Jammu, November 1
Within three days, the National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC) restored power supply to Kishtwar district by repairing the two towers of 132 kV line, near Khelani in Doda district.

The power supply to the entire Kishtwar district had got snapped after the two towers got damaged when trees fell on them on October 29 morning. The NHPC received requests from the civil administration to restore the power as the line belonged to NHPC.

The state government does not have its own supply line to Kishtwar district and has to be dependent on the NPHC line of 132 kV.

The NHPC repaired the line within three days and restored the power supply to Kishtwar around 7 pm yesterday.

The NHPC general manager of Dul-Hasti power project, Arvind Bhat supervised the whole process and ensured that power was restored within three days. He monitored the work and put around 30 to 40 people, including engineers, on the job.

“The electricity supply in entire Kishtwar district had got snapped after two towers of 132 kV line got damaged near Khellani. We had committed to restore the line in three days and on Thursday evening, power was restored,” said R K Gupta, public relation officer of the NHPC, stationed at Dul-Hasti power project.

The forest fire near Khellani led to falling of trees and some trees damaged the two towers. The NHPC started its work after getting the request from the government.

Due to the non-availability of electricity, water supply in Kishtwar town had also got disturbed. People had strong resentment against the administration and they got relief only after power supply was restored on Thursday.

Jammu, November 1
A delegation of Chamber of Commerce and Industry, led by its senior vice-president Sham Lal Langer and other office-bearers, today called on Kiran Wattal, Commissioner, Jammu Municipal Corporation.

The delegation discussed various issues with the commissioner, including sealing of shops by the JMC. The delegation informed the commissioner that it was against adulteration but at the same time was concerned about the sealing of shops.

The delegation asked Wattal to stop the drive of sealing the shops during the festival season.

The JMC commissioner assured the chamber delegation that there would be no further sealing of shops during the ongoing festival season and at the same time, asked the Chamber to educate the shopkeepers to maintain food standards and quality parameters.

The delegation comprised Sham Lal Langer, Arun Gupta and Deepak Aggarwal. It also visited the border area of Gharkhal and talked to the people affected due to the firing by Pakistani troops. 

Katra, November 1
Five officials of the Rural Development Department (RDD) were today put under suspension for poor performance and dereliction of duty.

The action was taken after various deputations from Mahore tehsil of district Reasi approached the District Development Commissioner complaining about the proper implementation of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA).

Gulzar Ahmed, Gurpreet Singh, Karail Singh, Mohd Yaqoob and Mubassir Hussain from Chassana and Shergari panchayat areas were placed under suspension and attached with office of the District Development Commissioner.

The officials of the department have been directed to ensure time bound completion of panchayatghars, infrastructure assets and rural connectivity. — OC

Jammu, November 1
The J&K Rashtra Bhasha Parchar Samiti (RBPS) today paid tributes to noted Hindi writer Late Rajinder Yadav during a function at the KL Saigal Hall of the Cultural Academy here.

Prof Rita Jatindra, former secretary Cultural Academy, Prof Satpal Srivats, Prof Raj Kumar, Savita Bakshi, additional secretary Cultural Academy and Neeru Sharma, president RBPS, shared the podium.

Dr Sudhir Mahajan, vice president RBPS, on the occasion readout ‘Doosra Shamedan’, a short story translated from Russian to Hindi by Rajinder Yadav. The story was originally written by Anton Chekhov.

Prominent writers who spoke on the occasion included Dr Agani Shekher, Baljeet Raina, Chattarpal, Yogita Yadav and Pritpal Singh. 

Katra, November 1
Konkan Railways Corporation paid Rs 70 lakh to the district administration after a notice was issued by the Deputy Commissioner, Reasi, against the defaulting Apex Encon Ltd, involved in the construction of tunnels. The DC received a lot of complaints about M/S AEPPL for non-payment of dues for deployment of men and machinery in July. 

Taking serious note of the harassment to general public and the non-payment of wages, the Deputy Commissioner directed principal employer KRCL to pay Rs 2.60 crore on behalf of AEPPL, which was engaged by KRCL.

After KRCL expressed inability to pay the dues, the district administration initiated proceedings against the AEPPL for seizing their machinery worth crores of rupees. Thereafter, KRCL paid Rs 30 lakh a few days ago and another installment of Rs 40 lakh now, thereby making it Rs 70 lakh.

The district administration, however, has asked the agencies to make full payment of Rs 2.60 crore and disburse it at their own, failing which a serious action would be taken against AEPPL. The amount so paid by KRCL has been kept in a separate account till the representatives of AEPPL summoned from Andhara Pradesh are produced.

The local people have appreciated the efforts of the district administration for coming to their rescue and ensuring the release of dues pending since two years after the company had abandoned the area without making payments.

Jammu, November 1
In spite of hosting national championships in various disciplines, the state sports associations have expressed resentment over the alleged low participation of big corporate establishments of the state to sponsor the events.

They disclosed that not even a single penny was offered whenever they approached the business houses for seeking financial help to purchase trophies and other necessary items.

“The J&K State Sports Council is always struggling to provide grants-in-aid to the affiliated associations to host national championships and it is now known to everyone. Hosting the Senior National Badminton Championship in Srinagar last year is a perfect example of that. Though the association was provided re-imbursement by the autonomous sports body but the delay in the process caused embarrassment”, said sources in the sports council.

“Last year, when we had decided to meet some of the renowned businessmen of the state to get sponsorship for the badminton championship, we were highly discouraged by their attitude because the businessmen were more interested in showcasing their banners during the championship rather than helping us financially”, one of the office-bearers of the J&K Badminton Association told The Tribune.

“For conducting a championship of national repute, you need a big budget because participants from all over the country are going to participate in the event and if we fail to make necessary arrangements for them, it gives a bad impression to the other states”, office-bearer of another sports association said.

“If a sponsor agrees to provide help for the championship, the money he offers is not even sufficient to purchase prizes and trophies. There is a need to create awareness among the corporate sector to come forward and help strengthen the sports sector with big investments, otherwise the situation will remain the same and our budding players will continue to suffer”, he maintained.

“As far as cricket is concerned, everybody is ready to provide sponsorship for the event because of the popularity of the game across the country. Big corporate houses do not hesitate to donate in lakhs. But when it comes to other disciplines, they are not very keen to come forward”, an office-bearer of an association claimed.

When contacted, a official of the sports council said “unlike states like Punjab, corporate houses in J&K are not very keen to provide sponsorships to the sports association for hosting any national championship. The sports council gets a limited budget for disbursing it to the associations to conduct championships”.

Reasi, November 1
Emphasising the role of self-help groups in the development of far-flung areas of the state, Deputy Commissioner, Reasi, Dr Shahid Iqbal Choudhary today said these groups are vital for the growth of remote villages.

“Self-help groups are vital for the development of remote villages,” Choudhary said while inaugurating the 7th Amul exclusive outlet at 126 Battalion CRPF, Headquarter, Bidda in Reasi.

He added that self-help groups also play a vital role in tackling unemployment.

Quoting Amul’s success story, the DC said a small movement started in 1946 and it is now India’s largest milk manufacturer, which is catering the demand of over 1.2 billion people across the country and providing livelihood opportunities to about 32 lakh people.

Aditya Gole, senior executive, GCMMF Ltd (Amul) said at present Amul is procuring 466 crore litres of milk per annum from livestock owners across Gujarat and having a turnover of around Rs 14,000 crores, making the organisation Asia’s largest milk brand.

He added that the motive behind opening of Amul exclusive store at 126 Battalion CRPF, Bidda is to facilitate the jawans, who are serving the nation in tough mountain terrains.

General Manager Salal Power station AG Ansari, Superintendent of Police, Reasi, Sharif Chauhan and Commanding Officer 126 Battalion Udai Pratap Singh were among others present on the occasion.

Jammu, November 1
Chief Judicial Magistrate, Jammu, S R Gandhi awarded three years rigorous imprisonment (RI) and imposed a fine of Rs 5, 000 on Baldev Singh, a resident of Ludhiana, for cheating his relative.

On December 16, 2002, the complainant lodged a written report that Baldev, his relative, had assured him of providing an employment visa of Germany and had thus charged Rs 2.50 lakh but did not provide the visa.

The police had registered a case under section 406 and 420 of the RPC in this regard.

The Chief Judicial Magistrate, Jammu, observed that “The culpable dishonest intention of the accused, right at the beginning, can be presumed in knowing that he was no lawful authority sitting in India making a representation to a person that he would settle him in a foreign country and that person stands induced by such representation and makes the payment of money.”

Batote, November 1
The police has seized 20 kg of bhukki (dry poppy straw) from a driver of Jammu-bound truck (JK02AD-4456) at Nashri. We have recovered 20 kg of bhukki from a truck driver, police said here today.

The poppy straw was being smuggled and was hidden in three apple boxes. The accused, Ajay Kumar Mahasha, of Nashri, Batote, was arrested under section 8 and15 of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, police said.

Jammu, November 1
As a part of its Vigilance Awareness Week celebrations, Power Grid Corporation of India Ltd, Northern Region-II, Jammu, organised a debate competition at BSF Senior Secondary School today.

The topic of debate was “more stringent laws are required for promoting good governance in India”, wherein 20 schools participated.

S S Tomar, IG BSF, Jammu Frontier, was the chief guest on the occasion while S K Sharma, General Manager (In charge, projects) POWERGRID NR-II lighted the lamp.

Principal of the school Dr S S Kokhar appreciated the contribution of POWERGRID in the growth of economy of the country. In his address, Paramjit Singh Chahal, Vigilance Head, POWERGRID Northern Region-II, gave a brief account of the activities of POWERGRID and its role in nation building.

Kendriya Vidyalaya (KV), Bantalab, emerged as the best debating team, followed by Heritage School, Sainik Colony and Army Public School, Nagrota.

Sheetal Raina, Ayush Sharma and Rajat Sharma were declared the best speakers. The schools which participated in the debate competition were Army Public School, Muthi, Kendriya Vidalya, Bantalab, Kendriya Vidalya, Jammu Cantt, G D Goenka Public School, Maharaja Hari Singh Agri Collegiate School, Nagbani, Presentation Convent Senior Secondary School, J K Public School, Heritage School, Army Public School, Nagrota, K C Public School, Banyan International School, SOS Hermann Gmeiner School, Air force School, Jammu, Army Public School, Satwari, Jodhamal Public Shool, Army Public School, Akhnoor, MV International Public School, K C International School, Delhi Public School, besides the host BSF Senior Secondary School.

Stanley Mathews, Chief Manager (HR), POWERGRID and Neelika Arora, Assistant Professor, Central University, Jammu, were the judges in the competition. The vote of thanks was presented by Sudhir Dhar, Manager (vigilance), POWERGRID, Jammu.

Jammu, November 1
Dubbing the government claims of taking proper care of the farmers living close to the borders as false, the Basmati Rice Grower’s Association (BRGA) today said the community has been left to suffer in absence of proper arrangements.

The association also said the farmer community has been adversely affected due to the consistent ceasefire violations by Pakistan in the recent past.

“The farmers were not in a position to cultivate their fields due to continuous firing from across the border. The border area within 2 kms may be declared as ‘danger zone’ and there is immediate need for providing bunkers to nearby houses in the area,” president BRGA Choudhary Dev Raj told reporters here today.

While emphasising the plight of student community in the border area, Dev Raj said: “Authorities should award 25 per cent marks to the students of border areas, as their education was badly affected owing to incidents of continuous firing by Pakistan.”

He also demanded that one member of each family living in the border areas must be provided employment in the defence forces or in the state government.

Other demands of the association included providing insurance cover of Rs 10 lakh, free seeds and fertilisers and concession on electricity, revenue, loans etc…

Choudhary stressed the need for redressal of their demands and warned of a campaign against authorities if the government failed to fulfil them at the earliest.

Jammu, November 1
The National Children Science Congress --- 2013 concluded today at Kendriya Vidyalaya (KV) No 2 here under the patronage of M Laxmi Narayana, venue principal. Experts from different universities and colleges judged the projects.

Out of 72 projects, the top 20 were selected for the nationals to be held in Bhopal next month.

AS Gill, Assistant Commissioner Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan (KVS), Jammu Region, was the chief guest on the occasion. Later, certificates were also given to the participants. — TNS

Jammu, November 1
The PG Department today clinched the Inter-Collegiate Volleyball (Women) Tournament getting the better of Government College for Women, Gandhi Nagar, 3-0 in the finals.

The PG Department maintained a tight grip over their opponents right from the beginning, winning the first set 25-19 and sealing the second one 25-9.

The PG Department spikers then shut the door on their opponents in the third, clinching the set (25-20) and the match.

The final match was conducted under the supervision of Director, Directorate of Sports and Physical Education, Prof Dhian S Bhau,

Kuldeep Magotra, vice president, Volleyball Federation of India, was the chief guest on the occasion, while Romesh Sharma, chairman selection committee for Volleyball Federation of India was the guest of honour.

The tournament was organised by the Directorate of Sports and Physical Education, University of Jammu.

Jammu, November 1
Singh Club and Territorial Army 157 today advanced into the next round of the ongoing Baba Fateh Singh Memorial Hockey Tournament, being organised at the KK Hakhu Astro Turf Stadium here.

In the first match, Singh Club overcame the challenge of Zorawar Club by 4-2 goals.

Harvinder Singh (21st minute), Manmeet Singh (23rd minute) and Vikram Singh (37th and 54th minute) were the goal scorers for winner team.

For Zorawar Club, Harpreet Singh (30th minute) and Harshved Singh (34th minute) scored goals.

In another match of the day, the Territorial Army drubbed Deshmesh Club, Gole Gujral, 3-0.

Gurmeet Singh, Satinder Singh and P P Singh were the scorers.

The matches were officiated by the technical penal, including Iqbal Singh, Jagjit Singh, J S Reen and G S Bakshi.

Jammu, November 1
Delhi XI scripted an emphatic win over Challenger XI today to storm into the semifinals of the ongoing Eid-Diwali Milan T20 Cricket Cup being played at MA Stadium here.

Batting first, Delhi XI accumulated 148 runs in their stipulated quota of overs for loss of 5 wickets.

Abhishek (49) and Anuj Choudhary (34) made a significant contribution to the total.

Chasing a moderate target Challenger XI did not gain any momentum, as they lost wickets at regular intervals and were bundled out for just 109 run.

Praveen (24) and Manjeet (21) tried to steady the Challenger ship, but that didn’t prove enough, as Delhi XI clinched 39 run victory to book a place in the semis.

Ankit accounted for three Challenger wickets, while Abhishek and Anuj bagged two wickets each.

In the second match, Punjab XI toppled Mumbai XI by 50 runs.

The matches were officiated by Sudhir Singh, Saleem-ur-Rehman, Sandeep Manchanda, Shashi and Sanjay Bhatti, while Yogesh Sharma was the scorer.

Jammu, November 1
Bajrang Akhara, an affiliated unit of the J&K Wrestling Association, today organised a wrestling competition, under the supervision Pardeep Sharma, president, Bajrangi Akhara, Jammu.

Ashok Khajuria, MLA, Jammu East, was the chief guest on the occasion while Kiran Wattal, Commissioner, Jammu Municipal Corporation, was the guest of honour. About 60 wrestlers from the state participated in various weight categories. Dushyant Sharma, former president, the Wrestling Federation of India and president, the J&K Wrestling Association, was also present. The participating wrestlers included Muneer Khan, Ashwani Kumar, Bharat Bhushan, Sunny Basotra, Manga, Ravi, Murad Ali, Akram, Nissar and Muneer Khan.

Jammu, November 1
Kendriya Vidyalaya (KV) No 1, Gandhi Nagar, today celebrated its annual sports day in the Vidyalaya campus. Prof Dhian Singh Bhau, Director, Sports was the chief guest on the occasion, while Ramesh Sharma, volleyball coach, was the guest of honour.

Giving an account of the achievements of the Vidyalaya in the field of sports and games, Romi Amrit, officiating venue principal, said 232 children of the institute participated at regional level, while 26 students were part of the KVS National level. Fifteen others took part in the Junior National State level events in different activities, she said.

On the occasion, a cultural programme was also presented by the students of the Vidyalaya. — TNS