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State decides to adopt Right to Education Act
house in session
Religious nationalism is abhorrent: HC
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Militant attack foiled in Pulwama
BJP’s ‘Rajouri Chalo’ march thwarted, leaders detained
Improve research standards at Kashmir, Jammu varsities: Guv
Kishtwar pledges peace this festive season
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State decides to adopt Right to Education Act
New Delhi, October 11 The modalities for the extension have been worked out at the level of the state and the adoption will happen in the Assembly in the next Budget Session. The Minister for Higher Education for J&K has informed the HRD Ministry about the decision and demanded 90:10 cost-sharing pattern between the Centre and the state insofar as funding under the law is concerned. “The RTE Act being a Central law does not apply to J&K, which enjoys special status under Article 370 of the Constitution. It’s the constraint of funding which has compelled us to extend the Central law to the state. The state government has made up its mind and we hope to get the RTE Act, 2009, passed by the J&K Assembly in the next Budget Session. The adoption would help us get funds and make us accountable in respect of meeting school infrastructure-related deadlines prescribed in the Act,” J&K Higher Education Minister Mohammad Akbar Lone told The Tribune today. The state has requested the HRD Ministry to treat it on a par with northeastern states while finalising the funding pattern, which for the rest of the country is 65:35 (Centre-state share). For the North-east this pattern is 90:10. An analysis of the progress made under the RTE Act (whose infrastructure-related deadline expired on March 31 this year) reveals that J&K has a long way to go. Only 21.39 per cent of the schools in the state (4,789 out of 22,746) have common toilets and 23.12 per cent (5,175 government schools) have separate girls’ toilets. This is much less than the national average of 65 per cent schools with girls’ toilets. Even on the other two infrastructure indicators —drinking water availability and ramps for the convenience of children with special needs — J&K fares poorly. Nationally, 94.26 per cent of all government schools have drinking water facility in place. The percentage for J&K however is just 79.68. So far as the ramps go, the state is among the worst with only 13 per cent of the schools equipped with ramps at a time when the national average of schools with ramps is 61.63 per cent. When asked why the state was lagging behind, Lone said financial crunch was hampering improvement efforts. |
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house in session
Srinagar, October 11 “In 1996, Dr Farooq sahib (Farooq Abddullah) took a revolutionary step when he reserved 50 per cent seats for women in medical collages in Jammu and Kashmir. Now you see half of the doctors in hospitals are women,” Shehnaz Ganai said in the Upper House on the last day of the session. “But if we see the share of women in other departments in the state, it is very poor,” she said, adding that it was necessary for the House to pass the resolution on reservation
for women. Minister for Planning and Development Ajay Sadhotra, however, spoke against 50 per cent reservation
for women. “Our government is for women empowerment, but I insist that women should
compete in various fields and not look for reservation,” he said. Sadhotra was interrupted by NC member Devender Singh Rana, who described the former’s statement as an act of 'male chauvinism'. People’s Democratic Party (PDP) member Nayeed Akthar and Congress MLC Jahangir Mir also supported the resolution in their speeches. The support from NC leader Rana, the Congress and the PDP buoyed Ganai, who pressed for a vote on the resolution. But when the resolution was put to vote, except Ganai and the PDP members no one supported the resolution. Rana and Mir, who in their speeches supported women reservation, did not vote in favour of the resolution. The resolution on women reservation in professional and technical colleges was later dropped by the
Upper House. Session concludes Chairman of J&K Legislative Council Amrit Malhotra on Friday adjourned the House sine die. The 109th session of the Legislative Council had commenced on September 30. NUMBER GAME * The resolution, seeking 50 reservation for women in professional and technical colleges in the state, was moved by National Conference legislator Shehnaz Ganai *
The motion was initially verbally supported by NC member Devender Singh Rana and Congress MLC Jahangir Mir *
However, when the resolution was put to vote, no one supported it except Ganai and the PDP members. Rana and Mir, who in their speeches supported women reservation, did not vote in favour of the resolution |
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Religious nationalism is abhorrent: HC
Srinagar, October 11 The court also said there was no need to bring in the term “secularism” in the Preamble of Constitution, as this expression had evoked a sharp reaction and “divided the people of India into “pigeon holes” of different “isms”. These observations were made by the High Court in its judgment while allowing a petition by Kashmiri Pandits, who had sought issuance of directions to the state government and other official respondents for protecting and preserving some of their religious places in the Valley. Their grievance was that “uncouth attempts” have been made by some “locals and non-locals” to change the “status” of their religious places into commercial places. “In our constitutional scheme, a citizen of India is only an Indian. No person can claim himself to be a Hindu nationalist, Muslim nationalist, Sikh nationalist, Buddhist nationalist or Christian nationalist,” the single bench of Justice Muzaffar Hussain Attar observed in its 22-page judgment delivered on Friday. Saying that the constitutional provisions, in “loud and clear terms” forbid the use of such expressions, the court held that any person “persisting” with their use had to be dealt with and proceeded against in accordance with the mandate contained in the Constitution and other laws of the land. “As already stated, India belongs to “Indians”, who constitute one nation. The Constitution of India does not recognise “Hindu nationalism, Muslim nationalism, Sikh nationalism, Buddhist nationalism or Christian nationalism,” it said. “These expressions denote that there is a ‘Hindu nation, Muslim nation, Sikh nation, Buddhist nation or Christian nation”. These expressions or thoughts are antithesis and abhorrent to the Constitution of India”, the court observed. The J&K High Court held: “If India, which is created by its Constitution, which ‘we the people’ have given to ourselves, has to survive, then it is only “Indianism” which has to be there and all other “isms” have to disappear from the firmament of the country called India.” It further held that there was no need to bring in “secularism” in the Preamble of the Constitution, as this expression has “evoked sharp reaction” from a section of population and “divided” people of the country into different “pigeon-holes” of different “isms”. Observing that the “State has no religion”, the J-K High court has directed all the constitutional and statutory authorities in India to “stop” the persons “in their tracks” who “attempt to subvert the Constitution”. It also directed the Chief Election Commission to invoke provision of law against persons who seek recourse to religious nationalism and pose a threat to the Constitution and prevent such people from seeking election to Parliament or state legislatures. Stating that the J&K Government and its authorities were “duty bound” to redress all genuine and just grievances of the petitioners, the court directed them to consider the pleas of the petitioners “in accordance with law”. The petitioners had submitted that the “secular” character of the Constitution would require the state and its authorities to protect the religious places of Kashmiri Pandits in the Valley. The petitioners had also submitted that some “mahants”, who in some case are non-Kashmiri Pandits, have illegally and unauthorisedly created third-party interest in their properties, which are now being used for commercial purposes. The petitioners had sought the eviction of these illegal occupants. WHAT THE COURT SAID * India belongs to Indians, who constitute one nation. The Constitution of India does not recognise Hindu nationalism, Muslim nationalism, Sikh nationalism, Buddhist nationalism or Christian nationalism *
These expressions denote that there is a Hindu nation, Muslim nation, Sikh nation, Buddhist nation or Christian nation. These expressions or thoughts are antithesis and abhorrent to the Constitution of India *
There is no need to bring in “secularism” in the Preamble of the Constitution, as this expression has divided people of the country into different pigeon holes of different ‘isms’ |
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Militant attack foiled in Pulwama
Anantnag, October 11 The militants, however, managed to flee. Meanwhile, the police claimed that the INSAS (Indian Small Arms System) rifle recovered was the one that was snatched by militants from a CRPF personnel in the Tral area two days ago. The police said three militants reached the entrance of the police post and tried to fire upon the policeman on duty. “The police personnel, however, overpowered the militants and snatched the weapon from one of them,” said Pulwama Superintendent of Police (SP) Javed Ahmad. He said while a scuffle was going on between the militants and the policeman, a sentry on the second storey of the post fired several rounds at the militants. “The militants, however, managed to flee the scene,” said the SP. “A cordon has been laid in the area and a manhunt launched.” Sources said panic gripped the area after gunshots were heard. “The residents of the area have been advised not to venture out of their homes till the search operation is over,” a source said. Searches were being conducted in the area till the reports last came in. The INSAS rifle, now in the possession of the police, was snatched by militants from a CRPF personnel in the Nai Basti area of Tral in Pulwama district on October 9. The militants had hit the CRPF personnel from 185 Battalion on his head with a rod while he was standing at a secluded place. The suspected militants had, however, managed to make an escape, leaving the security forces high and dry. The Pulwama SP said the police had matched the number of the INSAS rifle. “It is indeed the same rifle,” said the SP. |
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BJP’s ‘Rajouri Chalo’ march thwarted, leaders detained
Jammu, October 11 “Instead of working in an impartial manner, this government is trying to suppress the voice of the minorities by misusing the state apparatus,” alleged state BJP president Jugal Kishore Sharma. He was arrested along with MLA Choudhary Sham at Sunderbani while they were on their way to Rajouri. “The authorities have let loose a reign of terror in Rajouri where minorities have been living in fear,” he alleged. He added that the party had decided to take up the issue at the national level to expose the double standards of the government. “On the one hand, secessionists are openly spewing venom against India and on the other hand, nationalists people are being targeted in one or other way to appease the anti-India forces,” he alleged. He said the atrocities on the minorities were a part of the bigger game plan. Addressing party workers at Jammu before leaving for Rajouri, Sharma said the BJP would not allow any such actions and would take to the streets. He said the government must allow the minorities in Rajouri to celebrate in full measure the festivals that were falling in the coming days. Ashok Khajuria, Leader of the BJP Legislature Party, said it seemed that the administration wanted to give an unambiguous message to the minority community through its actions. “It is clear that the state administration is bent upon spreading animosity between the people of various faiths and thereafter reap the benefits through vote-bank politics,” he alleged. Earlier, the police blocked the main exit of the party headquarters at Kachi Chawni when Jugal Kishore Sharma and Ashok Khajuria along with MLAs, Sukhnandan Kumar and Sham Choudhary, started a march towards Rajouri. The party’s motor cavalcade was again stopped at Muthi by the police and many workers were arrested. Another cavalcade of BJP workers was stopped at Sunderbani and the police arrested the state party president Jugal Kishore Sharma, Sham Choudhary, Ghulam Ali Khatana and Sushil Sodan. At Domana, the police stopped the BJP activists and took them into custody. Those who were arrested included Ashok Khajuria, Chander Prakash Ganga, MLA Sukhnandan Kumar and Karan Singh. BJP workers were also arrested at Akhnoor while they were taking out a march. |
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Improve research standards at Kashmir, Jammu varsities: Guv
Srinagar, October 11 Chairing the University Council meeting of the Kashmir varsity at Raj Bhawan today, he urged the Vice Chancellors of both universities to develop the institutions as the centres of excellence through sustained enhancement of the standards of teaching and research to bring them among the 200 best institutions of higher learning across the world. The Governor, who is the Chancellor of the University of Kashmir, also called for focusing on research in humanities to ensure that quality research papers were published regularly in known national and international journals. Emphasising the need for faculty development, the Governor observed that this was an essential element for bringing about all round improvement in teaching and research. He also laid emphasis on making the universities hubs of academic and extra-curricular activities for balanced personality development of students. Stressing the need for continuously improving the quality of teaching at the under-graduate level, the Governor observed that this would in turn enhance the quality and standards of teaching and research at the university level. Referring to the functioning of B. Ed. colleges and other private institutions affiliated to the universities, the Governor suggested for putting in place a monitoring mechanism so that high standards of teaching were ensured in all institutions functioning in the state. Minister for Higher Education Mohammad Akbar Lone put forth various suggestions for improving the quality of teaching and research on a sustainable basis and making the universities and other institutions of higher education in the state centres of excellence. Vice Chancellor of the University of Kashmir Talat Ahmad, in his powerpoint presentation, dwelt on the status of various ongoing research projects and those in the pipeline, achievements of the university in varied fields since the last meeting of the Council. The meeting approved the proposal regarding implementation of Choice-Based Credit System by both universities from the next academic session. Regarding the adoption of the 2nd Amendment of the UGC regulations (on minimum qualification for appointment of teachers and other academic staff in universities and colleges and measures for maintenance of standards in higher education 2010), as notified by the UGC on June 13, 2013, and published in the Government of India Gazette on 25-9-2013, the Council discussed the issue and resolved to constitute a Joint Committee of both universities to look into the matter, associating the Vice Chancellors of other universities of the state and come up with recommendations in the next three months. Governor’s sectt closes on Oct 25 Srinagar: The Governor’s secretariat will close in the summer capital on October 25 in connection with the Durbar Move. As per a communiqué from Raj Bhawan, the Governor’s secretariat will close at Srinagar on October 25 at 5 pm and reopen at Jammu on November 4 at 9:30 am. The Durbar Move offices at Srinagar are also scheduled to close on October 25. |
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Kishtwar pledges peace this festive season
Jammu, October 11 Dasehra will be celebrated on October 13 followed by Eid on October 16. The Imam of Jamia Masjid, Kishtwar, Farooq Ahmad Kichloo, has initiated efforts to reach out to people with the message of peace so that Eid is celebrated with religious fervour and in a peaceful atmosphere. In this regard, he has held consultations with people from both communities and everybody has promised cooperation. Kichloo was named head by the Muslim community of a committee set up to hold talks with the Hindu community as well as the administration on various issues. Convener of the Sanatan Dharam Sabha Hans Raj, echoing the views of Kichloo, exuded confidence that people would jointly celebrate both festivals to strengthen their relations. “We have to live together, so there is a need to strengthen communal harmony and brotherhood,” he told The Tribune over phone. He said the coming festivals would be utilised to revive the centuries-old tradition of brotherhood in Kishtwar. “We held a series of meetings with our Hindu brethren and everybody is of the view that whatever happened was unfortunate and this is the time to move ahead and maintain communal harmony,” Kichloo told The Tribune over phone from Kishtwar. On August 9, Kishtwar town witnessed communal clashes when the Muslim community was in Chowgan ground to offer Eid prayers. The minor scuffle between people from both communities turned violent and led to widespread damage. Now, two months later when Muslims will be celebrating Eid-ul-Zuha, people hope that everything will be peaceful. “Eid is coming with the message of peace and I hope everything will be peaceful. Before Eid, the Hindu community will be celebrating Dasehra and we have offered full cooperation,” the Imam said. “To ensure that everything remains peaceful on Eid, a security grid will be put in place by the administration. But we on our own have created a civil force of volunteers who will maintain the inner grid of the security at Chowgan ground,” Kichloo said. Festive cheer * Residents of Kishtwar plan to utilise the coming festivals Dasehra and Eid-ul-Zuha to revive the centuries-old tradition of brotherhood in the town *
The Imam of Jamia Masjid, Kishtwar, Farooq Ahmad Kichloo, has initiated efforts to reach out to people with the message of peace so that Eid is celebrated with religious fervour and in a peaceful atmosphere *
Convener of the Sanatan Dharam Sabha Hans Raj, echoing the views of Kichloo, exuded confidence that people would jointly celebrate both festivals to strengthen their relations |
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The J&K Legislative Council on Friday rejected a resolution seeking 50 per cent reservation for women in professional and technical colleges.
The resolution was moved by a legislator of the ruling National Conference, Dr Shehnaz Ganai, who sought 50 reservation for women in professional and technical colleges to empower women in the state.
