|
|
|
|
|
Political interference, poor planning ruin artificial lake project on Tawi
Jammu buildings flout fire safety norms
|
|
|
|
DPS holds art, craft exhibition
NC yet to decide ‘safe’ seat for Omar
Guv approves notifications for Assembly poll
Pandits reiterate demand for separate homeland in Valley
Rather refutes Sharma’s charge
Coalition culture not conducive to state, says NC
ITBP gets hi-tech gadgets
Assembly elections: First phase to be notified today
DEO exhorts leaders to follow code of conduct
Cong will form next govt: Vakil
PDP to nominate candidates for 20 constituencies soon
Poonch MLA felicitated
BJP gears up for 44 plus target
State yet to submit rural electrification plan to Centre
Justice Virender given warm send-off
Army holds cricket meet in Kupwara
SMVDU teams move to next round of badminton tourney
Hurriyat condemns Mirwaiz’s detention
Doctors’ body rues delay in restoration of city hospitals
Ruling parties misusing govt machinery: BJP
Third Eye awarded for holding blood donation camp
Vigilance Awareness Week begins at Powergrid
30% waiver on tuition fees to flood-hit
NC minister refutes Sham Lal’s charge
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Political interference, poor planning ruin artificial lake project on Tawi
Jammu, October 27 While the Irrigation Department has set March 2015 as the new deadline to complete the barrage on the river, the UEED, entrusted with the task of diverting 15 major drains carrying untreated sewage from the city, is still waiting for funds from the Union Urban Development Ministry to start the work on the diversion. The artificial lake project, worth Rs 70 crore, on the river has already missed four deadlines since the work was started in 2010 mainly because of fund crunch, official red tape and undue interferences by politicians. When contacted, Chief Engineer (I&F Control Department), HC Jeerath said the work would be completed by March next year. “We have set a new deadline and by March 2015 the barrage gates will be completed. However, UEED is still waiting for funds from the Union Government to start work on diverting the drains,” said Jeerath. So far nearly Rs 51 crore have been spent on the Rs 70-crore project by agencies. However, a senior official said the project has become a burden for the officials as its construction was shifted from Sidhra to Bhagwati Nagar under political pressure to benefit some people having land near the site. “If the drains are not diverted before its completion it will be like a big lake of sewerage water,” said a senior official. The idea to create an artificial lake was first conceived in 1986 and Sidhra was identified for its construction. However, the successive governments neglected the project and in 2008, the state government initiated the process. However, business interests played a major role in shifting the site from Sidhra. The delay
|
|
Jammu buildings flout fire safety norms
Jammu, October 27 The 70 ft-high eight-storeyed building caught fire on October 22 and the Fire Department could control it only on October 26. Jammu is rapidly adopting the mall and flat culture in the city, but there is nothing in the name of fire safety in these buildings. Most of the buildings are not only constructed without the fire safety guidelines, but also sans fire safety equipment. RT Dubey, Joint Director, Fire and Emergency Services, Jammu, said, “We have put all our efforts to control the fire in the cold storage at Narwal. The structure of the building was not constructed as per the fire safety guidelines and there was no space to stand inside the cold storage for the firemen.” Dubey said the Fire Department does not give no-objection certificate (NOC) to the buildings in Jammu and Kashmir and most of the buildings are violating the guidelines of the fire safety. “There are hundreds of buildings which are under threat and in case of any fire incident our department won’t be able to control the fire in these buildings,” said Dubey. There is no fire Act in Jammu and Kashmir, which prevents the Fire Department from checking the flouting of fire safety guidelines. “A fire Act is in the pipeline of the state government. Without this Act, the buildings in the state do not require fire safety NOC for construction. But in some cases the Jammu Development Authority (JDA) and Jammu Municipal Corporation (JMC) ask us for fire safety guidelines,” Dubey informed. Question mark on fire safety in big buildings
The recent incident of fire at a cold storage having capacity of 5,000 tonne at Narwal Mandi, which took five days to be controlled, has raised a question mark on the fire safety in big buildings in Jammu. The 70 ft-high eight-storeyed building caught fire on October 22 and the Fire Department could control it only on October 26 |
|
SMVDU teams move to next round of badminton tourney
Jammu, October 27 In the men’s section, SMVDU defeated Bundelkhand University, Rajasthan, by 3-1 in a one-sided affair. In the first single, Ashish Yadav toppled Ashutosh by 21-11 and 21-11. In the second single, Mahinder of SMVDU lost to Manthan Arya of Bundelkhand University by 15-21 and 15-21. In the doubles, the duo of Ashish and Deepak of SMVDU defeated Manthan Arya and Sandeep Kumar by 21-8 and 21-11 with ease. In another single match, Deepak Jha of SMVDU outplayed Sandeep Kumar. The women team of SMVDU entered into the next round by virtue of walkover against GB Pant University. Dilbagh Singh, Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) and Managing Director, J&K Police Housing Corporation, was the chief guest in the opening ceremony. The function was presided over by Prof Neelam Saraf, Dean, Academic Affairs, and in charge Vice Chancellor, University of Jammu. While interacting with the shuttlers, the ADGP asked them to show the sportsmanship during the coveted sporting event. He advised the staff of the Directorate of Sports and Physical Education to channelise the energy of young people in sports activities. Prof Dhian S Bhau, Director, Directorate of Sports and Physical Education, University of Jammu, in his address, expressed his keenness to organise such types of events in a large number in future. He thanked all the agencies, who are directly and indirectly involved in conduct of these tournaments. He informed that out of 48 men teams, 41 teams have reported for the tournament and in the women’s section, 32 teams, out of 46, have reported. |
|
DPS holds art, craft exhibition
Jammu, October 27 The students participated in different activities such as making designer pots, candle decoration, paper lanterns, Ganesha wall hangings, thali decoration, toran making, glass paintings, etc. It was a colorful exhibition where students expressed their latent talents. Meenu Gupta, Headmistress up to Middle School, said such exhibitions offer opportunities and provide a platform to the students to display their creative and artistic talents. Ruchi Chabbra, Headmistress, DPS, Jammu, appreciated the efforts of the students. Dr D Joseph motivated the students to participate in such activities in order to sharpen their skill. SS Sodhi, Director, DPS, Jammu, also extended his greetings and good wishes to the students. He also appreciated the staff for organising a beautiful and meaningful exhibition. |
|
NC yet to decide ‘safe’ seat for Omar
Omar is the sitting legislator from the Ganderbal constituency, which will go to the polls in the first phase on November 25. The last date for filing nomination papers from the constituency is November 5. Omar’s tenure as Chief Minister will end on January 19 next year. The constituency or constituencies for him have not been decided despite the party leadership holding several rounds of discussions in search of safe seats for him. Sources said a three-hour meeting of senior party leaders was held Monday. They discussed the issue, but the meeting ended without taking a decision. Omar is in London and he did not attend the meeting. They said the decision was likely to be taken in two or three days. The Election Commission of India last week announced the poll schedule for Jammu and Kashmir, dismissing concerns of the ruling party and the Chief Minister that elections would affect relief operations in the flood-hit state. Prior to the deluge which ravaged parts of Kashmir, Omar was likely to choose two constituencies from among the three shortlisted for him. The three constituencies are NC bastion Ganderbal, from where Omar was elected in 2008, and Hazratbal and Sonawar in Srinagar district, from where his father Farooq Abdullah had won before resigning. Hazratbal and Sonawar were badly affected by the floods as parts of the constituencies were submerged, leading to a wave of anger among residents. This is likely to influence Omar’s decision and he will probably go for of Ganderbal, which remained unaffected by the floods. Omar had contested Assembly elections twice from Ganderbal. He lost in 2002, but won in 2008 by 8,215 votes. The NC has announced three lists of candidates, covering 58 of the 87 seats it plans to contest, ruling out a pre-poll alliance with the Congress. The ruling party has been considering “various permutations and feedback from the cadre” before the floods as it searches for a safe seat for Omar, who is working president of the NC. Final decision soon
|
|
In poll mode, Mufti reaches out to imams
Jammu, October 27 The meeting was held at Mufti Sayeed’s residence here, which lasted for more than an hour. At the meeting, clerics apprised the PDP patron of the problems being faced by them. They raised the issue of salary with him. Sources told The Tribune that Mufti had assured the clerics that all their issues would be addressed once his party formed the government in the state. “He told them to support his party candidates in the elections so that the PDP gets a majority in the state Assembly,” a source said. Many Muslim clerics in Jammu are being paid salary by Auqaf Islamia, Jammu, which comes under the Haj and Auqaf Department. The clerics have been reaching out to government representatives every now and then but their issues and problems have not been addressed so far. Sources said after the Election Commission announced the dates for the state Assembly elections, Mufti Sayeed’s office had sent a request to the clerics for a meeting with him. “It was after the isha prayers (late night prayer) on Saturday that the clerics reached Mufti Sayeed’s residence and held a detailed meeting with him,” the source said. “He (Mufti Sayeed) listened to our issues and assured us that if his party forms the government in the state, all our issues will be addressed. But he exploited the opportunity and said we should support his party’s candidates in the upcoming elections,” a cleric who attended the meeting said. Wooing clerics
|
|
|
Guv approves notifications for Assembly poll
Srinagar, October 27 The notification for the first phase will be issued tomorrow. The Deputy Commissioners of the districts going to the polls in this phase have given details pertaining to the election preparedness. In this phase, 15 Assembly segments in Bandipore, Ganderbal, Leh, Kargil, Doda, Kishtwar and Ramban districts are going to polls on November 25. Deputy Commissioner (DC), Leh, Simrandeep Singh said Ladakh would be covered in the first phase, which includes Leh, Nubra, Zanskar and Kargil constituencies. Talking about Leh district, he said the last date of filing nominations was November 5, date of scrutiny was November 7 and the last date for withdrawal of nomination was November 10. District Election Officer, Ganderbal, Sarmad Hafeez held a meeting of Nodal Officers of the district to take stock of the preparedness for the elections. Matters pertaining to Systematic Voter’s Education and Electoral Participation (SVEEP) were discussed. These included training and workshops regarding participation of maximum eligible electors in the electoral process. The DEO issued strict instructions for implementation of the model code of conduct to ensure free and fair elections in a transparent manner in the district. He instructed the officers to ensure that various guidelines issued by the Election Commission of India and the state Chief Electoral Officer are followed in letter and spirit. A meeting of booth-level officers (BLOs) was held under the chairmanship of District Election Officer, Baramulla, Farooq Ahmad Lone. He directed the Tehsildars to ensure furnishing of electoral rolls to all the BLOs within the next two days. The District Election Officer, Bandipora, Shah Faesal, asked officers to conduct verification of all polling stations so that basic facilities are well in place before the poll date. He asked officers not to leave polling station and no official should be transferred till the election process is over. “No officer should favour or disfavour any party,” he said. |
|
|
Pandits reiterate demand for separate homeland in Valley
Jammu, October 27 “We all hope that the new government at the Centre will make a healthy departure from policies pursued by the previous governments in Jammu and Kashmir and New Delhi with regard to the internally displaced Kashmiri Hindus,” said the convenor of the Panun Kashmir, Agnishekhar, in a statement. He said the previous governments in the state and at the Centre had deliberately sought to reduce the exodus of the Kashmiri Pandits to an issue of voluntary migration, which is not true. “The consequent implication of this outlook was to confine the policy framework to devise some sort of an affordable economic and employment package as the only driving force for return. It is time that the new government at the Centre recognises formally the issue of internal displacement of the entire population of Hindus from
Kashmir province as an issue of religious cleansing,” he said. Panun Kashmir chairman Ajay Chrangoo said the community was sad that the governments had transformed the entire relief and rehabilitation process into a political programme. “It seeks to enforce conformity amongst the Pandits to toe the government line not only on the issue of internal displacement but also on various aspects of the Kashmir issue,” he alleged. |
|
|
Rather refutes Sharma’s charge
Srinagar, October 27 Sharma had recently submitted his resignation as Minister for Public Health Engineering, Irrigation and Flood Control. He had alleged on Sunday that the “anti-Jammu” approach of two National Conference ministers had forced him to quit the Cabinet. He alleged that the two ministers were against the regularisation of daily wagers because a majority of them belonged to Jammu. Rather termed Sharma’s allegations as an attempt to mislead public opinion, saying that the people were “sagacious enough to see between the lines”. The Finance Minister said the CSC was constituted under his chairmanship with the power to go into the “extent and magnitude” of the problem related to casual workers. He said the departments concerned were asked to furnish details regarding such workers and a format was prescribed by seven members of the CSC to ascertain genuineness. “The departments did not furnish requisite information as per the prescribed format for a pretty long time. As such, the CSC was not in a position to finalise its report in time,” he said. He said the CSC had recently met and formulated a policy for regularisation “subject to fulfilment of certain conditions”. “The report of the committee has been sent to the General Administration Department and the role of the CSC has ended with it. The state Cabinet has to take a call,” he said. |
|
|
Coalition culture not conducive to state, says NC
Jammu, October 27 “A strong and stable government can meet the challenges and assuage the aspirations of the people,” provincial NC president Devender Singh Rana said. He was addressing members of the provincial election campaign committee at Sher-e-Kashmir Bhawan, the party headquarters. He asked functionaries and workers at the grassroots to work for eliciting the support of the people for a thumping majority. He said the next few months would witness the party emerging in full glory given the work done by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah. Rana said the fractured mandate had proved detrimental to interests of the state and this era should end forever. He appreciated the enthusiasm in the cadre, especially the youth, and said this spirit should be channelised properly. Minister for Planning and Development Ajay Sadhotra urged party functionaries to work for a big victory. He listed holding of panchayat elections, introduction of the Right to Information and Public Services Gurantee Acts, measures for generating employability, launching of Himayat and Udaan programmes for the unemployed youth, a skill development programme and various other initiatives for women and weaker sections of society. |
|
|
ITBP gets hi-tech gadgets
Jammu, October 27 “While the process of refurbishing our airfields and advanced landing grounds in Ladakh had begun last year, the ITBP is also being provided hi-tech surveillance gadgets,” said a top ITBP source. Ladakh has airfields and advanced landing grounds at Leh, Kargil, Thoise, DBO (Daulat Beg Oldie), Nyoma, Demchok, Fukche and Chushul. “The surveillance gadgets, including hi-tech cameras, are being provided to ITBP posts at vantage positions along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) where Chinese activities have increased in the past couple of years. The areas are DBO, Chumar, Demchok and the Pangong Lake,” the source said. “Since the vast LAC cannot be dominated by foot patrols, the gadgets would certainly make our task easy and effective,” the source said. China had long back started ramping up its border infrastructure all along the 4,057-km LAC, also known as the MacCartney-MacDonald Line, between India and China that runs through J&K, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh. An ITBP officer said the borders in Ladakh needed to be guarded well and was possible only with the help of sophisticated gadgetries and deployment of more men. When asked about the deployment of men on the LAC, the ITBP officer said: “Yes, the process has also been initiated to have more men deployed at the LAC.” “Similarly, creation of more ITBP posts in Ladakh would strengthen our security grid,” he said. The Army conducted a four-day recruitment rally from October 7 in the Phyang belt, he added. “In Chumar sector, we had a fortnight-long face-off with them (PLA) in September this year. Though we have an Army brigade here (Ladakh), to match China and check its activities, more needs to be done,” he said. Surveillance up
|
|
|
Assembly elections: First phase to be notified today
Jammu, October 27 Kargil, Zanskar, Leh and Nubra, all four constituencies in the twin districts of Kargil and Leh, will go to the polls in this phase. Doda, Bhaderwah, Kishtwar, Inderwal, Ramban and Banihal in Doda, Kishtwar and Ramban districts will go to the polls as well. The constituencies of Gurez, Bandipora and Sonawari in Bandipora district and Ganderbal and Kangan in Ganderbal district will go to the polls in this phase. The last date for filing nomination papers is November 5. Scrutiny of forms will be conducted on November 7. The last date for withdrawal of nomination papers is November 10. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah is the sitting legislator from the Ganderbal constituency. Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha Ghulam Nabi Azad had won from the Bhaderwah constituency in 2008. The first phase will seal the fate of Urban Development Minister Nuwang Rogzin Jora, Higher Education Minister Muhammad Akber Lone, Public Works Development Minister Abdul Majeed Wani, Forest Minister Mian Altaf Ahmed, Minister of State for Home Sajjad Ahmed Kichloo, Minister of State for Technical Education Vikar Rasool, Minister of State for Public Health Engineering Nazir Ahmed Gurez and Minister of State for Science and Technology Feroz Ahmed Khan. Seven sitting MLAs are from the National Conference, six from the Congress, one from the Peoples Democratic Party and one is an Independent. Action begins
|
|
|
Army remembers martyrs’ sacrifices on Infantry Day
Jammu, October 27 On this day in 1947, a company of the Infantry of the first battalion of the Sikh Regiment was airlifted from Delhi to Srinagar to liberate Kashmir from the invading tribals supported by the Pakistan army. The action was ordered by then Prime Minister Jawahar Lal Nehru after Maharaja Hari Singh of Jammu and Kashmir signed the Instrument
of Accession, acceding his kingdom, Jammu and Kashmir, to independent India. Another significance of this day is that India as an independent nation was first time engaged in operations against an aggressor. The celebrations today in the Northern Command were marked by laying wreaths at war memorials, sainik sammelans and sainik bhojs. In his message to the Infantry, Lt Gen DS Hooda, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief (GOC-in-C) of the Northern Command and senior-most Infantry officer in the region, complimented all Infantrymen for their devotion to duty and indomitable spirit while working under trying and difficult conditions. The GOC-in-C acknowledged their contribution towards maintaining the sanctity of the nation’s borders and fighting terrorism in J&K. Similar celebrations were held at Jammu and the Nagrota Garrison. Maj Gen Dushyant Singh laid a wreath at the newly renovated Tiger War Memorial in Satwari and Brigadier NK Airy, the senior-most Infantry officer in the absence of the GOC, White Knight Corps, Lt Gen KH Singh, laid a wreath on his behalf at the Ashwamedh Shaurya Sthal at Nagrota. The highlights of the functions were wreath laying, marked by reversal of arms and sounding of bugles. To commemorate the bravery and sacrifice of the Army and the people of Ladakh against the Pakistani raiders in 1947, ‘Defenders of Ladakh (1947) Remembrance Day’ was celebrated under the aegis of the Fire and Fury Corps at the newly constructed picturesque Col Sonam Wangchuk, MVC Stadium in Ladakh. |
|
|
DEO exhorts leaders to follow code of conduct
Ramban, October 27 Bukhari met representatives of different political parties of the district in his office today for ensuring smooth conduct of Assembly elections in Ramban, Banihal and Gool constituencies. He warned that any violation of the MCC by any political party would be viewed seriously. The DEO has constituted stationary and mobile surveillance teams equipped with cameras for checking violations of the MCC. All instructions specified in the MCC were read out to political representatives present in the meeting. Various issues related to registration of left out voters, modifications in names, electoral photo identity cards and shifting of polling stations were also discussed. Leaders were later handed over a copy of the MCC. They assured the DEO of their full co-operation during the elections. |
|
|
Shun fixation for coalitions, PDP patron tells voters
Srinagar, October 27 “A mere numerical strength in Assembly by way of alliances without a political objective or development goals has cost the state dearly in the last six years. We need to come out of the fixation that coalitions are inevitable,” Mufti said, while addressing a party workers’ convention of the Sonwar Assembly constituency. The PDP patron said if at the national level and in major states such as Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal and Tamil Nadu, people can give a decisive mandate to a single party for effective governance, there was no reason why Jammu and Kashmir couldn’t do the same. “This time the PDP eminently qualifies for people’s trust and vote,”
Mufti said. He said the upcoming Assembly elections offered an opportunity to the people of Jammu and Kashmir to assert their identity, political rights and constitutional distinction. “The elections are crucial in many ways and people could utilise this opportunity to assert their democratic rights to give a positive turn to the situation which has witnessed deterioration during the last six years,” the PDP patron said. Mufti said the grey areas in the political scene of the state had disappeared and people were now fully aware about the performance of every party seeking their votes. “I hope the vote this time is used with wisdom and discretion so as to elect a party with a clear majority which can address the challenges facing the state,” he said. Syed Ali is party’s additional gen secy
Peoples Democratic Party president Mehbooba Mufti on Monday nominated Syed Asgar Ali, Member Legislative Council, as the party’s additional general secretary and in charge of the erstwhile Doda district, known as the Chenab valley. |
|
|
Cong will form next govt: Vakil
Srinagar, October 27 “It is unfortunate that corruption had increased in the coalition system. Omar could not properly utilise six years of his tenure. Corruption, nepotism and delay in execution of development projects became routine,” he said. In a reference to the National Conference and the Peoples Democratic Party, Vakil said, “Whenever elections are near , regional parties exploit innocent people on issues of accession, autonomy and self-rule. During the elections, these forces become more active and come to the forefront to attract the people by selling dreams.” Asserting that only the Congress was determined to ensure equitable development of all three regions of the state, he highlighted achievements of former Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad. “During his short tenure as Chief Minister, Azad had taken revolutionary measures to bring socio-economic transformation back on track. These included implementation of the Roshni Act, constitution of the Round Table Conference, setting up of eight new districts and new administrative units, law against corruption and extension of Hazratbal shrine, Tulip Garden, Yatri Niwas and Haj House,” Vakil said. |
|
|
PDP to nominate candidates for 20 constituencies soon
Srinagar, October 27 Not only the PDP, the ruling National Conference, Congress and the BJP have also started final consultations to shortlist candidates for the left-out seats. The PDP, after its victory in the Lok Sabha elections earlier this year, is eyeing 44 of the total 87 Assembly seats to form the government in the state on its own. The party registered a lead in 41 Assembly segments during the Lok Sabha elections in which it won all three seats in the Valley. “We will be holding the PAC meeting soon to finalise the names of candidates for the Assembly segments where candidates have not been announced,” said PDP chief spokesman Naeem Akhtar. The party is yet to announce names of candidates from five Assembly seats in Kathua, three each in Srinagar and Jammu districts, two each in Reasi, Kargil and one each in Baramulla, Bandipora, Leh, Rajouri and Udhampur. The Bandipora and Ganderbal districts in the Kashmir region, Leh and Kargil districts in the Ladakh region and Kishtwar, Doda and Ramban districts in the Jammu region will go to polls in the first phase on November 25. The notification for the first phase will be issued on Monday. Of the 15 Assembly seats going to the polls in the first phase, the PDP has not named candidates from Gurez, Kargil, Zanskar and
Leh. |
|
|
Poonch MLA felicitated
Poonch, October 27 Speaking on the occasion, Jan said the setting up of new administrative units and schools had
met the long-pending demands of the people and would be a turning point as far as the socio-economic development of the constituency was
concerned. He thanked Chief Minister Omar Abdullah for setting up new administrative units and schools. “I am satisfied that the committee has accommodated genuine wishes of all the three regions of the state and justice has been delivered in all deserving areas of
the state,” the Poonch legislator said. Calling upon the people to strengthen the hands of the ruling National Conference in the state, Jan said it was the result of the vision of the Chief Minister that various revolutionary steps had been taken by the Jammu and Kashmir Government. |
|
|
BJP gears up for 44 plus target
Jammu, October 27 BJP leader Gagan Bhagat held a detailed discussion with people on various schemes launched by Narendra Modi-led Central government and urged them to vote for the party and help them
form an independent government in Jammu and Kashmir. “People of our state have been benefitted by the policies of the BJP. They should take these elections more seriously and help the party achieve the target of 44 plus and form the first ever BJP led government in the state,” Bhagat said. He said the party workers were working very hard to achieve the target and
they need to work on every booth to form the government. |
|
|
Dal Lake, Boulevard wear deserted look post floods
Srinagar, October 27 The shikaras remain empty and the road along the Dal wears a deserted look as there is no tourist rush for the cabs. A small number of tourist cabs are huddled inside the local taxi stand with hardly any customers available. The markets are devoid of the usual bustle, the tourists strolling along the Dal Lake are nowhere to be seen. The only ones treading the road are the local pedestrians striving to get their lives back to normal. The empty hotels from the Dalgate to the Nehru Park, overlooking the Dal Lake, are awaiting the return of tourist season, while the roadside eateries which used to be crowded with local and domestic visitors remain shut. The outlets selling the famed Kashmir handicrafts, including shawls, wood carvings and papier mache, are still closed. For the shikara wallahs at the famous Nehru Park jetty the tourist season is over as there are hardly any visitors. About 20 shikaras are lined up at the jetty, that too for the use of locals or officials. The nearby gateway to the Shankaracharya temple has no rows of tourist cabs waiting for the security check to undertake the swerving journey up the hillock to the shrine. “The (tourist) season is gone since the flood waters created havoc,” said Abdul Samad, a shikara wallah, adding that the famous Dal would have been flooded by the tourists from West Bengal around this part of the year. Samad, meanwhile, is not happy with the government as teams of officials of the Lakes and Waterways Development Authority, escorted by the police in motor boats, were out to demolish the “illegal structures” being erected by the flood-affected Dal dwellers. He also disapproved the advisory for tourists against visiting Kashmir for the threat of any epidemics in the wake of floods, that too when the temperature in the Valley was on the decline. |
|
|
Increase research in humanities: Guv
Srinagar, October 27 The Governor expressed concern over the insignificant number of research publications being brought out in humanities in the university. He stressed the need for enhancing research activities in this area, besides sustaining research work in the science sector. While reviewing the short-term vocational courses offered by both the Jammu and Kashmir universities, the Chancellor suggested that the functionality of the ongoing courses should be reviewed and assessed every year and modified as per need for enhancing job opportunities for students. The Governor stressed the need to strengthen research activities to ensure that scholars secured increasing number of international and national fellowships. The Governor asked the Vice Chancellors of both the universities to organise convocations on an annual basis. It was observed that convocations were being held irregularly, which caused inconvenience to the passouts. While reviewing ongoing infrastructure projects, the Chancellor said hostels for girl students should be given priority. The Council endorsed the Chancellor’s suggestion that both the universities should bring out an annual calendar of the academic and co-curricular activities and also undertake an annual review of all research activities, against pre-determined parameters. The Council approved the adoption of the statutes/regulations governing semester pattern for BA/BSc/BCom (General) and BBA/BCA from 2014 onward for Summer Zone and 2015 onward for the Winter Zone. The Council approved utilisation of 15 seats in the Post Graduate Diploma Course in Human Rights and Duties Education. The Council adopted guidelines for checking plagiarism in the university and also suggested increased investment on faculty development programmes. Mohammad Akbar Lone, Minister for Higher Education, put forth various suggestions for improving the quality of teaching and research on sustainable basis. MPS Ishar, Vice Chancellor, Jammu University, gave a power-point presentation and talked about the status of various ongoing projects on research and infrastructure and those in the pipeline, introduction of new courses, status of filling up teaching and non-teaching positions in the university etc. Decisions taken at the varsity council meeting
|
|
|
State yet to submit rural electrification plan to Centre
Jammu, October 27 Sources said during the previously held meeting in 2013, the state had said the REP was prepared by it, but it was yet to submit it to make any headway. The main aim of the rural electrification plan is to achieve the goal
of providing electricity to all households in the state. The rural electrification plan covers details of electrification delivery mechanisms considering inter alia available technologies, environmental norms, fuel availability, number of un-electrified households, distance from the existing grid, etc. The Director, RGGVY (Technical), emphasised the need for timely completion of balance works under the ongoing projects of the Centrally sponsored scheme. He also underlined the non-achievement of RGGVY targets in 2013-14. Sources added that the executive director, RGGVY, assured full support to the state from the Central ministry and said any hindrance in the RGGVY progress should be intimated to corporate office. But at the same time, he stated that no excuses for non-achievement of works would be allowed in future and works should be completed in a time-bound manner. With regard to backlogs in obtaining gram panchayat certificates for villages electrified under the RGGVY, it was mentioned that huge backlogs had been observed in obtaining gram panchayat certificates by the National Hydro Power Corporation/Jammu and Kashmir State Power Development Corporation in almost all projects and project-implementing agencies should take up the
issue with gram panchayats and if not issued, may alternatively publish the achievement in local newspaper. The Rajiv Gandhi Grameen Vidyutikaran Yojana was launched in April 2005 by merging all ongoing schemes. Under the programme, 90 per cent grant is
provided by the Centre and 10 per cent as loan by the REC to state governments. It is
the nodal agency for the programme. No headway
|
|
|
Justice Virender given warm send-off
Jammu, October 27 He instead chose to visit the Bar room and high court complex for a cup of tea during the lunch break. The president of the Bar association appreciated the humane approach adopted by Justice Virender while dispensation of justice in the past seven years. He described him as a person of integrity. While recalling his time spent in the high court, Justice Virender appreciated the role of advocates and brother judges in maintaining a cordial relationship of the Bench and the Bar. He also lauded their efforts in deciding cases of the most deserving and the poor of the far flung and remote areas
in the state. Prominent amongst those present on the occasion include MK Bhardwaj, president of the Bar association, Sindhu Sharma, vice president, Ranjit Jamwal, general secretary, Prem Sadotra, joint secretary, Gurveer Singh, Diljit Singh Manhas, Pardeep Majotra and Shazia
Azad. Recalls time spent in J&K High Court
|
|
|
Army holds cricket meet in Kupwara
Kupwara, October 27 In the tournament, the Kralpora XI defeated the Guzriyal XI on Monday. The youth of Panzgam and several adjoining
villages said this platform provided the opportunity to boost talent besides promoting a feeling of brotherhood. “We are thankful to the Army for organising the tournament and providing us sports kits and uniforms. The tournament helped in boosting my cricketing skills,” said Fayaz Ahmad Malik, a local youth. “It is for the first time that such a tournament has been organised here. The Army levelled the field and prepared the pitch to ensure proper play,” said Shabir Ahmad Sheikh of Kralpora. Senior citizens of the area said such initiatives helped the youth showcase their skills and strengthened ties between the Army and the people. “It is a good move and we hope that such tournaments will be organised
in the future as well,” said Abdul Ahad Lone, local sarpanch. |
|
|
Panthers Party celebrates 67th Accession Day of JK
Jammu, October 27 The rally was addressed by social activist Dr Jitender Bakshi, Harsh Dev Singh, chairman, JKNPP, Balwant Singh Mankotia, president, JKNPP, Yashpal Kundal, general secretary, PK Ganju vice-president, and Anita Thakur, general secretary. A unanimous resolution was adopted by the participants hailing from different groups and schools of thoughts, including the National Panthers Students Union (NPSU), who celebrated the day. “We the people of Jammu and Kashmir, comprising 84,000 sq miles from Leh to Gilgit and Lakhanpur to Muzaffrabad, join the celebration of the state accession with the Union of India and on the 67th anniversary of its accession with the Union of India,” said Bhim Singh. He said the United Nations (UN) should persuade Pakistan to vacate all occupied territories comprising 32,500 sq miles, including Gilgit and Baltistan, and withdraw civilian settlers from these areas. |
|
|
SMVDU teams move to next round of badminton tourney
Jammu, October 27 In the men’s section, SMVDU defeated Bundelkhand University, Rajasthan, by 3-1 in a one-sided affair. In the first single, Ashish Yadav toppled Ashutosh by 21-11 and 21-11. In the second single, Mahinder of SMVDU lost to Manthan Arya of Bundelkhand University by 15-21 and 15-21. In the doubles, the duo of Ashish and Deepak of SMVDU defeated Manthan Arya and Sandeep Kumar by 21-8 and 21-11 with ease. In another single match, Deepak Jha of SMVDU outplayed Sandeep Kumar. The women team of SMVDU entered into the next round by virtue of walkover against GB Pant University. Dilbagh Singh, Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) and Managing Director, J&K Police Housing Corporation, was the chief guest in the opening ceremony. The function was presided over by Prof Neelam Saraf, Dean, Academic Affairs, and in charge Vice Chancellor, University of Jammu. While interacting with the shuttlers, the ADGP asked them to show the sportsmanship during the coveted sporting event. He advised the staff of the Directorate of Sports and Physical Education to channelise the energy of young people in sports activities. Prof Dhian S Bhau, Director, Directorate of Sports and Physical Education, University of Jammu, in his address, expressed his keenness to organise such types of events in a large number in future. He thanked all the agencies, who are directly and indirectly involved in conduct of these tournaments. He informed that out of 48 men teams, 41 teams have reported for the tournament and in the women’s section, 32 teams, out of 46, have reported. |
|
|
Valley shuts down, restrictions in old city
Srinagar, October 27 The shutdown affected the businesses as the major markets in the region, including the Lal Chowk and its adjacent commercial localities, remained closed. The markets in city’s peripheries, however, remained open. The shutdown had minimal impact on traffic as passenger buses and cabs on most of the routes in the city remained functional. Hardline Hurriyat Conference led by Syed Ali Shah Geelani and other separatist groups, including the Jammu Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF), had called for a general shutdown to protest the landing of Indian troops in the Valley. The Army had landed in Srinagar on October 27, 1947, to thwart the attempt by the armed tribesmen from Pakistan’s north-western province to capture the city. The subsequent fighting between India and Pakistan later ended with a ceasefire. The separatists have been observing October 27 as a “black day” and the shutdown on this day has become an annual feature in the last 25 years of insurgency. As a precautionary measure, the authorities imposed restrictions in several parts of the city. An increased number of police and paramilitary personnel were deployed and roads were blocked with rolls of concertina wire. Geelani, whose separatist amalgam was the first to issue a shutdown call for today, expressed “satisfaction”, while JKLF said in a statement that its chairman Yasin Malik had been placed under detention. The only incident of violence took place in the Maisuma neighbourhood of the city, where eyewitnesses said clashes broke out between the stone throwing protesters and security forces after paramilitary personnel were forced to fire tear-smoke shells to disperse the demonstrators. |
|
|
30,000 books, 15th-century manuscript lost in Kashmir floods
Srinagar, October 22 Acting secretary of the Cultural Academy Haroon Rasheed told The Tribune although various manuscripts as well as records of the academy were salvaged, its publications which provided significant evidence of state's rich literary past were lost. “There are around 50,000 publications in possession of the Academy. Almost 15,000 books in the Academy office were damaged by the floods. We also had a huge collection of books in the Kitab Manzil which has been lost to the floods,” Haroon said. The official, meanwhile, admitted that apart from the literary works, a manuscript dating back to the 15th century was also washed away by the floods. The lost publications, which were in English, Urdu, Dogri, Pahari , Punjabi, Ladakhi and other native languages, were not digitized yet and it has made any chances of retrieval of these literary resources bleak. Haroon said the Academy doesn't take the original work from the writers/historians, but publishes their significant works in its bi-monthly, monthly and annual publications. The collection at the Academy, however, serves as a source of research for literature, archaeology, history and political science students from the state. “It is unfortunate that there is no way we can recover these important books, which were pointers to our history and cultural heritage. The works of those writers who may not be even alive are gone forever. Their digitization should have been the priority of the Academy instead of organising regular events,” said Mushair, who is pursuing MA History at Kashmir University. |
|
|
Hurriyat condemns Mirwaiz’s detention
Srinagar, October 27 Hurriyat spokesperson in a statement here said: “The All Party Hurriyat Conference chairman, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, has been placed under house arrest by contingents of police at his Nigeen residence since Sunday evening thereby imposing restrictions on his
social, political and religious activities.” The spokesperson said apart from Mirwaiz, other senior Hurriyat leaders including Agha Syed Hassan Al Safvi and Zaffar Akbar Bhat were also put under house arrest and Hakim Abdul Rashid and Engineer Hilal Ahmad war were locked-up in jails. “The Jammu and Kashmir Government can’t break the resolve of pro-freedom leadership by putting them under house detentions, in jails, or by imposing ban or restrictions on their political movement,” the Hurriyat spokesperson said. “Such draconian tactics will not break the will of the pro-freedom leadership and their commitment towards the freedom struggle,” he added. |
|
|
Doctors’ body rues delay in restoration of city hospitals
Srinagar, October 27 The DAK in a statement said the government was not serious in rebuilding flood-hit SMHS and associated hospitals. “The city’s premier tertiary care SMHS Hospital which used to be flooded with patients is deserted because of the lack of facilities,” the doctors’ body said, adding that almost the entire equipment and machinery in the hospital was damaged. “CT scan, MRI scan, ultrasounds, doppler, x-ray plants, echo, EEG, dialysis unit, operation theaters, intensive care unit, oxygen plant and blood bank are totally damaged and yet to be restored,” the body said. The Association further said the damaged cobalt 60 and CT simulator in the Radiotherapy Department had not been replaced yet as a result cancer patients could not be treated at the facility. It said the state government’s figure of Rs 250 crore loss to the health care sector due to floods was “severe underestimation”, considering the monumental infrastructural damage to SMHS and associated hospitals. “The minuscule assistance of government for renovation of SMHS and associated hospitals is a cruel joke,” the DAK said while terming government’s restriction of international assistance for health care rebuilding and depriving patients of medicare a gross human rights violation. |
|
|
Ruling parties misusing govt machinery: BJP
Srinagar, October 27 “All flood-related works and rehabilitation works should be exulted directly under the supervision of the Governor and no minister should have a say in making any political oriented decision so that government machinery is not used by the ruling parties for the election interest,” Bhat said after touring the parts of Srinagar city today. He also alleged that the coalition partners National Conference and Congress “violated all political ethics” through “political postings” during the last Cabinet meeting. Bhat said the people have realised how the ruling dispensation and the main opposition party of the state mishandled situation during floods. “It was only Prime Minster of India who took personal pains to help flood-affected,” he said, adding the BJP has decided to rebuild all devastated properties and infrastructure in the state. |
|
|
Army celebrates Infantry Day
Srinagar, October 27 Various functions were held to celebrate the day. The major functions were held at the Headquarters of the Srinagar-based 15 Corps and Baramulla-based 19 Infantry Division, an official spokesperson said. |
|
|
Third Eye awarded for holding blood donation camp
Jammu, October 27 Chairman of the organisation Sham Lal Gupta and members were invited to the J&K Police Auditorium, Jammu, where the award was presented by Dr Ganshyam Dev Gupta, Principal, Government Medical College (GMC), Jammu, and Head of Department (HoD), Blood Bank, Dr Vijay Sawhney. As many as 25 volunteers of the NGO had donated blood to save the lives of poor and needy persons. Dr Sawhney in his address appreciated the efforts of the NGO and its chairman for providing necessary help to the needy persons. The Principal, GMC, in his address also complimented the organisation for organising the camp in Bishnah. The DIG, Shakeel Ahmed Beig, was the chief guest of the function. He assured the NGO of every possible help in its endeavours to help poor people. Sahil Gupta, Dya Nand, Surinder Kumar, Krishan Lal, Tersem Lal, Raj Kumar, Dr Ghara Singh and Satish were also present on the occasion. |
|
|
Vigilance Awareness Week begins at Powergrid
Jammu, October 27 During the week, several programmes are being organised in various schools apart from site offices for creating awareness among the employees and their family members highlighting evils of corruption and its impact on the society. On the first day of the week, a pledge was administered to all employees by Executive Director SK Sharma at the NRTS-II Regional Headquarters, Jammu. Messages of the President, Vice-President and Prime Minister of India were read out by Paramjit Singh Chahal, Additional General Manager (Vigilance), Ajay Holani, Additional General Manager (PESM), and RN Sen, DGM (C&M), respectively. The message of the Central Vigilance Commissioner was read out by B. Dash, DGM (Finance). |
|
|
30% waiver on tuition fees to flood-hit
Jammu, October 27 The decision was taken at a meeting of the institute. It was announced that in view of limited seats, admission to various courses in the institute will be on the first-cum, first-served basis. |
|
|
NC minister refutes Sham Lal’s charge Srinagar, October 27 Sham Lal had recently submitted his resignation as Minister for Public Health Engineering, Irrigation and Flood Control. He had alleged on Sunday that the “anti-Jammu” approach of two NC ministers had forced him to quit the Cabinet. Sham Lal alleged that the two ministers were against the regularisation of daily wagers as majority of them belonged to Jammu. Rather termed Sham Lal’s allegations as an attempt to mislead public opinion. — TNS
|
|
| HOME PAGE | |
Punjab | Haryana | Jammu & Kashmir |
Himachal Pradesh | Regional Briefs |
Nation | Opinions | | Business | Sports | World | Letters | Chandigarh | Ludhiana | Delhi | | Calendar | Weather | Archive | Subscribe | E-mail | |
Srinagar, October 27