers joining the party in Ramban.

In a statement issued here, Bhagat referred to the joining of assumed National Conference worker Arshad Malik in PDP and said he had seized to be associated with the party since 2002 and had joined the PDP that year itself.

“By indulging in such cheap gimmicks, PDP has demonstrated its hollowness at the grassroots level, with nobody showing inclination towards it”, Chaman said. He added that claiming big victory by owning discarded and small time workers, the PDP was making itself a subject of ridicule.

The party appeared to be in a state of shock after the assertion of provincial president Devender Singh Rana that it had no discernible presence in the Chenab valley region.

Taking the PDP head on for its political deceit and duplicity, the district president said it had mastered in sowing the seeds of discord among various segments of the society for furthering its nefarious political agenda.

Bhagat asserted that that PDP was a spent force in Ramban and dramatising the situations was a part of its game plan of remaining relevant to the political situation in Ramban district, where its presence is zero.

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Gram panchayats educated about welfare schemes of Central, state governments
Tribune News Service

Jammu, August 2
In order to aware people about the proper implementation of welfare schemes launched by the Ministry of Rural Development, Government of India and state government, the Regional Rural Extension Training Centre, R S Pura, organised awareness programmes for stakeholders at the gram panchayat level.

The daylong programmes on rural development schemes included drinking water supply, national social assistance. The programmes were organised in remote areas like gram panchayats Jakhed, Basant Garh and Chhaper.

Those who participated in the programmes included sarpanches, panches, field staff of Rural Development Department, Gram Sabha members and beneficiaries covered under various programmes. Addressing the participants, B K Pandita, principal, Government Regional Rural Extension Training Centre, R S Pura, said substantial funds were made available in the annual budget for the implementation of rural development programmes. He added that despite adequate efforts by the implementing machinery, there was scope for improvement in the delivery system.

“There is a gap between the stakeholders at the cutting edge and the implementing agencies in so far as the adequate awareness about the programmes is concerned. To fill this gap, it is essential that awareness about the programmes is created among the beneficiaries at the receiving edge, in which all stakeholders participate actively”, Pandita maintained.

Lectures were also delivered by the guest faculty comprising R K Koul and Angrez Singh, Block Development Officers (BDO), Dudu Basant Garh. The sarpanches or panches, as well as the BDOs, Dudu Basant Garh, expressed gratitude to Pandita for organising the awareness programmes.

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22 girls begin trip to North
Our Correspondent

Rajouri, August 2
An education-cum-motivational tour has been organised by the Rashtriya Rifles Battalion, located at Jhangar, under the aegis of Headquarters, Counter Insurgency Force (Uniform), for the children hailing from far-flung and remote border areas of Nowshera tehsil, under the ongoing Operation Sadbhavana, yesterday.

The aim of the tour is to project to these students the rapid strides of development that have transformed the states of Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand, where peace and tranquillity exist, which are essential for the growth and development of any state.

A group of 22 girl students and two teachers, belonging to the schools of remote areas of Nowshera tehsil, will witness the rich and varied culture of the country. During the visit, the children will also get an opportunity to interact with senior Army officers and the Governors of Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand in person.

These children, some of whom are moving out of their homes for the first time and have seen nothing but poverty, misery and lack of opportunities, will be able to see the true picture of the changes sweeping over the country and the economic progress made by the common man.

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Jammu varsity awards PhD to journalist
Tribune News Service

Jammu, August 2
Journalist-cum-broadcaster Rajesh Bhat has been awarded Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) by University of Jammu (JU) for undertaking media-related research work regarding cultural and strategic interests of India.

Presently on an assignment in the office of CEO, Prasar Bharati Secretariat at New Delhi, Bhat had also remained associated with The Tribune and many other English dailies from the state. His research work on “Strategic Interest and Media”, with an emphasis on the role of Radio Kashmir, was accomplished under the supervision of Dr Mohammad Monir Alam of the Department of Strategic and Regional Studies, JU.

The study focuses on the media contingency plan and counter propaganda, the preparedness of India and state of J&K in the event of any crisis and how radio could reach masses with the correct information.

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Army hosts poor at Iftaar
Tribune News Service

Kishtwar, August 2
The Indian Army organised Iftaar for poor and deprived people of Bonjwah, Saroor and Keshwan at Patnazi, Bimalnag and Shergwari. The step of the Army was welcomed as a milestone towards promoting communal harmony in Kisthwar.

Imam of Bonjwah, Maulvi Nazir Ahmed said Allah had showered his blessings on the Muslims at the time of Iftar.

Giving Iftar meal was also very rewarding and feeding a fasting person brought even more satisfaction.

"The rewards will be given even to a person who gives a date as Iftar or who provides water to break the fast or who offer a little milk," he added.

The initiative of the Indian Army was widely lauded by local residents.

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200 saplings planted
Tribune News Service

Jammu, August 2
Cadets and staff of Sainik School, Nagrota, planted 200 saplings in the premises as part of vanmahotsava celebrations on Wednesday. The event was organised in collaboration with the Department of Social Forestry.

Regional Director, Social Forestry, Jammu, AK Gupta, presided over the function. In his welcome address, VK Dembi, in-charge of the school eco club said more than 200 saplings of different varieties were being planted all over the school. This will help turn the premises green in another five years.

After planting a sapling in the school premises, the chief guest commended the efforts and initiatives of the school administration in imparting eco-culture among the students. Principal KD Koushal thanked the chief guest and reiterated that every individual had a stake in protecting the planet. He said the focus will be to develop the upcoming multi-purpose auditorium in the school premises.

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Course for nomad children concludes
Our Correspondent

Batote, August 2
The second ten-day study course for 25 children, including 7 girls of Gujjars, conducted by the Rashtriya Rifles, under the aegis of Headquarters Counter Insurgency Force (Delta), concluded at Lamod Top, Halaran, in Ramban today. The first course was conducted from June 13 to June 20.

During the courses, the children were imparted elementary knowledge in the subjects of English, mathematics, Hindi and Urdu, besides improving their confidence and communication skills. The children also enjoyed colouring, drawing and games like cricket, football, puzzles etc.

Simultaneously, 22 children and 19 adults were examined and provided free medicines during a medical camp.

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1 killed in accident
Our Correspondent

Batote, August 2
One person was killed and another was injured when a tanker trolley plunged into a 400-feet gorge from the NH-44 at Nashri in Chanderkot in the afternoon. The deceased has been identified as Netarpal, 25, of Sarsoli in Agra. He was an assistant to the driver.

His body has been kept in the District Hospital in Ramban.

The inured driver, Ankush Parashar, 31, of Mathura, was referred to the Government Medical College, Jammu.

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JK Police win state football championship
Tribune News Service

Jammu, August 2
Director General of Police (DGP) Ashok Prasad said J&K Police had been contributing a lot in encouraging the youth to excel in national competitions. He added that sports activities carried out by the JKP were proving instrumental in promoting sports culture, besides inculcating moral values among the youth of the state.

He stated this while receiving the 20th State Football Championship trophy. He said the JKP had been contributing in the sports arena and had also carried out various sports activities under its Civic Action Programme.

The football championship was organised by the Department of Youth Services and Sports wherein 38 teams participated. J&K Police lifted the championship after defeating J&K Bank with a solitary goal in the final match.

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Romy Club win volleyball match
Tribune News Service

Jammu, August 2
Romy Club overcame the challenge of Parnit Club by 3-2 in an exhibition volleyball match, played at Sarore village today. The match went right down to the wire as spikers of both the teams displayed excellent skills.

Romy Club claimed the inaugural set by 25-18 to dominate the proceedings from the word go but the team failed to continue the momentum in the next set. Parnit Club played with a different game plan and won the next set by 25-20 to drew parity.

Romy club again fetched the third set by 25-19 to stretch their lead further to 2-1. Likewise, the spikers of Parnit Club failed to maintain the rhythm and lost the fourth set by 23-25. With both teams levelled at 2-2, the decider proved to be an exciting contest. Romy Club spikers managed to seal a win by a thin margin of 16-14 to emerge victorious.

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DCC win cricket tourney
Tribune News Service

Jammu, August 2
Dabuj Cricket Club (DCC) got the better of Ghagwal Cricket Club by four wickets today in the final match of the Night Cricket Tournament, played at Ghagwal, Samba.

Winning the toss and deciding to bat first, Ghagwal Cricket Club rode on a brilliant 50 runs by Sunny and posted a decent total of 137 runs in the stipulated twelve overs.

In reply, Dabuj Cricket Club overhauled the target in just 11 overs by losing six wickets in the process. Aman and Romi were adjudged the man of the match and the man of the series, respectively.

Later, Mahant Ajay Dass and Panch Roshan distributed the prizes in the valedictory function.

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Awadhi Food Fest extended for week

Jammu, August 2
The Awadhi Food Festival “Shaam-e-Awadh” at Fortune Inn Riviera, Jammu, has been extended for another week. The hotel is hosting the festival for residents from 26th July to 11th August. The buffet is on offer for dinner on all days and for lunch on Sundays only.

Prepared in dum pukht style (food placed in large pots called handi and cooked over low heat) the dishes are rich in taste, softness and aroma. — TNS

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