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Arrangements in place for Lok Sabha elections: DC
Cong, NC to stick together for LS polls
BJP flays NC, PDP for exploiting sentiments of Kashmiri youth
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67 students suspended by Meerut university protest in Srinagar
CAG pulls up Financial Corporation for poor recovery
Residents of Pulwama resent overcharging by pvt buses
DIG review security for LS elections
Police bunker in Gagwal no more in use
City lad Manik Gupta qualifies IES exam
Clamour for removal of Jammu University VC grows louder
Casual labourers seek regularisation
I was framed, says ex-Health Minister
Shortage of doctors hits patient care at Kupwara hospital
Plan to save Tawi suspended
Seminar on biodiversity starts
Balwinder is SDP candidate from Jammu (East)
Civil Defence organises training programme
Jhelum park cries for attention
Boon for stamp collectors: Valley gets philatelic bureau
Vigilance books 25 govt officials
Residents air grievances at police-public meet
SMC mega exhibition on April 21
CAG: Autonomous bodies fail to comply with financial rules
Postal Department to soon begin ATM service
PIL seeks voluntary disclosure of info by public authorities
80 farmers sent on study tour
Doda villagers protest over release of funds
Sangeet Sandhya from March 9
Music concert held in cantonment
Four burglars held in Budgam
1 held with cannabis in Doda
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Arrangements in place for Lok Sabha elections: DC
Srinagar, March 6 According to the schedule, the notification for filing the nominations for the elections will be issued on April 2. “The last date of filing of nominations is April 9 and the scrutiny of nominations will take place on April 10, the last date of withdrawal of candidature is April 12 and the day of polling in Srinagar parliamentary constituency is April 30,” he said, while addressing a gathering here. The District Election Officer maintained that the Model Code of Conduct had come into operation with immediate effect with the announcement of the parliamentary elections yesterday. “Srinagar Parliamentary Constituency has a total of 1,546 polling stations, 804 in Srinagar district, 540 in Budgam district and 202 in Ganderbal district. We will ensure that the polling takes place smoothly in every district,” he said. “Arrangements of staffing the various polling stations in Srinagar district have also been made, including deployment of police personnel to man the polling stations, besides zonal and sector magistrates,” he added. “The enrolment of eligible voters is still going on and the total number of EPIC cards issued in Srinagar district alone is 5,23,352, which are approximately 93 per cent of the registered eligible voters,” Shah said. He said elaborate plan with respect to manpower management, transport management, security management, implementation of the Model Code of Conduct, expenditure monitoring, and Systematic Voters Education and Electoral Participation (SVEEP) had been charted out and put in place for systematic and hassle-free conduct of the parliamentary elections. To address the complaints of people, the officials said a 24x7 helpline on telephone number 2476145 has also been set up. Plans for parliamentary elections
Dates to remember Last date for filing nominations April 9 Scrutiny of nominations April 10 Last date of withdrawal of candidature April 12 Day of polling in Srinagar April 30 |
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Cong, NC to stick together for LS polls
Srinagar, March 6 The National Conference has already decided to repeat the sitting MPs from three seats of the Kashmir valley — Farooq Abdullah from Srinagar, Mehboob Beigh from Anantnag and Shariefuddin Shariq from Baramulla. The Congress is yet to make up its mind. “It has been decided that the two parties will fight the elections together,” said a senior Congress leader. A final decision will be formally taken by the Congress high command in New Delhi tomorrow,” a source said. Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) chief and MP Saifuddin Soz, who had returned to Jammu from the Capital this afternoon, was recalled to New Delhi this evening. The two parties have had strained relations on several occasions since they formed a coalition government following the Assembly elections during November-December, 2008. The agreement, however, continued with Chief Minister Omar Abdullah (NC) in the saddle. The Coalition Coordination Committee (CCC) headed by Soz has been instrumental in resolving problems between the two parties. The Congress and NC also fought together the last Lok Sabha elections that were held a few months after the Assembly elections. Of the six constituencies, the National Conference has representation on three seats of Srinagar, Anantnag and Baramulla, while the two seats of Jammu and Udhampur in the Jammu region had gone to the Congress. The Leh constituency comprising Leh and Kargil districts of the Ladakh region had gone to an Independent, Ghulam Hassan Khan. The sources said while the NC has already announced its candidates for the three Valley seats, the other three seats would be contested by Congress candidates. Meanwhile, the NC has told its leaders to reach out to the masses across the state to garner support for the party. During a meeting of the NC’s legislative party at Chief Minister Omar Abdullah’s residence in Jammu today, the party leaders were asked to work towards winning all the parliamentary seats in the state. “It was decided that party leaders should reach out to people in all the areas to get support for the upcoming elections,” a senior NC leader said.“We are putting our men on the job in all three regions of the state,” said another NC leader. Alliance intact
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BJP flays NC, PDP for exploiting sentiments of Kashmiri youth
Jammu, March 6 Reacting to the statements of NC and PDP leaders for defending those students who had raised anti-India slogans during the India-Pakistan cricket match at Meerut in Uttar Pradesh, Sharma said those involved in such incidents should be treated as per law. Flaying these parties for raking up the issue, Sharma regretted that these Kashmir-centric parties indulged in dirty politics in view of the Lok Sabha elections. He said it was the habit of these parties to exploit the sentiments of innocent people by raking up such issue. He said instead of exploiting sentiments of the innocent Kashmiri youth, these parties should show them the right path. Meanwhile, BJP leader from Kishwar, Sunil Sharma today charged the National Conference with creating division among different sections of society. Addressing a press conference, Sharma said for petty political gains, the National Conference leadership was trying to terrorise the minorities. — TNS |
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67 students suspended by Meerut university protest in Srinagar
Srinagar, March 6 The incident happened on Sunday evening when local students at the university hostel objected to the cheering by the Kashmiri students for Pakistan in the Asia Cup match against India. The Kashmiri students alleged they were beaten up and bullied by local students. The Uttar Pradesh Police have booked the Kashmiri students on charges of sedition for cheering for the Pakistani cricket team. The students said registering a sedition case against them would ruin their careers and that there were no grounds on the basis of which the case had been registered. They said they no longer felt secure in the university and urged the J&K Government to ensure their migration to the home state and allow them to continue their courses here. “They (the state and Central governments) first tell us that we have been selected under the Prime Minister’s Special Scholarship scheme and send us to other states and then we get suspended. Neither the varsity authorities nor the J&K Government came to our rescue when we were packed off to Srinagar three days ago. We had no money, there was nobody to help us and many of us have not eaten for the past three days,” said Saqib, a student of the SVSU. On reports that the SVSU Vice Chancellor, Manzoor Ahmad, had said the behaviour of the Kashmiri students was not conducive to the campus atmosphere, the students defended their action by saying they had acted in defence during Sunday’s India-Pakistan cricket match which India lost. “Only 5 or 6 Kashmiri students were present in the hostel common hall on Sunday evening when the confrontation took place. The hostel warden was also watching the match. When the situation turned ugly, we requested the warden to switch off the TV but he refused to do so. Later, some students threw stones at the windowpanes of our rooms,” said Ahmad, a B.Tech student. The students said a notice was issued the next working day ordering the suspension of "all Kashmiri students" and a fine of Rs 5,000 against them. They said 150 more Kashmiri students were pursuing various undergraduate courses at the university. The charges of sedition against the students drew condemnation from the main opposition Peoples Democratic Party and separatists. Students and teaching fraternities in the Valley have also expressed resentment over the suspension of the students and booking them under sedition charges. The Kashmir University Students Union and the Coaching Centres Association, Kashmir, condemned the action of the SVSU management and the UP Government for failing to support the outstation Kashmiri students. |
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CAG pulls up Financial Corporation for poor recovery
Jammu, March 6 The CAG, in its latest report ending March 2013, has pulled up the state government for not making efforts to recover the overdues. As on March 2013, the State Financial Corporation (SFC) had to recover Rs 508.41 crore from defaulters. The SFC was established as a statutory corporation in December 1959 under the State Financial Corporation Act 1951. The objective was to promote the industry and service sector in the state by catering to the financial requirements of these sectors in medium, small and micro-scale enterprises. The Corporation had advanced Rs 499 crore loans to borrowers of small-scale enterprises since its inception in 1959 to March 2012. The recovery of loans was governed by the Corporation through the terms and conditions of the sanction in each case. However, the Corporation could not recover its loan amount from the borrowers. Consequently, the borrowers became defaulters since 1990 onwards. As the borrowers defaulted in repaying the loan, the loan turned non-performing advances (NPAs). As a result, the Corporation suffered losses which accumulated to Rs 176.77 crore and the net worth of the Corporation was recorded negative as Rs 104.58 crore at the end of March 2009. To recover the principal amount of the NPAs, the Corporation introduced one-time settlement scheme from 1997, latest being in August 2009. The audit was taken up to assess the effectiveness of the recovery of loans and lending of money under the revival plan of the Corporation and was undertaken between April 2013 and August 2013, covering the examination of records of the Corporate office of the Corporation and two large branches — Srinagar and Jammu — and two district offices of Udhampur and Pulwama between 2008 to 2013. The CAG observed that there was 30 per cent reduction in amount overdue for recovery, which was due to writing off of Rs 603.82 crore that included the principal amount of Rs 20 lakh during 2008 to 2013. Despite settling 641 cases under the one-time settlement scheme during 2008-2013 and writing off Rs 603.82 crore, the overall recovery performance of the Corporation ranged between 2.03 per cent and 2.95 per cent of net recoverable amount during 2008-2013 and 4.89 per cent during 2012-2013. Besides, an amount of Rs 508.41 crore was still overdue for recovery at the end of March 2013. Inception and aim The State Financial Corporation was established as a statutory corporation in December 1959 under the State Financial Corporation Act 1951. The objective was to promote the industry and service sector in the state by catering to the financial requirements of these sectors in medium, small and micro-scale enterprises |
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Residents of Pulwama resent overcharging by pvt buses
Pulwama, March 6 People from the Littar, Urchersoo and Tral areas lodged complaints with the Assistant Regional Transport Officer (ARTO), Pulwama. They alleged that the drivers were charging more than directed by the ARTO. People of the Littar area blocked the Pulwama-Littar road today and alleged that drivers were charging Rs 30 per passenger which was Rs 2 more than the prescribed rate. Residents of Urchersoo, 5 km from Pulwama town, said drivers were charging Rs 10 against Rs 8. “When we protested against the extra fare charges, the driver said it was your will to board his vehicle and added that he would not budge despite their protest,” said Aamir Salam, a resident of Urchersoo. Residents of Armullah also alleged that Sumo drivers were charging extra fare from them. They said if some passenger denied to pay extra, the driver picks up a fight. “We are only 8 km from Pulwama main town and the tariff per kilometre is Rs 1.81 per passenger which becomes Rs 15 for 8 km but the drivers charge Rs 30,” said Ghulam Mohammad, a resident of Armullah. The ARTO office has also directed the drivers not to over load. It has requested the passengers to report to the office in case drivers don’t comply with the government directions so that necessary action is taken against them. Drivers alleged that some passengers were paying less than the prescribed rate. “The distance between Manduna and Pulwama is about 4 km and the fare announced is Rs 8 but the passengers pay Rs 5,” said Mohammad Kamran, driver of Tata Magic passenger vehicle. ARTO, Pulwama, Wajahat Qayoom said the confusion would continue for some time as passengers were unaware of the newly announced rates. He said when people lodge their complaints, we hand them a copy of the fare list. |
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DIG review security for LS elections
Rajouri, March 6 The meeting was organised at the District Police Lines (DPL), where besides other senior officials, Mubassir Latifi, district SP, Shiv Kumar Chouhan, Additional SP (ASP), Rajouri, Raskesh Kumar, ASP, Noushera, all DSPs and SHOs were present. A detailed discussion was carried out in the meeting about the security arrangements and preparedness for the forthcoming Parliamentary elections, scheduled to be held in the district on April 10. Atri directed the officials to ensure free-and-fair conduct of the elections and to make elaborate security arrangements for the candidates during campaigning in their respective jurisdictions. He directed them to ensure the availability of proper accommodation and other facilities, like electricity, drinking water, toilets etc, for the Central paramilitary forces reaching here in connection with the elections. Officials were directed to check all the buildings physically where the paramilitary forces were to be camped for their duties during the elections so that the forces' personnel do not face any difficulty for their deployment in the district. The DIG exhorted the police officials to maintain extra vigil and keep surveillance over the activities of unscrupulous elements to thwart the evil designs of the anti-national elements. He directed the officials to take strict measures to prevent the bovine smuggling as he had received some complaints about it. |
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Police bunker in Gagwal no more in use
Jammu, March 6 The bunker was established outside the Gagwal police station on the highway post militant attack on a police station and an Army camp in Hiranagar and Samba, respectively, on September 26 last year. Policemen with arms, ammunition and bullet proof jackets and helmets stood guard inside the bunker, keeping a vigil on the movement of vehicles and people in the area. The police station is situated between Hiranagar and Samba. After killing six people, including policemen, in Hiranagar, militants had travelled in a truck to reach the Army camp in Samba. After the attack, the area was put on high alert. “I will check the factual position and if the bunker has been abandoned, I will surely station policemen there,” said Suram Singh, Samba Additional Superintendent of Police. The Army, however, has increased security outside its camps on the highway. — TNS |
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City lad Manik Gupta qualifies IES exam
Jammu, March 6 “Impossible actually means I’m possible," said Manik Gupta, in a telephonic interview to The Tribune. A son of Bandana Gupta and KK Gupta, residents of Mahanpur (Kathua district) and presently living at Sainik Colony, Jammu, Manik is an alumnus of the Punjab Engineering College (PEC) University of Technology, Chandigarh. He qualified the exam in his very first attempt and secured 143rd rank in the Electrical Engineering Services. “Our teachers tell us repeatedly from our childhood that nothing is impossible in life and only hard work and persistent efforts matter. Today, after achieving the desired goal, all those advices, words of wisdom and motivating phrases are coming to my mind, which, consciously or inadvertently, I grasped and followed,” said an elated Manik. “I completed my BTech in electronics and communications from the PEC University of Technology in 2012. I immediately started my preparations for the IES exam. I started with the subjects of electronics and communications engineering, in which I was not much impressive,” said Manik. “After one month of endeavour, I took a critical but conscious decision to appear for the IES exam in electrical branch. The reason being very high competition in the electronics and communications branch. Besides, more number of seats were available in the electrical branch as compared to electronics and communications engineering,” Manik added. “In the beginning, I collected many types of information from various sources, including the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), regarding the previous years’ exams, pattern of question papers, scores of toppers and cut-off marks. I used all possible sources for collecting information, including use of the Right to Information Act,” Manik explained. “Then I took the average score of each year and evaluated myself viz-a-viz the candidates selected in the exams during previous years. I started comprehensive and in-depth studies of the subjects opted for the exam. No casual approach after this point should be made, because it will lead only to disappointment. After clearing the written examination, I was beaming with confidence for interview. There were six to eight panels conducting interviews of the candidates. In my view, I got the tougher panel as they took about 30 to 40 minutes for my interview, in comparison to other panels who were taking only 15 to 20 minutes,” Manik Gupta said. Success in first attempt
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Clamour for removal of Jammu University VC grows louder
Jammu, March 6 Urging Governor NN Vohra, who is also the Chancellor of the institution, for his personal intervention, the protesting students and scholars threatened to go on a hunger strike if the varsity administration was not stopped from allegedly harassing scholars and students. A large number of students and scholars from various departments of the university, led by Students, Scholars Joint Action Committee (SSJAC) chairman Varinder Singh Chib assembled outside the main gate of the campus and marched towards the Vice Chancellor's office amid sloganeering. They joined the protesting students and scholars from the Department of Dogri there and jointly staged a dharna alleging that the Jammu University administration, particularly the Vice Chancellor, was making "all-out efforts to spoil the future" of scholars and students from the Jammu region. "There is no accountability in the university and the Vice Chancellor has been taking unilateral decisions in violation of all norms. Under his dictatorial policy, he is taking decisions which suit the touts of various political parties who are associated with the Vice Chancellor, while scholars and students have been subjected to sheer mental harassment," Chib said while addressing the protesters. He alleged that whenever scholars or students dared to expose the maladministration and financial irregularities in the varsity, the Vice Chancellor always tried to muffle such voices by resorting to suppressive tactics. "Admissions and appointments are being made in utter violations of norms and, that too, at the sweet will of the Vice Chancellor. There has been a great alienation among the students and scholars whose future is at stake," he said. Ajay Prasher, a senior scholar, warned the university administration to refrain from its "ulterior motive" of merging the Department of Strategic and Regional Studies with the Political Sciences Department saying it would harm the future of students and scholars. "Scholars have been subjected to mental harassment as there has been no meeting of the Department Research Committees for the last two years. It has seriously affected the career prospects of the scholars. The prevailing situation on the campus is quite dangerous," Pradhuman Singh, a scholar from the Department of Dogri, said. The speakers urged the Governor to personally look into the matter to restore credibility of the prestigious institution. "We also appeal to the students, scholars and civil society to join our struggle to end nepotism, favouritism and dictatorial policies of the varsity administration," they said. |
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Casual labourers seek regularisation
Jammu, March 6 The workers under the banner of the J&K National Trade Union Front (JKNTUF) assembled in front of the Divisional Commissioner’s office here and appealed to the government to fulfil their demands. They raised slogans in support of their demands urging the state government to frame a regularisation policy for all casual labourers and need-based workers, who have been working in different departments for the last more than 10 years. While addressing a large gathering of workers, state president of the front Mohammad Gafoor Dar condemned the policy of delay of the state government regarding regularisation and payment of pending wages. Dar said further delay in the settlement of these genuine issues would compel the trade union to launch a united mass agitation in the near future. Prominent leaders of the JNTUF who who spoke on the occasion included Rajinder Kumar, Nazri Ahmed Molvi, Ajay Kumar, Aijaz Ahmad, Devi Dass, Satish Sharma, Sanjeev Suri and Sunil
Sathoo. |
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I was framed, says ex-Health Minister
Rajouri, March 6 During his first visit to Rajouri after getting the bail, Shabir said some of the vested interests in the government, especially in the Health Department, were against him as he had exposed some of the big scams. “An inquiry was launched into the supply of spurious drugs and purchase of material on double rates. Payments were stopped pending inquiries. This irritated the suppliers/officials in the department and they hatched a conspiracy against me,” the former Minister of State for Health said while addressing a rally at the Mini Sports Stadium here. Shabir added that more such scandals will tumble out of the cupboard of the Health Department and appealed to the people to teach a lesson to those who conspired against him. Playing up his humble background and non political lineage, the former minister said: “A political section is against the large scale development under my leadership in Rajouri and Poonch districts. They hatched conspiracy against me to spoil my political career.” “Maximum infrastructure, funds and new health centres were provided by the Union Health Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad in both the districts during my tenure as the Health Minister,” he said. Meanwhile, in an apparent attack on the BJP, the former minister cautioned the people against the elements who were trying to divide the society on communal lines and urged them to work for the victory of the Congress candidate. The legislator added that he had full faith in the judiciary and will soon get justice. He also thanked the people from Rajouri and Poonch for their continued support. “I have no words to thank people of the state, especially from Rajouri and Poonch districts, who extended their support to me during the crisis,” Shabir said. Earlier, Shabir was given a rousing welcome by his supporters and the Congress workers from the district. Congress leaders, including former minister Thakur Pooran Singh, demanded the case to be handed over to the fast court for speedy trial so that the truth may come out before the masses before the elections. They also lambasted the Pradesh Congress Committee leaders for their absence in the rally. |
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Shortage of doctors hits patient care at Kupwara hospital
Kupwara, March 6 The hospital, which witnesses a huge rush of patients, lacks the services of a gynaecologist, paediatrician, ENT specialist, neurosurgeon, a psychiatrist, six assistant surgeons and 25 paramedical employees. On an average day, more than 700 patients are registered in the out-patient department (OPD) of the hospital. “Doctors are forced to do double shifts to cater to the increasing rush of patients. Though the posts of doctor and assistant surgeon are sanctioned by the higher authorities, the posts are lying vacant for the past many years,” said a doctor. Nazir Ahmad, an employee working in the registration section, said. “Many a time, over 800 patients get the OPD ticket for getting the medical check-up done.” The sub-district hospital was upgraded to a district hospital in April 2010, but it lacks the medical staff required for a district hospital. Patients said they had to wait for hours to avail treatment. “Due to absence of a paediatrician at the hospital, we are forced to take ailing children to Srinagar for treatment. Similarly, for treatment of ear, nose and throat, patients have to go to Srinagar,” said Rouf Ahmad Shah, a The 70-bedded hospital also lacks the services of a radiologist. Chief Medical Officer Dr Muneer Ahmad Khawaja admitted that there was shortage of staff at the hospital. “We are facing serious problems due to shortage of medical staff, especially specialist doctors. I am hopeful that the government will send at least 10 doctors to the hospital when the list of doctors is released by the Public Service Commission in near future,” he said |
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Plan to save Tawi suspended
Jammu, March 6 Sources said despite major plans announced by the government to save the river, the Department of PHE and Irrigation submitted in the Legislative Assembly that a detailed project will be taken up in this regard in the next five years. The government had earlier also said it would create an artificial lake on the river during the 12th plan period, however, due to the delay in diverting the nullahs carrying untreated waste into the Tawi the plan is unlikely to materialise within the stipulated time. Minister for PHE, Irrigation and Flood Control Sham Lal Sharma admitted on the floor of the House that the project has got delayed. More than 18 drains carrying filth of over 15 lakh inhabitants flow into the Tawi river making it highly polluted. The Tawi, also known as Surya Putri, is a major source of irrigation and drinking water for the fast expanding city of temples. Officials, meanwhile, said even the much awaited sewerage project was likely to get delayed till March 2015, which was otherwise scheduled to be completed by the end of this fiscal. “To deal with the problem of discharge of sewage from the city directly into the river, the Jammu has at present been divided into four divisions comprising the area lying between the Balole Nullah and the Tarore Nullah,” the government said in the Legislative Assembly. “The work of laying underground sewerage in Division A has been taken up at an estimated cost of Rs 129 crore and is likely to be completed by the end of March 2015,” it added. The work for developing the sewerage in Division B has been allotted to the ERA. The project is estimated at a cost of Rs 145 crore and is likely to be completed by the 2014-15 fiscal. Surprisingly, the state government has set March 2014 as dead line for completion of work in Division A and B. |
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Seminar on biodiversity starts
Jammu, March 6 The seminar is being organised by the Department of Zoology in collaboration with the J&K Fisheries Department. In his address, Prof Malhotra highlighted the importance of biodiversity and said biodiversity was as old as life on the earth. Prof YR Malhotra also referred to the great biologists who have made remarkable contributions in this field. He spoke on the endangered species and how the habitats of various species were disturbed due to human interference. In his presidential remarks, Prof Mohan Paul Singh Ishar, Vice Chancellor, JU, highlighted the importance of biodiversity. Prof Ishar hoped that the seminar would provide students and researchers a platform where they could share their thoughts and interact with the eminent scientists and researchers. Earlier, Prof NK Tripathi in his welcome address threw light on the relevance of biodiversity and sustainable development and conservation. Later, prizes were distributed among the winners of a poster-making competition and quiz. In poster-making competition, the first, second and third prizes were won by Nazma Khan, Surbhi Sharma and Shabina Irshad Minto, respectively. Chandni, Ruhi Jan and Neha were the winners of the quiz. The vote of thanks was presented by Prof Roopma Gandotra. |
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Balwinder is SDP candidate from Jammu (East)
Jammu, March 6 Dr Darakhshan Andrabi, SDP president, while briefing the media said she was satisfied with the popularity and support of people for Balvinder Kour. “During the last few months, Balvinder has succeeded in reaching out to the people of the constituency. She will emerge as the new representative of the constituency as a potent substitute to the leaders of other political parties, who have only exploited people and done nothing”, said SDP president. She said, “Women are the deciding factor in the democracy and when we are ready to give women equal rights at the political stage, then only we can dream of having an honest political system in the state and country”. Andrabi said the SDP had the young, honest and educated political leadership and a vision work plan for development and public service for the state. She claimed that J&K had been made a labelled troubled state by the politicians of the state. She said the party wanted to correct the ailing political system of Jammu and Kashmir. |
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Civil Defence organises training programme
Jammu, March 6 The training camp was inaugurated by DSP Tejinder Kour. The main aim of the training programme was to make the students as well as staff members of the institute aware of the preventive measures for devastating fire, rescue operation, first aid, etc. The experts who delivered the lecture on the topic "Firefighting, first aid and rescue" included Vijay Magotra, Deputy Divisional Warden, Civil Defence, Jammu, Sudershan Saini and Ram Chand. More than 200 students and staff members attended the training programme.
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Jhelum park cries for attention
Srinagar, March 6 Though the authorities concerned had then ensured the people that the park would be equipped with benches and other facilities, besides swings and slides for children, nothing much has been done since the park was inaugurated. People who reside in house boats in the Jhelum river said, “No efforts are being made on part of the authorities concerned to make the parks attractive.” “The officials on the inauguration had also promised that the Jhelum river would be regularly dredged and cleaned, but nothing much has been done on the ground,” they alleged. Bund has a rich historical background and its beautification lies in the interest of the state. “We have been here for nearly three decades and Bund adds to the beauty of the city and attracts many visitors,” said a hotelier on the Bund. Away from crowd and serenity of the place is a popular hangout for young people, but they also blame the authorities concerned for not taking care of the place. “Benches meant for sitting have been damaged and dogs keep on roaming in the park throughout the day due to which we don’t like to sit there for long,” said Zainab Zargar, a frequent visitor to the place. Fallen power lines, unkempt dust bins and broken fences all add to the mess of the place. The Srinagar Deputy Commissioner said he would look into the matter and forward it to the department concerned. “New constructions on the bund also add to the ugliness of the place. We face problems by the construction works going on in the park,” said a businessman. |
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Boon for stamp collectors: Valley gets philatelic bureau
Srinagar, March 6 He termed the opening of the bureau a “dream come true” and said latest philatelic stamps would now be easily available in the summer capital. Prakash said previously there was only one philatelic bureau at Gandhinagar in Jammu that catered to the whole J&K circle. “Now, we have added two more philatelic bureaus in the state - one at Srinagar GPO and another at Leh head post office. It will be convenient for the stamp collectors from both the areas to get the stamps from the nearest philatelic bureau. My stamp facility will also be available at the bureau,” he said. He said the opening of the bureau would also encourage children to take up stamp collection as a hobby. A special cover was released to commemorate the opening of the bureau. The function was also attended by local philatelists, including Saika Sajid, Semin Rubab and Ashiq
Hussain. ‘Opening of philatelic bureau a dream come true’
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Vigilance books 25 govt officials
Srinagar, March 6 A case under different sections of the Prevention of Corruption Act and the Ranbir Panel Code was filed against two superintending engineers, six executive engineers, five assistant executive engineers, five storekeepers, four head clerks, three assistant accounts officers of PWD (Roads and Buildings) Leh circle, special sub-division, Khaltsi, roads and buildings division, Leh, special sub-division, Nyoma, and construction division, Leh, and irrigation and flood control, a spokesman for the SVO said. The officials allegedly hatched a criminal conspiracy with suppliers for the purchase of sub-standard and under-weight knitted crate mesh, causing loss to the state exchequer to the tune of Rs 46.72 lakh, the spokesman said. "On the basis of the allegations, a case has been registered," the spokesman added. — PTI
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Residents air grievances at police-public meet
Srinagar, March 6 The police-public meeting held in Khanmoh area in the jurisdiction of the Pantha Chowk police station was chaired by SDPO west Iftiqar Talib, a police spokesman said. “About 200 people of the area interacted with the police officers and apprised them of their day-to-day problems and grievances,” the spokesman said. The SDPO west assured them that their problems would be attended to at the earliest and sought the cooperation of the participants in eradication of social crimes, especially drug abuse, the spokesman said. |
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SMC mega exhibition on April 21
Srinagar, March 6 This was stated by SMC Commissioner GN Qasba here today after chairing a review meeting of the sanitation and polythene drives underway in the city. The commissioner, who was briefed by the officials on the polythene drive, laid stress on the need to have a new mechanism in place on polythene drive to completely contain its use in the city. “All ward in-charges are directed to start ward-wise drive against the use of polythene. The polythene seized during these drives will be put on a display after every 15 days at the central office of the SMC,” said Qasba. “Stopping the use of polythene is in favour of one and all. We need cooperation from people too to end the practice to save our environment, which is facing grave threat due to polythene,” Qasba added.
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CAG: Autonomous bodies fail to comply with financial rules
Jammu, March 6 According to the CAG report on state finances for the current fiscal, the autonomous bodies caused delay in furnishing Utilisation Certificates in violation of financial rules. For the financial assistance by the government through release of Grant-in-Aid for specific purposes, Utilisation Certificates should be obtained by the departmental officers from the grantees and forward them to the Accountant General. “A total of 2,161 Utilisation Certificates, involving Rs 1,339 crore were outstanding on March 31 last year of which 1,064 certificates, amounting Rs 631 crore were outstanding for more than one year. Out of these 1,064 certificates as many as 791 certificates, amounting Rs 494.15 crore, were outstanding for more than two years. These certificates were to be submitted within 18 months,” the report said. It said the state government provided Grants-in-Aid for 4,871 specific purposes, involving Rs 2,428.96 crore, of which only 2,710 Utilisation Certificates amounting to Rs 1090.06 crore were received. On the non-submission of annual accounts by the autonomous bodies, the report observed that a total of 333 annual accounts of 32 bodies were awaited for audit till March last year. “Non-submission or delay in submission of accounts by these bodies, receiving substantial funding from the state budget, is a serious financial irregularity persisting for years. In view of non-compliance, the audited accounts of these statutory bodies have not so far been presented to the state legislature as required. This has deprived the state legislature of a feedback on their activities and financial performance,” the report said. |
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Postal Department to soon begin ATM service
Srinagar, March 6 He said the J&K postal circle was modernising and computerising all post offices in the state so that the public could get the best and fastest services. Prakash said the department had recently launched new services such as “express parcel” and “business parcel” to meet the needs of the customers and public. “Express parcels are sent by air while the business parcel service is for bulk customers. The ‘cash on delivery’ service has also been introduced in both services,” he added. |
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PIL seeks voluntary disclosure of info by public authorities
Srinagar, March 6 In the petition, Mohammd Ashraf Wani, a High Court lawyer through his counsel Firdoos Parray, has argued that there will be no need to submit a written application or pay application fees if Section 4 of the Act is implemented in letter and spirit. The Section 4 of the J&K Right to Information Act, 2009, which is considered the “soul” of the Act, makes it obligatory upon every department or public authority to disclose information voluntarily within a period of 120 days from the enforcement of the Act, which came into being on March 20 in 2009, the petitioner has argued. “Despite many representations and communications made by the state information commission (SIC), Section 4 of the RTI Act, which calls for voluntary disclosure of information by the public authorities, has not been implemented in letter and spirit in the state”, the petitioner has argued in his PIL, which is expected to be listed next week. J&K RTI Act
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Jammu, March 6 The tour was flagged off by Director Agriculture Jammu S S Jamwal from the Directorate of Agriculture, Krishi Bhawan, here, an official spokesman said. The exposure visit is being conducted by Farmers Training Centre of the department under Agriculture Technology Management Agency (ATMA), he added. Director Agriculture Jammu, while interacting with the farmers on the occasion said that the tour was being organised under ATMA with a specific objective of acquainting the farmers with modern techniques for Commercial Agriculture, emerging trends in organic farming, processing, marketing and seed production aspects of different crops. — PTI |
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Doda villagers protest over release of funds
Doda, March 6 The protesters demonstrated outside the office of the Sub District Magistrate, Gandho, and even tried to lock the employees in their offices. — OC |
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Sangeet Sandhya from March 9
Jammu, March 6 Giving details about the programme, Regional Director of the ICCR, Jammu, Balwant Thakur said the programme would feature Sargam Pant, Zulekha Fareed and Gursharan Kaur, who would give a diverse presentation of singing forms from ghazal, folk, Thumri, Khayaal to Sufi style of singing. Thakur added that efforts were being made to explore new avenues of collaboration and partnership with various government departments and organisations. — TNS
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Music concert held in cantonment
Jammu, March 6 TR Sharma, Special Secretary to Government (retd), was the chief guest and Madan Lal Khajuria was the guest of honour. In this address, the chief guest praised the music concert where Dogri, Punjabi and Hindi songs were the main attraction for the audience. He thanked the management of the Bhartiya Kala Sangarn for organising such shows to promote local culture and acquainting young generation with the Dogra culture. Earlier, Ramesh Singh Chib, Director, Bhartiya Kala Sangam, explained the various activities of the Sangam and also the coming events. |
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Four burglars held in Budgam
Srinagar, March 6 The arrested persons committed in burglaries in Peer Bagh, Hyderpora, Ompora and Beerwah areas. The burglars were identified as Gowhar Ahmad Wani and Muzaffar Ahmad Khan, both residents of Parnewa village of Budgam district, and Shahzad Ahmad Dar and Asif Ahmad Wani of Bandipora district. “Stolen goods, including 13 gold rings, two gold earrings, one gold chain, two silver bangles, one necklace, one wrist watch and 17 mobile phones, were recovered from various places,” the spokesman added.
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Doda, March 6 On a tip off, a police party under the supervision of Superintendent of Police, Doda, Mohammed Sharif Chouhan arrested a person identified as Bhushan Kumar, a resident of Sahnai in Bhaderwah. A case has been registered. Meanwhile, the Doda police, during patrolling, recovered 40 pouches of illicit liquor and two bottles of whisky from the possession of Suresh Kumar of Jenote in Doda. A case has been registered against him and investigations are on. — OC |
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