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PDD, unplanned colonies take toll on linemen
‘Identify weaknesses in MGNREGA execution’
Combined Competitive prelims exam
Students during the J&K Combined Competitive Examination 2013 at the Government College for Women, Parade, in Jammu on Sunday. Tribune Photo: Inderjeet Singh |
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Act against building violations, Jammu, Srinagar MCs told
Govt for women’s financial empowerment
The minister addresses a gathering. A Tribune photograph
Passengers’ association opposes transporters’ strike
Irregularities surface in Relief Commissioner’s office
Artists enthral at youth festival
Protest held against terrorist attack
Conductor assaults woman
ReT teachers hold protest, seek release of salary
Two-day youth workshop concludes at Katra
Coaching camp from October 1
Minister lays foundation stone of health centre
GCW Jammu bags group song contest
Chandigarh, Solan schools log wins in basketball
Kabaddi c’ship begins
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PDD, unplanned colonies take toll on linemen
Jammu, September 29 Jatinder was working on the pole at Janipur, when someone put the power switch on and he died on the spot due to electrocution. Police and locals rushed him to the Government Medical College (GMC), where doctors declared him brought dead. A senior employee of the department said more than 150 daily wagers and need-based labourers had lost their lives in Jammu province in the last one decade, but no safety measures had been taken by the department. "Thousands of workers engaged by the Power Development Department for maintenance work or laying of new infrastructure are working under threat of death and injury," said an employee. A fear psychosis has gripped daily-wagers and need-based labourers of the department after the death of Jatinder Kumar, who lost his life while performing his duty on Saturday. Gurbachan Singh, Superintendent Engineer (SE), PDD Jammu circle, said the department would inquire into the cause of the incident. He also said there was a provision for the department to pay Rs 3 lakh to the family of the need-based worker in such cases. Power Development Department daily wagers have alleged that despite repeated pleas to officials, safety equipment is not being provided to workers engaged in high-risk repair work. They said despite clear directions from the Centre, the department has failed to provide helmets, high-quality ropes and special gloves to these workers. Refuting the allegations, Gurbachan Singh said, "All the sub-divisions have
sufficient safety equipment, but the problem is that they (labourers) feel it is easier to work without the equipment." "Another reason for such accidents is unplanned colonies in the city.
Narrow lanes cause chaos of main lines (wires), which leads to accidents," he added. Meanwhile, the body of Jitender Kumar has been handed over to the family after postmortem and a case has been registered against PDD under section 304 of RPC at Janipur police station. According to government record, till 2010, nearly 100 daily wagers engaged in maintenance work have died mostly of power shock or by falling from poles and high-tension towers. Another 185 were rendered handicapped while performing their duties across the state during the last 15 years. |
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‘Identify weaknesses in MGNREGA execution’
Jammu, September 29 Sources said the Concurrent evaluation would mark a change from the present method of annual studies undertaken to evaluate schemes. Further, the Ministry has implemented an electronic Fund Management System (e-FMS) to reduce delay in payment of wages to workers employed under the MGNREGA especially in state like J&K. Though e-FMS has been implemented in Karnataka, Odisha, Gujarat, Tripura and Rajasthan, the authorities are also planning to introduce the system in the state to capture real time transactions, eliminate delays and leakages apart from parking of funds at various levels held by different stakeholders. Under e-FMS, the wages of workers are directly credited into workers’ Banks/Post Office accounts. The Ministry in its recently issued Operational Guidelines has stressed for constituting Cluster Facilitation Teams (CFTs), State Employment Guarantee Mission and Management Team and National Management Team for effective implementation of the centrally sponsored scheme. “Blocks that have high concentration of SC/ST/landless labourers and are likely to have more demand for MGNREGA works should have a dedicated Dedicate Programme Officers (DPOs) for MGNREGA. The dedicated PO should not be assigned responsibilities not directly related to MGNREGA. Register applications for work through telephones including mobile phones and this should feed in directly into NREGASoft,” said the guidelines. “The 60:40 ratio for wage and material costs should be maintained at gram panchayat and block/intermediate panchayat levels,” it added. |
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Combined Competitive prelims exam Arteev Sharma Tribune News Service
Jammu, September 29 The examination was conducted by the Jammu and Kashmir Public Service Commission (JKPSC). It was for the record fifth consecutive year in a row that the JKPSC conducted the prestigious examination. Dr TS Ashok Kumar, secretary and controller of examinations, PSC, told The Tribune that a total of 25,000 candidates had applied for the Combined Competitive (Preliminary) Examination—2013 for 99 posts, out of which about 84 per cent candidates (21,000) appeared in the test today. “There was a complete coordination among all government departments, including the PHE, PDD, police and other related departments, to ensure smooth conduct of the examination. The examination was conducted peacefully,” the secretary said, adding that the preliminary examination was conducted for one general studies paper and 22 optional subjects. Dr Kumar said the percentage of candidates appearing in the preliminary examination was nearly two percent more as compared to corresponding last year. “The government has appointed two observers for the large examination centre and one each for the small examination centre in the state. Besides, the JKPSC had also constituted special teams to ensure transparent and fair conduct of the test,” the secretary said. The officer also claimed it was for the fifth consecutive year in a row that the JKPSC had successfully conducted the Combined Competitive Examination. “Except the UPSC, no other state in the country had been conducting this examination in this manner,” the secretary said. However, there was a great enthusiasm among the candidates, particularly those appearing in this prestigious examination for the first time. “It was a great experience to appear in the prestigious examination for the first time. Both general studies and optional subject papers went good and I am hopeful that I would qualify in the preliminary examination,” said Ashwani Tidyal, a candidate at Government SPMR College of Commerce here. Another candidate, Shveta Sharma, a candidate at GGM Science College, said: “Last year, I couldn’t make it to the main examination because I had prepared for the test in a proper manner. Today, I am confident that I would qualify the preliminary examination, despite the fact that there were only 99 posts for which 25,000 candidates had applied.” Last year, a total of 18,000 candidates had applied for the preliminary examination. Only 14,500 had appeared in the examination at 29 centres, including 18 in Jammu and 11 in Srinagar. The examination was conducted for 65 posts. In 2011, as many as 21,414 candidates had appeared in the preliminary examination, out of which only 3,555 candidates qualified for the mains (written) examination. A total of 503 candidates qualified for the interview.
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Act against building violations, Jammu, Srinagar MCs told
Jammu, September 29 Despite law against such violations, civic bodies in Jammu as well as in Srinagar have failed to stop conversion of residential colonies into commercial spaces, which has led to illegal construction and chaos in many areas in the urban centres. As per the survey conducted within municipal limits of Jammu city, there are more than 2,000 residential buildings illegally converted into commercial centres in violation of the Master Plan and Jammu and Kashmir Control of Building Operation Act 1988. As per the law for converting any category of land or building for commercial use, a proper permission has to be taken from the competent authority as defined in revenue laws, but in the city, numerous people are violating the set rules. Gandhi Nagar, Trikuta Nagar, Old City and Shastri Nagar areas are on top of the list wherein more than 700 violations of conversion of residential buildings into commercial houses have been detected. Similar cases could be found in other colonies. Officials said that Minister for Urban Development Nawang Rigzin Jora had asked the corporations to activate their enforcement wings to ensure a complete check on illegal constructions and take strict action. "We have already launched a month-long campaign in Jammu and upon detection of any violation, immediate action would be taken. People can also directly report to me against any problem or violation going on in the city," said Municipal Commissioner Kiran Wattal. Sources said despite notices issued by the government, most of the people who are illegally using their residential properties for commercial properties have not closed down their operations and continue to defy the administration's directions. |
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Govt for women’s financial empowerment
Srinagar, September 29 He said the state government was planning to provide a monthly honorarium, adding that a beginning had already been made in this regard. Rather was speaking at a two-day conference on “Empowerment of women in Panchayats; the road ahead”, the concluding day of which was held at the Convocation Complex of the University of Kashmir. He said the Article 52 of the Naya Kashmir Document orchestrated by Shiekh Muhammad Abdullah exclusively “It also stressed that to ensure their representation in various fields
of life, adequate reservations of seats should be kept available for women candidates. Later, carrying the mission of Shiekh Abdullah ahead, former Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah, who is the Union Minister for New Renewable Energy, announced 50 per cent reservation in coveted MBBS seats, despite stiff resistance by many quarters which depicts
government’s concern about women empowerment,” he said. “Now we have a separate Women Commission in place and 33 per cent reservation for women in Panchayat Raj Institutions. This has been ensured by passing an Amendment in the Panchayati Raj Act, which is a big revolutionary step towards women empowerment,” Rather added. The conference was being organised by the Institute of Social Sciences, University of Kashmir, in coordination with Institution of Social Studies, New Delhi. He urged women panches and sarpanches to work sincerely for the people. |
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Passengers’ association opposes transporters’ strike
Jammu, September 29 Sharma said the government had issued the passengers’ permit to the transporters for people's convenience, but the transporters were ignoring the spirit of the purpose and intentionally teasing the masses. He asked the government to take stern action against those bent on disturbing the people. He further asked the government and the authorities concerned to consider all the basic facts before hiking the fare and added that at present, there was no need for a hike in passenger fares. Mentioning about the transporters' attitude towards the passengers, he said transporters had never taken care of passengers and seemed to be fleecing them and now again, they were raising the voice for hike in fare. He said, “Hike in fare should proportionally be in consistence with the hike in diesel prices.” He also asked the government to make the transporters accountable to the public and administration, and put more restrictions on the transporters so that they may serve the people and not rule them. Pointing to the treatment extended to the passengers, Sharma said conductors often behave improperly with passengers in general and particularly with elderly passengers, which is a matter of concern. He said a dress code should be strictly enforced on the conductors and drivers so that passengers may easily recognise drivers and conductors. He said at present, the fare is exorbitant and there is no need for a hike at any point. Expressing surprise over the claim made by the transporters about losses in transport, he said the number of passenger vehicles is increasing day by day and there is no reason for the transporters to face loss. |
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Irregularities surface in Relief Commissioner’s office
Jammu, September 29 The Relief Commissioner office has to allot around 650 flats to non-camp migrants in the Jagti Satellite Township for which the office had received around 8,000 applications. Sources told The Tribune that only 2,000 applications were verified and 6,000 applications were put on hold in 2012. Out of the 2,000 applications, 549 people were allotted flats, but this allotment came under scanner when the allotment of around 100 flats was found to be illegal. Sources said around 8,000 applications were received by the Relief Commissioner office but these applications were not properly verified and in 2012, these flats were allotted to few blue-eyed people having close connection with few officials. Later, the Revenue and Relief Department cancelled the allotment and ordered re-verification of applications. The re-verification process was stopped on September 8, but Ravinder Bakshi, a headquarter assistant, who is a close associate of Relief Commissioner RK Pandita, was performing the individual verification of a few people even after the deadline, sources said. Sources said these applications belong to those people who were allotted flats in 2012 illegally. After many attempts, Relief Commissioner RK Pandita was not available for comments. |
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Artists enthral at youth festival
Banihal, September 29 He informed that a modern mini stadium would come up at the place of the GHSS whose new building would be constructed in the place of existing prefabricated classrooms of the Government Degree College (GDC). The construction of the new building for the Government Girls High School (GGS) would soon start at the old site. The construction of a Rs 20 crore five-storey hospital building would be coming up in Banihal. He said for the proposed mini stadium, the first instalment of Rs one crore had been released by the state government. “The construction of the GDC building will start soon and out of the total Rs 5 crore, Rs 2.5 crore has been released for the construction of the road,” he said. During the youth festival ‘Explore & Express Yourself’, many cultural programmes, seminar and sports competitions were organised whose winners were felicitated by Vikar Rasool and Gen Singh today. As many as 300 students from the district participated in the mini marathon, tug-of-war, painting, debate, seminar, singing, dancing etc. Performances by noted singer Kailash Mehra, folk song artist Rumalo Ram, artists of the Music Department, Jammu University, AIR Jammu, Rajiv Gandhi National Institute of Youth Development (RGNIYD) and a magic show by boys of the CL Premi and Group mesmerised the audience.
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Protest held against terrorist attack
Jammu, September 29 Jammu West Assembly Movement (JWAM) opposed any talks with Pakistan till it closes down moral and material support to terrorism in Jammu
and Kashmir. "The recent attack in Samba has once again exposed Pakistan and its military which deny every attack in India carried out by the terrorists, but secretly support such attacks," it was stated. It was appealed to the international community to declare Pakistan a terrorist country as it had become an exporter of terror to the entire world. There was an appeal to the Prime Minister to raise the issues of violation of the ceasefire on LoC, infiltration of militants and training camps in PoK. It was stated that for the last two decades, people of Jammu and Kashmir had been facing bloodshed at the hands of militants
and there should be sustained crackdown against people who support militant groups. |
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Conductor assaults woman
Rajouri, September 29 Tasleem Akhtar, wife of Mohammed Kabeer, resident of Manjaote, told reporters here at Rajouri that she was travelling on a bus which was on its way from Rajouri to Dharal. She added that when she reached Raki Ban (near Dharal), the bus conductor Shaqeel Malik misbehaved with her over the seat. “When I asked him why he was misbehaving with me, he thrashed me and severely beat me, leaving me unconscious,” she alleged. She said, "My relatives, upon being contacted, reached the spot and took me to the local hospital for treatment." She added, “Five thousand rupees and an ear-ring were looted when I was unconscious.” She said the police tried to hush up the matter and initially did not register a case. She said, "When my family members called local leaders of People's Democratic Party Mohammed Saleem Khan of Manjakote, with his intervention, police registered this case and arrested the conductor." Leaders of People's Democratic Party Mohammed Saleem Khan said, "We demanded police should take strict action against the accused conductor." A couple of days back, students of a school complained of an assault and misbehaviour by the same conductor.
— OC |
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ReT teachers hold protest, seek release of salary
Jammu, September 29 Scores of ReT teachers assembled near the exhibition ground and shouted slogans against the state government for allegedly failing to fulfil their long-pending demands, including inclusion of five years ReT period for seniority, immediate regularisation of educational volunteers (EVs) converted to ReTs and old pension scheme, in the favour of ReTs who were appointed before January 1, 2010. Addressing the protesters, Vinod Sharma, state president of the forum, said the government had adopted delayed tactics to resolve their genuine issues. "We have projected our demands before all authorities concerned as well as ministers, but nothing has been done so far. We are now compelled to come on roads," he said. He said the salary of teachers was pending for the last six months in many districts. He announced that they would be holding two-day-long protests in Poonch from September 30 to October 1. Their demands
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Two-day youth workshop concludes at Katra
Jammu, September 29 Participating students and other resource persons presented their view points on the topics "Youth, Society, Morality and Ethical Values in Present Scenario" and "Contribution of Sportspersons towards Society and Nation". Later, students were presented awards and certificates by deputy chief executive officer B Mohan Dass, who was the chief guest at the concluding function. The chief guest appreciated the students for their sensible presentations and congratulated the organisers, especially Ashok Kumar, director sports, SMVDSB, for holding such an innovative event. Special guest, ID Soni from Bharat Scouts and Guides, spoke on the role of the youth in the field of technological advancements. He also highlighted the concept of formal and informal education to raise the standard of people living in the country. Students from Government High School Katra namely Tanisha Sharma, Roshi Devi, Shilpa Bharti and Rewa Rani represented group-A. The group-B comprised of Deepika Thakur, Rimy, Amar Partap, Divya Goria of Amba Kids, Panthal. Led by Ritika Bijral, the group-C comprised of Akash Pathania and Sachin Dev, while Sheetal Thakur, Ashima Thakur and Vishal Sharma respresented group-D. |
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Coaching camp from October 1
Jammu, September 29 Meanwhile, the state cricket body will also conduct coaching camp for U-19 girls from October 1 at the same venue at 3.30 pm. Girls who are born on or after September 1, 1994, are directed to report at the venue along with original and one copy of date of birth certificate at the abovesaid
venue. Udhampur script win over Ramban
Udhampur district trounced Ramban by 3-0 on the second day of the ongoing state-level inter-district volleyball tournament for U-19 boys being organised by the Department of Youth Services and Sports at the Mini Sports Stadium,
Rajouri. In another match, Anantnag had the last laugh against Ganderbal by 3-0 while Baramulla thrashed Kupwara by an identical set margin. |
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Minister lays foundation stone of health centre
Jammu, September 29 Involving an estimated cost of Rs 3.65 crore, the RCHC and MPS is targeted to be completed in one year by the Jammu and Kashmir Housing Board (JKHB). The RCHC complex would have two storeys spread over a plinth area of 16,348 sqft and facilities like swimming pool, gymnasium, jacuzzi, steam bath, sauna bath, community hall, party hall and restaurant would be a part of it. The minister advised the people to do exercise and walk in their spare time by utilising the recreational parks and recreation-cum-health centre. Jammu Municipal Corporation Commissioner Kiran Wattal, Jammu Development Authority vice-chairman Kuldeep Lal Khajuria, JKHB managing director Ram Pal Sharma, besides other senior officers of JKHB, were present on the occasion. |
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GCW Jammu bags group song contest
Jammu, September 29 The teams from GCW, Parade, and the Government MAM College, Jammu, were adjudged second and third, respectively. The certificate of merits was awarded to Government Degree College (Boys), Udhampur, Institute of Music and Fine Arts, Jammu, and GCW Udhampur. During the event, each team was required to present two songs, including one patriotic and a folk, in a span of ten minutes. Praduman Singh, Sham Sajan and Nand Kishore Pal were the adjudicators for the contest. Shallu Sehgal from the Department of Economic was the teacher in charge who apprised the participants about the rules and regulations of the contest. Prof Neeru Sharma, chairperson, Campus Cultural Committee, distributed the prizes and certificates amongst the participants in presence of Prof NK Tripathi, Dean Students Welfare and Prof Yash Pal Sharma, co-chairman, Campus Cultural
Committee. — TNS |
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Chandigarh, Solan schools log wins in basketball
Jammu, September 29 In the girls summit showdown, Durga Pubic School overcame the challenge of JK Public School. Earlier, in the semifinals played, JK Public girls beat Heritage School. In the valedictory function, Jammu Municipal Corporation (JMC) commissioner Kiran Wattal was the chief guest. The observers in the tournament were Dilbag Singh and chief referee DS Chauhan. Earlier, JK Public School Kunjwani principal Jatinder J Kaur presented a brief note of the tournament. School coordinator Jyotsna Bhalla presented the vote of thanks. |
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Amid cut-throat competition, around 21,000 candidates today appeared in the J&K Combined Competitive (Preliminary) Examination—
2013 which was held peacefully at 35 centres, including 22 in Jammu and 13 in Srinagar.
Minister for Finance and Ladakh Affairs Abdul Rahim Rather said the National conference (NC)-led state coalition government fully endorses the empowerment of women at ground level which is proved by the fact that the issue of women empowerment was incorporated as a separate chapter in its Naya Kashmir Document about 70 years back.
