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Mechanised snow clearing gets under way
Snowfall in Kashmir, dry weather ahead
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Ladakh region cut off from state
National highway remains closed, shortage of essentials in Valley
Omar inspects NH construction work
payoff row
VK Singh shouldn’t be called in person before House: Soz
On CM’s intervention, youth to get passport
Cong to oppose NC on proposed admn units
IAF airlifts 53 to safety in Kishtwar
Hurriyat split: Mirwaiz terms it closed chapter
Rumblings within Hurriyat go back to 2012
After Mirwaiz, doctors’ body seeks ban on alcohol
Experts express concern over Hepatitis C cases
Reorganisation of Estates Dept sought
Cabinet panel to meet on Jan 13
SMC officer hurt during demolition drive in city
Two of 9 vacant posts in JU sports dept to be filled
Ram Dev to visit city on Feb 1 for ‘karyakarta bethak’
Online CBSE accreditation for schools to begin in Jammu
NGO organises medical camp
BJP alleges being left out of Cabinet panel meeting
Army holds 2-day quiz competition
Vohra condoles death of Professor Lakhanpal
Youth killed as vehicle rolls down gorge
Man killed as car falls into lake
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Mechanised snow clearing gets under way
Srinagar, January 9 Shifting from the manual to the more effective mechanised snow clearance, the authorities in the Kashmir Valley have deployed this winter over 104 machines, which include eight snow cutters imported from Switzerland. “As per the ‘Mechanised Snow Clearance Action Plan’ for 2013-14, our department is entrusted with clearing snow from all major highways and roads in Kashmir, which come to around 6,700 km of macadamised road length”, said chief engineer, mechanical engineering department (MED), Shafat Ahmad Chasti. Almost all major highways, including the inter-district roads, in the Valley had been cleared within 10 hours of the snowfall during nightlong operations, Chasti said. The mechanised method to clear snow saved both time and money, he added. “The mechanised way of snow clearance was started in 1988 when the department first procured 15 snow clearance machines. The fleet of machines has increased to 104, which includes eight imported snow cutters. Each cutter costs about Rs 6 crore,” Chasti said while sharing details of the Mechanised Snow Clearance Action Plan. He said snow clearance was preferred during night hours as saved the public from inconvenience. In the 13 snow control rooms set up across the Valley, engineers and operators work 24x7 once the snowfall begins. “We began our clearance operations once the snow accumulated up to four inches on the roads,” said assistant engineer Mohammad Tariq Lone, who is in charge of one such control room set up at
Baramulla.
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Snowfall in Kashmir, dry weather ahead
Srinagar, January 9 The state meteorological department has said the weather is likely to remain dry in the coming days. While Srinagar city received light snowfall, many parts of south and north Kashmir received moderate snowfall. The state weather department forecast said light rain and snowfall was likely to occur at a few places in the region during the next 24 hours while weather would be dry during the subsequent two days. Gulmarg resort in north Kashmir recorded 50 cm of snow while south Kashmir’s Pahalgam’s resort recorded 30 cm of snow, an official of the state Meteorological department said. The mercury in Gulmarg fell to a low of -7.0°C while it plunged to -5.8°C in Pahalgam resort, the official said. In Srinagar city, the overnight minimum temperature was recorded at -1.9°C while the maximum in the city here was recorded at 4.2°C. Qazigund town recorded 40 cm of snow and the mercury fell to -4.0°C while minimum temperature recorded in north Kashmir’s frontier Kupwara town was -2°C. Kupwara received 20 cm of snow, the official said. In Leh in the Ladakh region, the minimum temperature was recorded at -9.2°C while the mercury fell to -11°C in Kargil town, making it the coldest place in Kashmir division. |
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Ladakh region cut off from state
Leh, January 9 The two Air India and GoAir flights from Delhi to Leh were cancelled this morning, leaving hundreds of Delhi-bound passengers stranded at Leh. People of the Ladakh region are dependent on air connectivity during the winter as all roads are blocked due to accumulation of snow. The Leh-Nubra road, which connects the district headquarters with the Nubra valley and the Siachen glacier, was closed for traffic in the morning due to accumulation of snow at Khardungla. Snowfall has further intensified the cold wave conditions. The day temperature has started to dip below zero. The Meteorological Department, Srinagar, said -3.2°C was recorded during the day in Ladakh today. The night temperature settled at -9°C. Director, Meteorological Department, Sonam Lotus said a fresh western disturbance was affecting the entire state and cloudy weather would prevail across Ladakh tomorrow. — OC |
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National highway remains closed, shortage of essentials in Valley
Anantnag, January 9 The highway remained closed for four days earlier this month. It was opened for light vehicles on a one-way basis. The closure of the highway has caused hardships to the people in the Valley as there is shortage of essentials, including baby food, medicine, LPG and eatables. Many villages and towns in south Kashmir have been facing an acute shortage of domestic gas. LPG dealers, however, say they are running out of stocks. “We, too, realise that people are bearing the brunt of LPG shortage. However, we can do nothing,” said a LPG dealer in Anantnag. The dealer said as only light vehicles were allowed to ply when the highway was reopened this month, the supplies could not be replenished. Vegetable vendors have also not got any fresh supplies since the closure of the highway. “It has been more than a week now, but we have not received any fresh supplies. We have been selling stocked vegetables with longer shelf life,” said Mushtaq Ahmad, a vegetable vendor in Kulgam. Mushtaq, however, said the stocked vegetables were running out as well. Meanwhile, the major cause for concern for the people remains shortage of baby food and medicines. Medicine dealers say they were able to get life-saving drugs even when the highway was opened for one-way traffic. However, with the complete closure of the national highway, they too are worried. The authorities say the highway will be reopened in case the weather shows improvement. “We are working round the clock to clear the snow from the highway and it will not be long before it is thrown open again,” said a senior traffic official.
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Omar inspects NH construction work
“You should absorb all the available human resource in the projects you are executing, besides giving preference to the local traders, contractors, transporters and others to undertake works of different nature you are supposed to outsource in the process of execution of the projects,” Omar said. “The state government has embarked upon an ambitious programme of upgrading skills of local youth to make them fit in the technical staff of the executors of different projects, particularly in the power and road communication sectors,” the Chief Minister said while inspecting the status of the four-laning of the Jammu-Srinagar national highway from Jammu to Udhampur. “Economic welfare of locals to the maximum should be ensured while executing the works and completing the projects,” he stressed Omar, meanwhile, directed the Revenue Department and the National Highway Authority of India, which is executing the project, to work in close coordination for disbursement of compensation to the families whose land is being acquired for the construction of the road. The Chief Minister, who was accompanied by Minister for Roads and Buildings Abdul Majid Wani, stopped at Sidhra, Nagrota bypass, Ban toll plaza, tunnel-3 south portal at Nandani, Jhajjar Kotli bridge and Udhampur byepass to get firsthand account of the status of work. While talking to the engineers and other officials of the National Highway Authority of India, Omar said: “The four-laning of the national highway will not only enhance and upgrade the accessibility to the Valley from other parts of the country, but will also help in generating economic activities and jobs for people in different fields of development.” The Chief Minister, on the occasion, was informed that 5.12 km Jammu bypass, 11.70 km Nagrota bypass and 18-19 km Udhampur bypass have been completed. The officials of the construction company also said four-laning of Jammu-Udhampur highway involved construction of 64 major and 61 minor bridges, besides 220 culverts and four twin tube tunnels. They added that a state of art toll plaza at Ban village, at the end of the Nagrota bypass, with automatic vehicle classifier, weigh in motion bridge, medical aid, ambulances, cranes and highway traffic patrol was part of the project. |
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payoff
row Amir Karim Tantray Tribune News Service
Jammu, January 9 Taking strong exception to his absence, the committee decided to again summon the General on January 22, failing which action under law would be taken against him. Gen VK Singh was to explain his position on his allegations that politicians in Jammu and Kashmir were paid by the Army.
The summons were issued through the Haryana Director General of Police and its copies sent to the Haryana Legislative Assembly Speaker and other officers. Gen VK Singh’s friend Col UV Singh (retd), who was at the Legislative Council with his daughter, said the General had written to the Privilege Committee, which did not accept his reply and asked him to appear before it in person. “General Singh had sent his reply to the committee through Speed Post but they refused to accept it,” Col UV Singh said. However, Rana said the committee had not received any reply from the Army ex-Chief. The Privilege Committee met today morning in Jammu under the chairmanship of Member of Legislative Council (MLC) Jugal Kishore Sharma and waited for Gen VK Singh to appear till afternoon. “The committee unanimously decided that summons should be served to General VK Singh (retd) through the Haryana DGP with copies to the Speaker and other officers of Haryana. Should he fail to appear before the committee on January 22 as per the summons issued now, the law is very clear as to what measures be taken to ensure his presence before the committee,” said Devender Singh Rana, an MLC and member of the committee. National Conference MLCs, Ajay Sadhotra, Khalid Najeeb Suharwardy and Rana had moved a privilege motion against VK Singh last October, after he had said the Army paid J&K politicians and minister to do some work. In his reply, VK Singh said he was misquoted. About possible action against Gen VK Singh, a member of the Privilege Committee said they could break into his house and produce him before the panel.
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VK Singh shouldn’t be called in person before House: Soz
“Although General Singh has been in controversies even during his service and after retirement, he has retracted his statement regarding the payoff row. So, it is my personal opinion that he should not be called to appear in person before the Privilege Committee,” Soz said while interacting with mediapersons on the sidelines of a function organised by the Chamber of Commerce and Industries (CCI) Jammu to felicitate him. The issue of General Singh should be dealt with in a democratic manner, he added. The JKPCC chief asserted the Congress was committed to implementing its agenda in the government. “Despite compulsions of the coalition, the Congress has been aggressively pursuing the issue of extending the 73rd Amendment to J&K, solving issues of refugees and finding a solution to the problems of border inhabitants,” he said. On having a pre-poll alliance with the National Conference (NC), Soz said the decision in this regard would be taken by the high command at the appropriate time. He, however, hastened to add that the interests of the Congress would be watched at any cost. |
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On CM’s intervention, youth to get passport Srinagar, January 9 Rohail was supposed to go for internship with The Guardian newspaper in London in the first week of January. Omar Abdullah today wrote on his Twitter account that all clearances had been made in favour of the youth and now he could pursue his career without any hindrance. The Chief Minister yesterday tweeted: “I have asked the CID for the facts in this case. I’ll get back to everyone here tomorrow with the details as they exist.” Omar today questioned the rejection of the passport by the CID. “Have inquired into the passport issue of Sheikh Rohail. It’s coming for review today as he had applied for review of rejection,” Omar wrote. “Am sure if there is nothing in his own record his relative’s history will not prejudice his passport application,” In his last tweet today evening: Omar said, “Sheikh Rohail’s CID clearance was issued today. Good luck to him as he pursues his journalistic career.” — OC
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Cong to oppose NC on proposed admn units
Jammu, January 9 The party has said the committee has ignored many deserving areas in its recommendations. Congress leaders have been demanding justice for all three regions of the state. The party has reportedly told the government to reject the “discriminatory” recommendations of the Committee for Examination of Demands of New Administrative Units headed by Mushtaq Ahmed Ganai. Sources said the Congress leaders had made it clear to the coalition partner National Conference that the Ganai Committee report had discriminated against Jammu and Ladakh so the rejection of the recommendations of the panel was important to ensure justice with all regions and sub-regions of the state. The Ganai Committee had submitted its report to the government on July 2011. Besides recommending the rationalisation/reorganisation of various administrative units, the committee had recommended creation of 23 subdivisions, 57 tehsils, 63 blocks, 79 niabats and 733 patwar halqas. The report of the committee was placed before the Cabinet at its meeting on July 24, 2013. Following resentment by the Congress ministers, the government had ordered the constitution of a Cabinet Sub-Committee (CSC) under the chairmanship of Deputy Chief Minister Tara Chand for examining the demands for the creation of new administrative units and to take on board any fresh demands. In the last Cabinet meeting held on December 31, serious differences emerged between the Congress and the National Conference on the creation of new administrative units. Following a tough stand by the Congress ministers, the government gave an extension to the CSC and told the committee to visit various areas of the Jammu region to accommodate the aspirations and wishes of all regions and sub-regions. Congress MLAs are openly blaming the coalition partner National Conference for ignoring their respective areas. “We will not remain a mute spectator in case the government fails to fulfil the aspirations of the people of the erstwhile Doda district,” said Congress MLA from Inderwal Ghulam Mohammad Saroori. He alleged that the erstwhile Doda district had been ignored. Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee chief Saifuddin Soz tried to downplay the differences but admitted that the earlier committee had ignored many deserving areas in its recommendations. “We want justice be done with all three regions of the state,” said Soz and asserted that the Congress was committed to ensuring that every region got its share.
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IAF airlifts 53 to safety in Kishtwar
Jammu, January 9 It was IAF’s second rescue operation within
a week. Braving snow and extreme cold conditions, MI-17 chopper in assistance with the local administration airlifted people from where they had been trapped for the past one week, said Jammu-based Defence Ministry’s spokesperson. The operation was carried out under Squadron Leader Shailesh Singh and co-pilot Flight Lieutenant Shishir
Tewari. |
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CM visits Northern Command HQ
Jammu, January 9 The Chief Minister discussed with the officers various matters relating to the state’s security and law and order. The GOC-in-C briefed the Chief Minister on various issues relating to the functioning of the security grid in the state. Omar also called on Lt General Chachra at his official residence ‘Tara Mount’. |
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CVC calls on Governor in Jammu
Jammu, January 9 Khoda briefed the Governor about the to-date status of the functioning of the Vigilance Commission, steps taken for strengthening the institution of the Departmental Vigilance Officers and his assessment about the effectiveness of the Commission to reduce corruption and enhance good governance. The CVC apprised the Governor about the difficult staffing situation in the Commission and the efforts being made to fill the posts on a fast-track basis and rules and the regulatory framework put in place. — TNS |
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Hurriyat split: Mirwaiz terms it closed chapter
Srinagar, January 9 It issued instructions to the members not to discuss the matter at meetings and in the media. This was decided today during a closed-door meeting of the Hurriyat executive and the general council meeting here at its headquarters. The meeting was chaired by chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and attended by his close aide Prof Abdul Gani Bhat, Aga Syed Hassan, Javed Mir, Mussadiq Aadil, Hilal War and other. Sources said during the meeting, the controversy surrounding the letter written by Mirwaiz to the Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) chapter of the Hurriyat and the subsequent statements issued by rebel Hurriyat leaders — Shabir Shah, Nayeem Khan and Azam Inquilabi — also came up for discussion. “The meet termed the matter as a closed chapter and the chairman passed strict instructions to the members not to discuss the matter further at meetings. It was also directed that no statements in this regard should be issued to
the media,” a Hurriyat source said. They said during the meeting it appeared that Mirwaiz had made up his mind and the letter to the PoK chapter was intended to make it clear that the trio was no longer part of the Hurriyat. In the letter, Mirwaiz had cited indiscipline and violation of the Hurriyat constitution as some of the reasons for not entertaining the leaders who he did not name in his letter. The leaking of the letter to the media led to a chain reaction, with the three rebel leaders going public and accusing Mirwaiz of leading a group of “anti-movement” people. They even claimed that they were the “real” Hurriyat while questioning the credibility of Mirwaiz’s leadership as the Hurriyat chairman. “During the meeting, it was felt that Shabir Shah and his supporters should be allowed to function as they want. Syed Ali Shah Geelani had done the same when he broke away and formed his own faction in 2003,” the Hurriyat sources said. There is no mention of the recent controversy in the statement issued to the media by the moderate Hurriyat today. The statement says the meeting discussed the emerging political situation and took stock of organisational matters. |
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Rumblings within Hurriyat go back to 2012
Srinagar, January 9 Since then the moderate Hurriyat Conference led by Mirwaiz Umar Farooq is virtually split between two warring factions. Even Hurriyat insiders maintain that “for all practical purposes” the trio — Shabir Shah, Nayeem Khan and Azam Inquilabi — are “out of the Hurriyat fold”. “For all practical purposes, these three leaders are out of the Hurriyat and have not been attending its meetings for quite a long time,” Hurriyat sources said, wishing not to be named as Mirwaiz has reportedly told his members not to air their views on the latest controversy following the leaking of the contents of a letter he wrote to the Hurriyat’s Pakistan-occupied Kashmir chapter. In his letter, Mirwaiz had cited indiscipline and violation of the Hurriyat constitution as some of the reasons for not entertaining the leaders who he did not name in his letter. The leaking of this letter in the media resulted in a chain reaction, with the three rebel leaders going public and accusing Mirwaiz of leading a group of “anti-movement” people. They even said they are the “real” Hurriyat. Shah had told The Tribune on May 31, 2013, that he would “maintain his distance” from the Hurriyat following a controversy over his party’s representative in the PoK chapter of the Hurriyat. On May 30, 2013, Shah had ordered his representative and Hurriyat’s then convener for Pakistan chapter, Mehmood Sagar, to step down and resign from the Hurriyat, which he had done accordingly. Shah had then said the step was taken to register his and his party’s protest against what he called “deviation” of the Hurriyat Conference from its 1993 constitution and “undemocratic set up” within the amalgam. Later on June 8, 2013, Mirwaiz as the Hurriyat chairman had nominated Syed Yousuf Naseem as the convener of the Hurriyat’s Pakistan chapter with directions to “coordinate the activities” of the Hurriyat in Muzaffarabad and Islamabad. However, the bitterness between the groups led by Mirwaiz and Shah prevailed and the rebel group never participated in any programme or meetings of the moderate Hurriyat. In fact, the latest controversial letter was also addressed by Mirwaiz to Yousuf Naseem, wherein he has been asked to take action against those indulging in indiscipline. |
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After Mirwaiz, doctors’ body seeks ban on alcohol
Srinagar, January 9 Earlier, while speaking during ‘Seerat Conference’ here yesterday, religious and Hurriyat leader Mirwaiz Umar Farooq had also expressed concern over the rising alcoholism and drug addiction in Kashmir. Mirwaiz had said the immoral activities were creeping deeper into Kashmir society and as a result, social ills like immorality, drug addiction and liquor have sadly shown a rising trend. “The J&K Government has legal and moral obligation to have a blanket ban on the consumption and trade of alcohol in the state,” DAK President Dr Nissar-ul-Hasan said in a statement here, adding that Gujarat has also imposed a ban. “I want to ask why not ban its use in J&K,” he said in a statement issued here, adding that the sale of liquor in J&K is being promoted under a conspiracy. “The use and trade of alcohol in Kashmir is a conspiracy to make our society morbid and socially wreck. The sale of liquor is unacceptable to us and at no cost will we allow this menace in our society,” he said, adding that the DAK would file public interest litigation in the high court, seeking a complete ban on the sale and consumption of alcohol in the valley. Mirwaiz said being a tourist state, it should not promote liquor sale. He said the cultural onslaught on the Kashmiri tradition and sensibilities should come to an immediate halt. If not, he added that such an aggression would be countered by protests.
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Experts express concern over Hepatitis C cases
Srinagar, January 9 The officials seem to be in a denial mode and are just passing the buck. In one of the villages of south Kashmir, Takiya Magam, more than 700 people have tested positive for Hepatitis C so far. The state government seemed to be concerned after the outbreak of the disease as multiple teams from the union health ministry were sent to the said village to know the reason behind the disease, but with new cases coming up the authorities seem to be unmoved to counter the disease, commonly termed as the “silent killer”. The doctors concerned with the department said there had been an increase in the number of cases of Hepatitis C in the past two years. “It transmits due to usage of shared needles in dispensaries and dental clinics. The disease is deadly and does not show any symptom till first three months. It can spread to a large number of people within no time. It has increased in the last few years,” said a doctor. He said, “There are many chances of transmission and the state
government needs to wake up to this complex emerging health problem in the valley.” The doctor said the health department should first and foremost investigate these cases so that they could be stopped from spreading and the patients be provided proper treatment. There is another cause of concern for experts - unaffordability of treatment for the local population, as the full course of treatment costs more than Rs 3 lakh for a person. The doctors at Government Medical College, Srinagar, however, said they had formed a team of experts to visit the affected areas. “We have deputed teams to visit the affected areas, but as for now we don’t have any specific information where it has actually occurred,” said Dr Safoora, who is associated
with the Department of Preventive Medicines, Government Medical College, Srinagar. Principal of Government Medical College GM Pampori was quoted by the media saying that they after their meeting
with the Social and Preventive Medicine Department have formed a team to verify the cases in Srinagar city. |
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Reorganisation of Estates Dept sought
Srinagar, January 9 In a statement, EEA
president GN War said the reorganisation was necessary due to the setting of new commercial units after the formation of the department. He said the reorganisation of the department would also address the long pending demands of its employees. The EEA also thanked Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, Chief Secretary Mohammad Iqbal Khanday and Principal Secretary BB Vyas for posting Sheikh Fayaz Ahmad as the director of the department. War said the new director after taking charge
had already addressed several issues while expressing hope that other pending matters would be resolved soon. “The director promoted 10 employees whose promotion was withheld for the past many years. He has promised us that he will address the pending issues of all employees soon,” he added. The president of the association said the Estates Employees Associationhad also assured its full support in smooth running of the Estates Department.
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Cabinet panel to meet on Jan 13
Srinagar, January 9 The Sub-Committee would be meeting people at a banquet hall in Srinagar. An official spokesman asked the general public of Srinagar to put their suggestions before the sub-committee. “The public can interact with the sub-committee and put their suggestions and demands in connection with the creation of new administrative units. They can interact and file their suggestions and demands before the Cabinet Sub-Committee,” he said. The J&K Government had constituted a Cabinet Sub-Committee headed by Deputy Chief Minister for examining the creation of new administrative units in the state. The sub-committee has so far visited various districts.
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SMC officer hurt during demolition drive in city
Srinagar, January 9 “Enforcement officer Nisar Ahmad Shah got critically injured while conducting a demolition drive at Gogjibagh and was immediately rushed to a hospital,” a SMC official said. She said the SMC demolition squad under the supervision of Shah had reached the spot to demolish an illegal structure, but the team had to face strong resentment from the school officials. “It had come to the notice of the authorities that the owner of OASIS school had illegally raised a single-storeyed structure without obtaining any proper permission from the competent authority. The SMC officials were pelted with stones and thrashed. An FIR has also been lodged in this regard,” the official added. — TNS
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Two of 9 vacant posts in JU sports dept to be filled
Jammu, January 9 Prof Dhian S Bhau, Director, Directorate of Sports and Phyiscal Education, while confirming the development, told The Tribune that the department had sent a proposal to the government to fill nine posts, including one of assistant professor, two of lecturer and six of coach. “I had a meeting with the Vice Chancellor today and I took up the matter with him. I was informed that the authorities concerned have agreed to fill two posts for the time being to run the affairs of both faculty and administration in a smooth manner,” Prof Bhau said. The Tribune had earlier reported that after the recent resignation of an Assistant Director and retirement of three officials, the functioning of the Directorate of Sports and Physical Education, University of Jammu, was completely paralysed. When asked about the disciplines wherein the post of coaches will be filled, Sports Director said “Right now we have not finalised the disciplines, but after the sanction will be accorded by the authorities we would decide about the disciplines.” “Though we have prioritise the disciplines for which the recruitment of coaches is needed. The disciplines are athletics, hockey, wrestling, kabaddi, kho-kho, badminton, gymnastics, lawn tennis and boxing,” the Director, Physical Education, claimed. Prof Bhau informed that other matters discussed pertained to providing benefits to the medal winner students, who represented the varsity in various inter-university competitions across the country. “A detailed discussion was held with the Vice Chancellor wherein I suggested to provide concession in fee to the medal winner students for taking admission to Bachelor's in Physical Education (BPEd) and Master's in Physical Education (MPEd) courses. “No doubt, the university is encouraging its medal winners in an appropriate manner by felicitating them, but if we take more initiatives to provide facilities in shape of concession it will further boost their morale,” Prof Bhau claimed. “This is what precisely I have informed the Vice Chancellor and he took note of it. In fact, he has asked the department to submit a proposal regarding what can be done to benefit the meritorious sportspersons of the varsity,” he maintained. |
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Non-gazetted staff stage protest
Jammu, January 9 The union alleged that the Power Development Department (PDD) authorities had published the list of all the "need-based" employees after their proper verification from their respective offices, but the authorities had yet to take measures to release their wages. The union claimed that after approaching the authorities to know the matter, it came to the light that no list was forwarded to the offices concerned for the release of wages of "need-based" employees. “The Managing Director of Power Development Corporation (PDC) had entered into a written agreement with the representatives of the union that the daily wagers of the PDC will be regularised and formal orders will be issued by December 31, 2013, but till date nothing has been done in this regard,” a press note from the union said. The union demanded that all the officials concerned be directed to forward the list of "need-based" employees to the higher authorities, besides clarifying the status of Rs 6.50 crore, which was released by the government for the disbursement of wages to 1,791 "need-based" employees. The protest of the union also got support from the Employees Joint Action Committee. Parshotam Sharma, Mohammad Aslam Choudhary, Surjeet Khajuria, Gurnam Slathia, Des Raj, Krishan Kumar, Ghulam Mohammad and others participated in the protest. |
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Jammu witnesses restaurant theatre
Jammu, January 9 Chanakya Restaurant at Green Belt Parks came abuzz with this theatrical activity with a difference as the performance was enacted by two actors among the customers there. The play, "Uljhan", which contained a newer gist of live-in relations, was executed by Himanshu Darshan and Neha Lahotra, who took audience by surprise by their artistry. Being a concept creation of Vikram Sharma, the 45-minute drama that arises out from the customer audience of a restaurant was a unique effort that is quite new and different for Jammuites, who recently are feeling very excited with novel dramaturgy being reflected on the state panorama. While Neha Lahotra and Himanshu Darshan produced a scintillating effect of the issue based on live-in relation in trance, Yogita Singh and Aaditya Bhanu supported the theme as actual couple who started the conversation. “This is a wonderful concept mooted by Vikram Sharma, who always looks for new angles. Such a step was taken in Germany on the name of invisible theatre but this concept is new to the Indian theatre,” said Balwant Thakur , director, International Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR). Prof Hari Om, former Head of the History Department, University of Jammu, and Dushyant Sharma, Superintendent of Police, also joined in a debate over the Jammu theatre that followed after the show. Originally, a Floyd Dell’s "Enigma", the play was translated and adapted into Hindi by Vikram Sharma as "Uljhan". |
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Ram Dev to visit city on Feb 1 for ‘karyakarta bethak’
Jammu, January 9 Bansi Lal said the trust would launch a day-long agitation against the state government outside the Press Club of Jammu. He said the state government had conducted the Panchayati Raj elections in April, 2011, but could not complete the panchayat process by conducting elections to block as well as district-level bodies even after the lapse of three years. "Instead of restoring the implementation of all rural programmes like MGNREGA, IAY, etc, the panchayats have been provided with Rs 1.50 lakh to operate, which is quite contrary to the principles warranting the forming of panchayats. "All the funds are being provided and used by the respective panchayats in almost the entire country for the implementation of all rural programmes, especially MGNREGA, as per guidelines, but in J&K state duly-elected panchayats are deprived of their right to do so, particularly at a time when bank accounts for the schemes have been opened in the name of respective panchayats for whom the funds are being provided by the Union Government," Bansi Lal claimed. He maintained that these funds presently were being managed by the Block Development Officer concerned instead of panchayats for the implementation of programmes as per their requirement in the light of the guidelines. The trust stressed upon the state government to look into the matter for the immediate withdrawal of circular instructions, thereby restoring all fund-managing powers to the respective panchayats instead of Block Development Officer (BDO) concerned. Those who were present included Jai Ram Sharma, Deepak Sharma and Amarjeet Singh. |
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Online CBSE accreditation for schools to begin in Jammu
Jammu, January 9 The Principal, Army Public School, Akhnoor, and president of the JSSC, KCS Mehta, said, “CBSE-affiliated schools in Jammu are more as compared to those in the Valley and it is obvious that we should start the process of applying for mandatory accreditation by the schools in Jammu.” “There are more than 40 CBSE-affiliated schools in the state, which have most of the facilities as per the new directions to seek the accreditation, but still we have to make sure that our schools should not lag behind other institutions outside the state in terms of providing overall infrastructure to our students,” Mehta said. To apply online for accreditation, the schools need to fill the "form of intent" on the CBSE website. The accreditation process entails three phases with the first being the submission of online application along with relevant evidence to support the data. Sources said after the schools applied online for accreditation in the first phase, a visit to the school by the Peer Assessor Team (PAT) or agency for validation of data and collection of supporting evidence would complete the second phase. The third or the final phase would entail reporting on the applicant school’s accreditation by PAT/agency to the CBSE. A final decision on whether to give an accreditation or not would be taken by the CBSE. The core principles for the accreditation of CBSE schools are self-study, peer review, follow-up and recommendation to improve overall standard. The self-study engages the entire educational community in structured analysis, self-reflection, and planning in response to the standards, while peer review will bring discipline and perspective to the process through the observations and judgements of a visiting committee of peers from other schools and colleges, informed by the self-study and based on the standards. The follow-up is monitored by an agency and overseen by a professional staff to ensure that planned and prescribed institutional change is accomplished. An Expert Advisory Committee will be established in the CBSE to deal with the accreditation matters. It will be responsible for carrying out various functions with respect to accreditation.
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NGO organises medical camp
Jammu, January 9 More than 150 patients underwent medical check-up by a team of specialists and medical staff. These included Dr Jitender Kumar, Zone Medical Officer (ISM), Ramesh Naru, pharmacist, Baint Kour, Lalita, Ram Pyari and Revta Rani. Speaking on the occasion, BJP state secretary Munish Sharma appreciated the initiative taken by the Chairman, Parivartan, Vikas Sharma, for organising free medical check-up camp, during which free medicines were also distributed among patients. He added that the organisation was committed to provide best health and education facilities to people, especially living in the rural areas. “More such type of camps will be organised in different parts of the state, so that more and more people get benefited through these camps,” Vikas added. |
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BJP alleges being left out of Cabinet panel meeting
Poonch, January 9 “It seems to be a deliberate attempt,” BJP district president Sunil Gupta said. The Cabinet Sub-committee comprising Deputy Chief Minister Tara Chand, Minister for PHE, Flood Control and Irrigation Sham Lal Sharma, Minister of Higher Education Mohammad Akbar Lone, Minister for Planning and Development Ajay Sadhotra, Minister for Agriculture GH Mir and Minister for Urban Development and Urban Local Bodies Nawang Rigzin Jora today visited Poonch and held interaction with the members of civil society and representatives of various political parties. “This is the first time that six members of the state Cabinet visited the district together and the administration here was skeptical that the BJP might expose and raise their voice against the failure of the government,” he said. Deputy Chief Minister Tara Chand, who was heading the committee, expressed concern over the limited number of public representatives present in the meeting and asked Deputy Commissioner, Poonch, Sajad Ahmed Khan why members from all the political parties were not informed about the meeting in time. “I am surprised at the lack of representation of various political parties in the meeting,” Tara Chand said. Apart from the BJP representatives, all six members of the Legislative Council from Poonch were also missing from the meeting. Meanwhile, the Deputy Chief Minister said the government had created the Cabinet Sub-committee to examine the case for implementation of the Delimitation Commission report and added that the panel would examine and consider the demands and proposals of the people for the establishment of the new administrative units in the state. He invited suggestions from the political representatives, sarpanches and civil society members, so that the new administrative units are set up as per the aspirations of the people. Representatives from the Congress, the National Conference and the Peoples Democratic Party, besides sarpanches, civil society members and Bar Association representatives also spoke on the occasion. The speakers presented their demands and suggestions on the creation of tehsils, blocks, sub-divisions, niabats, girdawar halqas, patwar halqas etc… The Sub-committee gave a patient hearing to them and assured that the matter will be discussed and taken into consideration. Secretary, Revenue, Vinod Koul was also present on the occasion. |
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Farmers in Reasi rue govt apathy, stage protest
Katra, January 9 The protesting farmers under the banner of the J&K Kissan Tehreek raised slogans against the government and urged it to meet the demand of the farmers at the earliest. “In spite of heavy losses suffered by farmers, no attention was given by the administration to assess the losses and compensate farmers,” chairman, J&K Kissan Tehreek, Sohan Lal Sharma alleged. The protesters, meanwhile, also expressed concern over the non-payment of wages to the labourers engaged under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act and appealed the District Development Commissioner to take notice of the negligence on part of some officers. They also demanded issuance of Kissan Credit Cards to the farmers and compensation for the wheat crop destroyed
last year. The Deputy Commissioner, Reasi, should personally visit the area and constitute teams of revenue officers to assess the loss and suitably compensate the farmers, the chairman said. |
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Army holds 2-day quiz competition
Rajouri, January 9 The aim of the event held under the aegis of the Uniform Force was tso encourage the students to keep abreast with various facets of the country. “The aim was to create a sense of competitiveness among the students of various government schools under our area of operation,” a senior officer of the unit said. On Wednesday, teams were short listed through a qualifying round held across different schools of the district, while the final was held at Government Higher Secondary School, Kalakot, today, the officer said. The teams went through four different rounds, which included an audio-visual round, to keep the audience involved in the event. On the occasion, a separate round was also conducted for the audience. The team from Government Higher Secondary School, Kalakot, comprising Sahil Khajuria and Vishal Raina bagged the first position. — OC
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Governor apprised of public issues
Jammu, January 9 Gupta informed the Governor about various issues of public interest, particularly problems related to water and power supply shortage. Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee chief and MP Saifuddin Soz also called on the Governor at Raj Bhawan today. Soz discussed with the Governor issues relating to governance and the political situation in the state. — TNS |
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Vohra condoles death of Professor Lakhanpal
Jammu, January 9 The Governor said Professor Lakhanpal was an eminent educationist, who had made notable contribution towards the advancement of higher education during his tenure as the Vice Chancellor of the Jammu varsity. — TNS |
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Youth killed as vehicle rolls down gorge
Doda, January 9 The incident took place when the passenger vehicle was on its way to Gandho from Thathri. The youth identified as Asaq Ahmed of Kota, Gandho, died on the spot, the police said. The driver lost control over the vehicle owing to heavy snowfall and slippery road conditions in the region, the police said, adding that the vehicle’s driver had managed to escape from spot after the incident. The police had handed over the youth’s body to the family for last rites after completing legal formalities and investigation had been started, they added. |
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Man killed as car falls into lake
Srinagar, January 9 The incident took place when Abdul Gani Joo of Brein locality of the city, who was driving the car, lost control over the vehicle and it fell into the Nigeen lake at Chowdhary Bagh near Rainawari in the city here, a police spokesman said. Joo’s father identified as Ghulam Muhammad Joo died in the mishap, while the driver’s brother identified as Ghulam Ahmad Joo was injured, the spokesman said. The injured was shifted to a hospital. The police have registered a case in this regard. |
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Jammu, January 9
Jammu, January 9