In GMCH, a toilet serves as laboratory too
Archit Watts/TNS

Jammu, July 29
A toilet in the Radio Diagnosis and Imaging Department of the Government Medical College and Hospital (GMCH), which daily caters to thousands of patients from all the 10 districts of the Jammu region, is being used for laboratory work. The patients and their attendants, who come to the department for X-rays, are given the X-ray films at the toilet.

Patients and their attendants wait in a toilet at the GMCH in Jammu on Friday to collect the X-ray films. Photo by writer

During a visit to the hospital, this correspondent found that X-ray films were hung there and the patients and their attendants were waiting there to collect them. Moreover, a hospital employee was distributing the X-ray films to the patients at the toilet, even as it was being used for its real purpose. A paramedical employee of the hospital said the toilet was being used as part of a laboratory for a long period.

Moreover, this was happening even though Minister for Medical Education RS Chib conducted surprise visits to the hospital regularly.

Talking to this correspondent, a number of attendants said the authorities concerned were indifferent towards the functioning of the hospital. “The technician, who conducted the X-rays, told us to collect the X-ray film from the toilet and we are awaiting its delivery,” said Amzad Shah, an attendant. Dr Romesh Gupta, Medical Superintendent of the GMCH, refused to comment over the issue.

Courtesy: The Tribune

Rain below normal in Jammu region

Rain below normal in Jammu region
Archit Watts
Tribune News Service

Chatha (Jammu), July 29
Though the monsoon arrived in the Jammu region well on time this year, rainfall till date has remained lesser than the average.

Going by the data collected from the Agronomy Department of the Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (SKUAST) at Chatha, Udhampur is the worst hit district with 277.7 mm less rainfall than the normal. The district witnessed a total rainfall of 190.2 mm during June 1 to July 27 while the normal rainfall expected was 467.9 mm, say weather experts.

The situation is also poor in Kathua which witnessed 44.6 mm shortfall in total rain. Rajouri district also witnessed 21.6 mm rain deficiency. Similarly, Doda and Ramban districts also got 21.3 mm and 9.7 mm lesser showers, respectively.

Comparing the rainfall in Jammu district with that of the last year, it witnessed a deficit of 44.5 mm till date. The total rainfall measured at Chatha village in Jammu till July 27 is 246.1 mm, although it was 290.6 mm last year.

Statistics of Jammu district show that in the last 27 days, it got showers for just 12 days.

The experts said the lesser rainfall was the result of the monsoon becoming inactive for a few days.

“The arrival of the monsoon was very good, but after a short spell it became weak which resulted in less rainfall in the initial phase. Now, it has become active again, but it is still slow than the last year, as the rainfall remained continue during this period in 2010,” said Mahender Singh, a weather expert of SKUAST, Chatha.

An official of the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), Srinagar, told The Tribune that deforestation, rising levels of pollution and increasing number of vehicles were the major reasons behind the shortfall of rain in some areas of the Jammu region. “The rain can now pickup as the situation is improving slightly,” he said.

Courtesy: The Tribune

Poor roads greet visitors in Jammu

Poor roads greet visitors in Jammu
Locals blame Municipal Corporation for neglecting the city
Archit Watts
Tribune News Service

Jammu, July 29
The Jammu Municipal Corporation (JMC) has installed a number of hoardings at the entry points and other places in the city to welcome Amarnath yatra pilgrims and tourists. However, poor roads right at the entry point make the visitors aware of the lack of amenities in Jammu.

The very first impression formed in the minds of the tourists is that the local body has failed in providing basic facilities to the residents.

As people enter the municipal limits of the city while coming from Pathankot, big potholes greet them. Bad roads and heaps of garbage dotting the city of temples have brought a bad name to it and damaged its reputation.

The gravity of the situation could be gauged from the fact that the main entrance road of the city right from Kunjwani to Satwari is in the worst condition and a number of accidents have already taken place on this stretch, all due to its poor upkeep.

“All this is the result of indifferent attitude of the authorities. The ministers entering or leaving the city also have a bumpy ride on this road still the situation has not improved. One can better imagine the plight of the residents when it rains heavily in the city,” says Sohan Singh, a local shopkeeper.

He adds, “It is during the rainy season that lakhs of pilgrims visit the Vaishno Devi and Amarnath cave shrines. However, despite knowing this fact, the government has failed in creating better infrastructural facilities in the city”.

Vijay Manhas, another shopkeeper, says, “The municipal corporation earns huge revenue through taxes. Even then it cannot ensure proper drainage of water and repair of roads. A large amount of funds are being spent on shallow publicity”. According to the shopkeepers, the JMC has failed miserably in carrying out development works.

Meanwhile, JMC officials say the elections of the corporation are pending, which is proving a big hurdle in carrying out the development works. “The repair work of various roads is going on and if somewhere more attention is required, we will try our best,” a senior official said.

Repeated attempts to contact JMC commissioner SC Sawhney proved futile.

Courtesy: The Tribune

Attendant Sarai fails to serve purpose
Archit Watts
Tribune News Service

Jammu, July 22
The Attendant Sarai at Maheshpura Chowk, opposite Government Medical College, was set up for providing accommodation to attendants of patients coming from the far-off and rural areas for treatment at city hospitals. However, it has failed to serve the purpose because of lack of publicity and unavailability of facilities.

On an average, the occupancy rate at the sarai, having the capacity of accommodating 160 persons, is around 20 per cent. However, at present, the sarai has the capacity of only 56 persons (seven dormitories) as repair work is going on in other dormitories while the three upper floors have been closed to visitors.

Moreover, it has never witnessed the stay of more than 24 persons at a time.

Almost 10 months have passed since the inauguration of this five-storeyed building by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, but due to lack of publicity and unavailability of facilities, not many people have utilised the services of the sarai. This despite the fact that a nominal charge of Rs 60 per person per bed has been fixed by the Indian Red Cross Society.

When patients and their attendants at the Government Medical College and Hospital (GMCH) were asked whether they knew about the sarai, they replied in negative.

“Nobody told us about such a facility. If the government has constructed any such building, they should have also publicised it so that attendants can avail the facility. There is no information available at the hospital regarding the sarai, so how we come to know about it?” asked an attendant.

A visit to the sarai revealed that though the building was neat and clean, it was not equipped with basic facilities like telephone and a genset. Lift was also out of order.

An insider told The Tribune that the service provider had disconnected the telephone because its rent was not paid for a long period.

A person who recently stayed at the sarai said during rains, the sarai looks like a haunted house”.

“A large number of glasses have been used to make it beautiful from outside but when high velocity winds blow, they start shaking. Rainwater also enters into the building, so it’s of no use. One can’t sleep peacefully here,” said an attendant.

It has also been learnt that the staff deployed there is overburdened. The building has just one sweeper. There are two guards, each putting in 12 hours of duty. Besides, there are two clerks.

This building, constructed at a cost of Rs 3.29 crore, was a dream project of Union Health Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad, who laid its foundation stone on March 18, 2008. After completion, the building was handed over to the Indian Red Cross Society for its maintenance and management.

Anil Padha, honorary secretary, Indian Red Cross Society, Jammu, said: “Publicity is an issue although the public has started staying here and it will take some more time for it to get full occupancy. We are going to put banners outside GMCH and SMGS Hospital to make the public aware of the sarai”.

He also assured that the repair work would be completed soon as the divisional commissioner, Jammu, Pawan Kotwal, had assured them of providing funds for this purpose.

Biodegradable bags to be launched in state

Biodegradable bags to be launched in state
Archit Watts
Tribune News Service

Jammu, July 26
After its failure to keep a check on the sale of non-biodegradable polythene bags, the state government has decided to introduce ISO-certified biodegradable bags across the state.

“After the municipal corporation officials failed to enforce the ban on the sale and use of polythene bags, we have decided to introduce biodegradable bags across the state. These bags will be used as an alternative to the banned polythene bags,” said Lal Chand, chairman, J&K State Pollution Control Board, while talking to The Tribune over the phone from Srinagar.

He added that, “A few private bag manufacturers have approached us for approval to sell biodegradable bags in the market. We have sent these bags to the Central Institute of Plastics Engineering and Technology for checking their quality before granting approval”.

Terming polythene as the biggest environment hazard, Lal Chand said, “We are committed to providing a clean and green environment, but the pollution due to polythene bags has drastically increased in the twin capital cities of the state. This is proving to be a tough task. We are hopeful that with the introduction of environment-friendly bags, the board will be able to control the rising pollution level”.

He blamed the public for the increase in the pollution level. “We have launched a number of awareness campaigns for the people to dissuade them from using polythene bags, but to no avail. Now, we will have biodegradable bags with a message, “Say no to plastic bags and adopt biodegradable bags”.

Asked if any private firm was supplying biodegradable bags in the state, he said there might be a few companies selling biodegradable bags in the market, but none had the permission from the board. Earlier, the standards were not laid for the sale of the biodegradable bags, but now the ISO certification had been made mandatory and the board had also framed the rules.

Lal Chand added that the biodegradable bags would be costlier than polythene bags.

Courtesy: The Tribune

20% students pass Class XII (private) exams

20% students pass Class XII (private) exams
Archit Watts
Tribune News Service

Jammu, July 25
Though the fresh academic session started in all the colleges 10 days ago, the Jammu and Kashmir State Board of School Education declared the results of the Class XII exam (private) in the Jammu division today.

Of the total 38,086 students, who appeared in the Class XII exam, 7,601 were declared pass while the remaining students either failed or got re-appear.

However, girls outshone boys with a pass percentage of 20.52. The pass percentage of boys was 16.39. Only one student got distinction while the overall pass percentage was 20, a senior official of the education board said.

Talking to The Tribune over the phone, Dr Javed Iqbal Khatib, joint secretary, Secrecy (Jammu division), of the education board, said the examination process had concluded on June 9 and the results were declared within 46 days.

“The pass percentage was similar to the last year,” Khatib said.

Asked about the topper’s name, he said, “We have not received the topper’s details. The students were desperate about the results to get admission to colleges and hence we declared the results today.”

MS Baloria, secretary of the education board and in-charge of the college admission committee, said, “Yes, the results have come a few days after the academic session started in the colleges, but these students need not worry as the university authorities will issue a fresh notification in this regard. All the students will be accommodated in various colleges.”

Asked whether these students would be able to get admission to all the courses, Baloria said, “They may face some difficulties.” However, he failed to give a satisfactory reply.

Another education board official said of 7,601 students, who passed the examination, 140 got the first division, 1,858 second and 5,368 students got the third division.

However, the results of 70 students, who were caught using unfair means during the exam, were withheld.

Courtesy: The Tribune

Board lacks powers to penalise defaulters

Board lacks powers to penalise defaulters
Archit Watts/TNS

A man covers his ear with his hand in Jammu on Monday. Photo: Inderjeet Singh

Jammu, July 25
The Jammu and Kashmir State Pollution Control Board lacks powers to penalise those responsible for noise pollution. While most of the other states have set up authorities to keep a check on noise pollution, in Jammu and Kashmir it is increasing unhindered.

Rapid deforestation is mainly responsible for the rise in noise pollution in the state. A large number of trees have been axed for road widening. The increasing number of vehicles is also contributing to the rising noise pollution level.

Even doctors say the increasing noise level in public places due to industrial and construction activities, generator sets, loudspeakers, music systems, blowing of horns and other mechanical devices affects the health of people.

The Chairman of the State Pollution Control Board, Lal Chand, said the board had no powers to keep a check on noise pollution. “Yes, there is no authority to keep a check on noise pollution. However, the necessary groundwork has been done and the Noise Pollution Control Authority will be established soon.”

Lal Chand added that, “We have submitted papers at the Civil Secretariat, seeking the delegation of powers to deputy commissioners concerned so that they could act against defaulters (those who create noise pollution) in their respective areas.” He said they had set the standard noise level and that too in the urban areas.

Courtesy: The Tribune

Downpour disrupts life in Jammu: Heavy rain gives commuters a tough time; Chenab flows 5 ft above normal

Downpour disrupts life in Jammu
Heavy rain gives commuters a tough time; Chenab flows 5 ft above normal
Archit Watts
Tribune News Service

Akhnoor/Jammu, July 24
Due to downpour in the Jammu region today, the water level in the Chenab at Akhnoor has touched 29 ft and is flowing 5 ft above normal.

The Flood Control Department has also become active and alerted all its officials to regularly monitor the situation and prepare reports after every half an hour.

The downpour, which was measured at 78.7 mm in Jammu city, affected normal life. As the drainage system was choked, the rainwater flooded various city roads, caused extensive damage to roads and gave commuters a tough time.

At some places rainwater entered into moving vehicles and some houses. Though the Jammu Municipal Corporation (JMC) officials came out with heavy machinery to clear the roads, yet little could be done to ease the situation. Diversions were made at many places so that commuters could reach their destinations.

“The drainage system has totally collapsed and the officials concerned are the least bothered about the problems being faced by the common man,” said Savita Khajuria, a housewife.

The officials of the Meteorological Department at Srinagar said the situation was almost similar in Samba, RS Pura, Katra, Banihal, Batote and Bhadarwah, where the downpour created chaos and confusion.

They predicted more showers in the next 24 hours across the region.

SD Sharma, Assistant Engineer, Flood Control Department, Akhnoor, said: “Due to downpour in the region, especially in the upper areas, the water level in the Chenab has reached up to the height of 29 ft. The department officials have been alerted and all possible steps are being taken. Minute-to-minute reports are being sent to the higher-ups, who are regularly in touch with the Army and the Air Force. In case, any odd situation arises, the Army and the Air Force officials could be called for rescue operations.”

He added that “so far, we have not received any information about any losses, but if the rain continues till night, any untoward situation can happen, as the water level in other canals and tributaries has also increased.”

Sharma also appealed to the people living in low-lying areas to follow the department’s advisories and avoid going near the river.

Courtesy: The Tribune

Ignoring shrine board’s advisory proves fatal for Amarnath pilgrims

Ignoring shrine board’s advisory proves fatal for Amarnath pilgrims
Archit Watts
Tribune News Service

Jammu, July 23
Though the Shri Amarnath Shrine Board (SASB) has been repeatedly requesting the physically weak persons not to trek to the cave shrine, staunch devotees of Lord Shiva are not ready to follow the advisory, resulting in the increase in the death toll with each passing day.

Since June 29 about 85 persons have died en route the cave shrine, the sources said. Doctors say the pilgrims, mostly elderly, die due to pulmonary-cardiac arrest.

With an overwhelming response to the yatra, the number of yatris this year has crossed 5.25 lakh, breaking all the previous records. However, the increase in the number of deaths is troubling the shrine board.

Talking to The Tribune over the phone, RK Goyal, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the SASB, said many pilgrims ignored the health advisories and ended up paying with their lives. “This is an arduous pilgrimage and only healthy people should undertake it. But people ignore our advisories,” Goyal said.

“As the shrine board cannot turn away pilgrims, we have made every possible arrangement for them at the base camps. If someone feels any health problem, he or she can immediately get some treatment,” a shrine board official said.

Even cardiologists had advised the pilgrims to undergo a thorough medical check-up and had asked the elderly and sick pilgrims to avoid the yatra. “It is not possible for the authorities concerned to conduct the medical check-up of every pilgrim and hence the pilgrims should themselves get it done. If someone feels any heart-related problem, he or she should immediately come down,” said Dr Sushil Sharma, a cardiologist at the Government Medical College and Hospital, here.

He added that, “This is a tough terrain and oxygen supply is also less. If the board has been issuing advisories to the pilgrims, they should follow it and the ascent should be slow.”

Dr Sushil said the pilgrims, both young and old, should start some physical workout a few days before embarking on the yatra.

Courtesy: The Tribune

Staff shortage hampers Pollution Control Board’s functioning

Staff shortage hampers Pollution Control Board’s functioning
Archit Watts
Tribune News Service

Jammu, July 22
Though the state government has constituted the State Pollution Control Board to keep a check on the increasing pollution level, the lack of adequate staff has been affecting its functioning.

The board started functioning in 1986 and aimed at making Jammu and Kashmir a pollution
free state.

However, the lack of manpower has resulted in adismal performance bythe board.

Sources in the board disclosed that no fresh recruitments had been made for almost a decade. “In 1996, additional manpower based on the actual responsibilities was estimated and the sanction was obtained from the government to increase the staff strength. The staff strength of the board, however, increased in years 2000 and 2001 after which no new recruitments were made,” a board official said.

He added that the board lacked environment engineers, scientists, field staff, inspectors and some class IV employees. Due to an inadequate staff, the board had virtually failed to take effective action against defaulters, including some industrial units, hotels, banquet halls and automobile workshops under the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974, and the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981.

Chairman of the board Lal Chand also said the staff shortage was hampering the board’s efforts to control the pollution levels in the state.

“Earlier, there were no recruitment rules. But now we have framed the rules and have sent them for approval to the state government,” said Lal Chand while talking to The Tribune over the phone from Srinagar.

He added that, “The staff shortage has added extra workload on the existing staff. At present, we need at least one-third of the total sanctioned staff of 450 employees to be able to do our job efficiently.”

Courtesy: The Tribune

TOURIST ARRIVALS IN 2010: J&K not among top 10 states

TOURIST ARRIVALS IN 2010
J&K not among top 10 states
Archit Watts
Tribune News Service

Jammu, July 21
Though the Jammu and Kashmir government is trying hard to attract tourists, the state has not secured any position among the top 10 states of the country in terms of either foreign or domestic tourist arrivals in 2010.

A statement issued by the Union Ministry of Tourism on Monday stated that Andhra Pradesh got the top position in domestic tourist arrivals with 155.8 million tourists visiting the state in 2010. Similarly, Maharashtra achieved the top position in foreign tourist arrivals with 5.1 million tourists visiting the state in 2010.

Talking to The Tribune over the phone, Farooq Ahmed Shah, Director, Tourism, Kashmir, said, “We are getting a good number of domestic tourists. But the number of foreign tourists is not much, which is due to militancy-related incidents”.

“A few countries have issued adverse travel advisories asking their citizens to avoid visiting the state. That’s why the foreign tourist arrivals are less. Moreover, a large number of foreign tourists have moved to Goa, Rajasthan and Kerala, as some countries do not provide insurance cover to their citizens while they are in Jammu and Kashmir,” added Shah.

He said the department was keen to promote tourism and it had recently conducted road shows in London, Berlin, Dubai and Kuala Lumpur. “We got a good response there and are hopeful of getting more tourists from the countries,” Shah said. The Tourism Department’s efforts were yielding good results.

The number of Amarnath yatris had already crossed last year’s figure of 4.58 lakh. The Mata Vaishno Devi yatra was also expected to cross the figure of 90 lakh pilgrims this year, the department added.

However, local tour and travel agents blame the state government and its policies for not getting a large number of tourists, especially foreigners.

“Though the government is happy in view of peace this summer,when it comes to competitiveness,it needs to cover a lot of lost ground. The budget for this purpose should be increased and tourists should be provided more security,” said Aijaz Bhat, a local tour and travel agent.

Courtesy: The Tribune

Red Cross to set up units in colleges

Red Cross to set up units in colleges
Archit Watts
Tribune News Service

Jammu, July 20
The Jammu and Kashmir unit of the Indian Red Cross Society has decided to set up units in colleges to provide first aid to victims of accidents. The step has been taken in view of an increase in the number of road accidents in the state,particularly in the hilly areas.

“Our goal is to save the lives of accident victims,” Anil Padha, Honorary Secretary, state unit of the society, told The Tribune over the phone.The society would set up the units in all the colleges.

“Units having 25 boys and girls will work under teachers in all the colleges in the state and will rush to accident spots to provide first aid to the injured,” Padha added.

“The society is committed to work for the welfare of the people.Our volunteers will have all the basic medicare equipment and will be trained to handle any situation,” the honorary secretary said.

Courtesy: The Tribune

Staff shortage: Only one ventilator functional at SMGS Hospital

Staff shortage
Only one ventilator functional at SMGS Hospital
Archit Watts
Tribune News Service

Jammu, July 19
Due to the shortage of staff, only one ventilator of the local Shri Maharaja Ghulab Singh (SMGS) Hospital here is functional.

The 550-bedded hospital has two ventilators, one at the labour room and the other at the paediatrics block. However, the ventilator at the paediatrics block, which was purchased a year ago for Rs 8 lakh, is non-functional in the absence of specialised doctors and the paramedical staff.

Patients requiring artificial respiratory support are being shifted to the Government Medical College and Hospital (GMCH), which is already facing a heavy rush of patients.

Though everyday about 1,200 patients visit the OPDs of the hospital, 100 patients are admitted to various wards and 60 deliveries and 60 major/minor operations are performed, the non-functioning of the ventilator raises questions about the hospital’s management.

“The hospital is facing manpower shortage, thus causing problems to the patients. Though the higher authorities are aware of the problem, the decision to fill vacancies is to be taken by the state government. Hence, we refer the patients requiring artificial respiratory support to the GMCH,” said Dr Reva Gupta, acting Chief Medical Officer of the hospital. She added that they were awaiting the recruitment of more staff.

The attendants of some patients alleged that the hospital was not being managed properly. “Whenever there is any complication, the attendants have to shift their patients to private hospitals,” said Dhiraj Raina, who was accompanying a patient.

However, Dr Romesh Gupta, Medical Superintendent of the hospital, denied that a ventilator was non-functional and the patients were being inconvenienced. “All the machines in the hospital are functioning properly,” he said.

Courtesy: The Tribune

Moderate rain belies MC’s claims

Moderate rain belies MC’s claims
Several areas in Jammu were submerged and vehicular traffic came to a halt. Driving past flooded roads turned into a nightmare as gushing rainwater seeped into moving vehicles
Archit Watts
Tribune News Service

Jammu, July 15
With the monsoon becoming active again, moderate showers, which lashed the region on Thursday, threw the normal life in the city completely out of gear.

It also exposed the lack of preparedness of the local administration and the Jammu Municipal Corporation (JMC) in tackling with the perennial problem of water clogged drains, inundated roads and streets.

Several areas in the city were submerged under water and dug-up roads and those with potholes made life miserable for pedestrians. The vehicular traffic also came to a halt. Driving past flooded roads turned into a nightmare as gushing rainwater seeped into the moving vehicles.

The situation was worst at the canal road, especially opposite the house of former Deputy Chief Minister Mangat Ram Sharma, which looked like a huge pool of water. The vehicles trying to pass through the accumulated water were also seen getting break down in the clogged water.

“I was forced to leave my vehicle and cross the road barefooted with my pants folded,” said Jitender Singh, a motorist.

Though the showers last for a short time, it brought the failure of the administration to the fore, which has always claimed to have fully prepared to deal with the situation.

The condition was worst in the old city where most of the roads have been dug up. The rainwater entered into a number of houses and shops.

“It rained only for an hour or so and see what damage it has done. Now wonder what will be the situation in the coming days when the monsoon will be at its peak. The tall claims made by the authorities have fallen flat. Despite this, no one is ready to find out any permanent solution to this perpetual problem,” said Aniket Sharma, a local resident.

A spokesperson for the JMC said rainwater did accumulate in some low-lying areas of the city, but the situation was normal in other parts of the city.

“We are on the job and all efforts are afoot to deal with the situation arising due to rains. Water pumps have been made operational in several areas and where the work is left, it will be completed within a short time,” the spokesperson added. He further said special attention was being given to the low-lying areas in the city.

Meanwhile, the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecasted more rain in the next two-three days.

Courtesy: The Tribune

Lack of agricultural markets worries rice growers

Lack of agricultural markets worries rice growers
Archit Watts
Tribune News Service

RS Pura, July 17
Rice growers of the Jammu region are a worried lot these days. Though they are expecting a bumper crop this season, they apprehend that there will be no buyers for their crop as there is no agriculture marketing system in the state.

For the first time this year, the Agriculture Department had provided hybrid seeds to the farmers and they were expecting a bumper produce.

The sowing season is almost over and the farmers are concerned that they will have to sell their produce directly to mill owners or to the agents, who can deprive them of profit.

“We fear that our produce will not get the genuine price as there is no agriculture marketing system in the state and the state government does not lift the produce. If there is a bumper crop, the mill owners or agents will decrease the price and it will cause us a loss,” Balbir Singh of Dablehar village said, adding: “Before selling hybrid seeds to the farmers, the Agriculture Department should think of solutions to the problems arising due to lack of permanent markets in the state.”

“The Agriculture Minister and the Chief Minister talk about promoting the agriculture sector, but in reality, the things are not good. There is a lot of work to be done to uplift the agriculture sector and facilitate the farmers,” Gurmeet Singh, another farmer at Kullian village, said.

Tejinder Singh, president of the Progressive Farmers Association, stated: “Agriculture markets are the need of the hour and the state government should take immediate steps so that by the time the crop is ready, there is a well-planned agriculture marketing system.”

Repeated attempts to contact Agriculture Minister Ghulam Hassan Mir failed.

Courtesy: The Tribune

Fresh academic session starts in colleges: Rain spoils excitement of first day

Fresh academic session starts in colleges
Rain spoils excitement of first day
Archit Watts
Tribune News Service

Jammu, July 15
Though the fresh academic session started in the colleges in the city today, the rain dampened the excitement of the first day in college. No classes were held in the colleges and the students had to return home after getting their roll numbers.

The scene was altogether different as compared to the last year as the freshers lacked enthusiasm and excitement due to the inclement weather. The attendance was also thin in most of the colleges.

The rain started early in the day and most of the students were seen carrying umbrellas. The rain played spoilsport and the fun and amusement of the first day in college were missing.

“I was excited about my first day in the college, but the rain played spoilsport,” said Pooja, BA I student of Government College for Women, Parade.

“My father dropped me at the college this morning. But after coming here I came to know that there would be no classes. And now I am waiting for bus to return home,” said Jyoti, a fresher at Government College for Women, Gandhi Nagar. She added that she too was excited about attending the college, but was disappointed.

Raman, a student of MAM College, said, “I was disappointed as no classes were held.”

Ajeet Angral, Principal of MAM College, said, “The academic session has started and we have put the time table on the notice board. The attendance was thin due to the rain today. The classes will start from Monday now.”

Nalini Kohli, Principal of Government College for Women, Gandhi Nagar, said, “Though the academic session has begun, the students usually take two or three days to acclimatise themselves to the new environment.”

Courtesy: The Tribune

Amarnath pilgrims face problems at railway station

Pilgrims face problems at railway station
Archit Watts
Tribune News Service

Jammu, July 14
Although the Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board is making every effort to provide all the facilities to pilgrims arriving here from various parts of the country for the Amarnath yatra, the Northern Railways authorities have not made sufficient arrangements to make the pilgrims’ stay comfortable at Jammu Tawi railway station.

A visit to the station revealed that due to the lack of proper sitting arrangements at the platform, hundreds of passengers were sitting on the floor.Most of the waiting halls were closed and those open were occupied.Toilets and bathrooms were stinking.

Several pilgrims expressed their resentment against the authorities. “Despite knowing that the rush of pilgrims increases in the summer, the authorities have not made any additional arrangements, which is causing inconvenience to pilgrims who have come here from far-off places,” said Bhushan Kumar, a resident of Ghaziabad.

Nitin Goyal, a pilgrim from New Delhi, said:”With the rise in the number of pilgrims, their problems have also increased, but the authorities have not made any special arrangements. The situation was the same last year.”

However, the railway authorities claimed that there was no problem.

Ashwani Kumar, Station Superintendent, said: “The rush of passengers has increased and trains are running full. We are trying our best to provide maximum facilities to the passengers.”

Courtesy: The Tribune

Liquor bottles in state to carry holograms

Liquor bottles in state to carry holograms
Archit Watts/TNS

Jammu, July 13
The Excise and Taxation Department has decided to introduce holograms on liquor bottles.

The step has been taken to ensure that spurious or adulterated liquor is not sold in the state, Deputy Excise Commissioner Manmohan Singh told The Tribune over the phone.

“The hologram will be a multi-coloured seal. It will be tamper-proof ,” he said, adding that each bottle would have a different hologram.

“Following the decision taken by Punjab and Himachal Pradesh, we also prepared a detailed report in this regard and submitted it to the state government,” Manmohan Singh said.

However, beer bottles and tins would not carry the holograms.

“The sale of beer does not lead to any loss of revenue.So,bottles of beer and tins will not carry the holograms.However, Indian-made foreign liquor and countrymade liquor bottles will carry the holograms. The Punjab Government has also done it,” added Manmohan.

The hologram would be put on the cap of the bottle and in case of any tampering with the contents, it would be easy to detect the mischief. Earlier, it was proving difficult for the department to keep a check on liquor adulteration.

In the financial year 2010-11, the state government received Rs 695.39 crore from the sale of liquor, which is the biggest source of revenue collection.

Courtesy: The Tribune

Evidence of early human habitation found in Kargil

Evidence of early human habitation found in Kargil
Final report to be submitted to ASI soon
Archit Watts
Tribune News Service

Jammu, July 12
Ladakh had human habitation more than 3,000 years ago, says a study jointly conducted by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and an expert from Jammu University (JU).

“For the first time, the evidence of human habitation more than 3,000 years ago has been found in the upper Himalayan region, near Mulbekh, about 40 km from Kargil on the Leh-Srinagar highway,” said Prof RK Ganjoo, Director, Institute of Himalayan Glaciology from the Department of Geology, JU, who headed the team.

Ganjoo said, “In the first week of the month, we found hearths used by early human for lighting fire on the banks of the Wakka river in Kargil district of the Ladakh region.”

“These were mostly transit camps where the fire was lit to cook food and to escape from the harsh winter,” Ganjoo added.

It was a Central government project for finding traces of early humans in the Ladakh region after similar discoveries were made in Tibet around 10-12 years ago and the Karakorum area about 2-3 years ago.

“The survey of the Ladakh valley which started last year proved successful and the final report will be submitted at the end of the month to the ASI,” said Prof Ganjoo.

Ganjoo said a team of seven, including the regional director of the ASI office in Bhopal, SB Ota, excavated a number of places and were able to search the hearths built by cutting natural slopes of the mountains as old as 3,000 to 4,000 years.

Giving details about the hearths, Prof Ganjoo said, “Interestingly, flat blocks of sandstone were used by the early humans as floor around the fire place.”

Samples from the hearths and the surrounding areas have been collected by the team for further scientific studies to investigate the type of wood used for burning the fire and remains of food material consumed by the early man, he added.

“Our report will definitely give a new impetus to the geo-archaeological research,” Ganjoo said.

Besides Prof Ganjoo, the team included Ota, RK Dwivedi, Chandrakant Bhandarkar, SK Goswami, Tsering Phunchok and Sonam Spalzin Bangkolok, all from the ASI.

Courtesy: The Tribune

State bus passengers to get computerised tickets soon

State bus passengers to get computerised tickets soon
Archit Watts
Tribune News Service

Jammu, July 11
The Jammu and Kashmir State Road Transport Corporation will switch over to the electronic ticketing system soon.As a result,passengers travelling by the corporation buses will get computerised tickets.

The state government has approved a project of the corporation in this regard.

“After our counterparts in Punjab and Himachal Pradesh succeeded in plugging the pilferage of ticket revenue, we prepared a similar project which was approved by the Transport Minister,” the General Manager (Operations) of the corporation,SS Jamwal,said over the phone.

“The step was taken after it was found that some conductors were illegally reissuing tickets and fleecing the corporation.It will definitely keep a check on the illegal activity,”he said.

“During the trial period, the electronic ticketing system will cover short route buses and after that, it will cover all the buses owned by the state road transport corporation ,” said Jamwal.

The electronic ticketing machines would also decrease the workload. “ For getting the details of the total sale of tickets and the amount collected, every machine will be connected to a computer in the evening, which will provide the bifurcated details of the amount collected and the tax. It will also save a lot of time and energy, which will help us,” said Jamwal, adding that the conductors would also be given training before issuing the computerised tickets.

Courtesy: The Tribune

Peerzada avoids calls by setting strange caller tune

Peerzada avoids calls by setting strange caller tune
Archit Watts/TNS

Jammu, July 10
Though Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has been trying hard to set an example of good governance by reaching to the masses through social networking sites like Twitter and Facebook, some Cabinet ministers in the NC-Congress-led government are not even ready to respond to calls made by the public.

Education Minister Peerzada Mohammad Sayeed has set an “odd” caller tune on his BSNL cellphone. Whenever one calls him,the caller tune says, “Hello, I am on international roaming. I will get back to you once I come back.”

These days the minister is staying in Srinagar and almost everyday the state Information Department releases his statements to the press. But, the “odd” caller tune on his cellphone makes everyone think twice before making a call to him.

“I had to talk to Peerzada due to some urgent work, but his caller tune made me feel that he had gone abroad,” a senior politician said. The Chief Minister has directed all his ministers and officials to attend to phone calls.

Though repeated attempts to call Peerzada failed, the General Manager, BSNL, Jammu zone, S Sawarkar, said, “Yes, one can set any caller tune on his cellphone by choosing it from various websites. There are a number of caller tunes available on websites and people are using them.”

Courtesy: The Tribune

Poor results of classes X, XII: Principals told to monitor performance regularly

Poor results of classes X, XII
Principals told to monitor performance regularly
Archit Watts
Tribune News Service

Jammu, July 5
After facing flak for poor results of classes X and XII, principals of all higher secondary schools have been told to regularly monitor the performance of schools within their jurisdiction.

Gulzar Ahmed Qureshi, director school education, recently convened a meeting of principals/headmasters and headmistresses of all high and higher secondary schools of Jammu region and told the principals to act as monitor, guide and facilitator of the adopted high schools.

Qureshi directed them to provide timely guidance for the improvement in academic standards. He also called for co-opting lecturers according to the number of feeding high schools i.e. one lecturer for each high school.

He said, “The principals shall visit the adopted schools at least once in a month whereas the lecturers should visit the adopted schools at least once a week”.

Qureshi said the principals and lecturers should ensure proper functioning of the adopted schools. He asked them to conduct weekly tests of students. He added that each subject’s teacher would fix the grading of the students on the basis of performance.

He said, “Necessary records in this regard shall also be maintained by the class subject teacher which shall be cross-checked by the head of the institution”.

He said the report regarding each and every aspect should be compiled by the visiting officer on a prescribed performa prepared by the authorities. “The principals will also ensure punctuality on part of the teaching staff,” Qureshi said.

Regarding duties of headmasters, he informed that they would ensure weekly tests of the students. The primary schools would be monitored by the in-charge/headmaster of the middle schools on similar pattern of the headmaster of the middle school.

Qureshi said the in-charge headmaster of the middle school would submit the report to the headmaster of high school with a copy to the zonal education officer (ZEO) and headmaster of the high school and they, after scrutinising the report, would submit the same to the principal DIET for further action.

“The purpose to adopt the schools is to bring the slow learners at least nearer to the best performer and to achieve 100 per cent results,” Qureshi said.

In order to check the quality of monitoring, the DIETs would also conduct random surprise check of at least 15 per cent schools of the district, besides SIE shall conduct test check of at least 5 per cent of the schools in the province.

Courtesy: The Tribune

819 govt schools sans toilets, drinking water

819 govt schools sans toilets, drinking water
Archit Watts
Tribune News Service

Jammu, July 9
Though education is necessary for the overall development of the children, as many as 819 government schools in the state are functioning without proper drinking water facility and toilets.

As per government documents accessed by The Tribune, 819 government schools (541 middle schools, 125 high schools, 101 higher secondary schools and 52 primary schools) lacked toilets and drinking water facility during the academic session 2010-11.

Though the state government claims that it has been working overtime to provide better education to the students, the scenario is altogether different as the students have to attend schools where even basic facilities are not available.

Infrastructure is also a major issue here, as 4,858 schools do not have their own buildings and are operating from either makeshift structures or rented accommodation, the documents reveal.

Besides, there are 474 primary schools functioning from dilapidated buildings. The vacancies of teacher is another major concern, as nearly 9,000 posts of teacher are lying vacant. The transfer policy also exists on paper only.

The lack of basic facilities, along with vacant posts of teacher, are affecting the results of government schools. In the Class X and XII results declared by the J&K State Board of School Education (BoSE) recently, only a few students from government schools got distinction or their names appeared in the merit list.

Repeated attempts to contact Education Minister Peerzada Mohammad Sayeed proved futile. However, Peerzada had acknowledged recently that there were a number of things required to done to uplift the educational infrastructure and the education standards in the state.

Courtesy: The Tribune

Manda Deer Park may be upgraded

Manda Deer Park may be upgraded
Archit Watts
Tribune News Service

Jammu, July 1
With the overwhelming response of visitors to the Manda Deer Park located on the outskirts of city, the Forest Department has now decided either to upgrade it or to find a new place to make a zoo in the city.

“The number of visitors has been increasing and the space available with us is proving less, so we have requested the higher-ups to either grant us permission to upgrade the existing Manda Deer Park or to allot any land in the city to make a zoo,” said Upinder Pachnanda, Chief Forest Conservator (Wildlife), Jammu.

He further said the efforts of their officials, in association with the Tourism Department, had brought good results.

Pachnanda added, “The proposal has been sent to the authorities concerned and we are waiting for its approval. If this project is sanctioned, the pilgrims and tourists coming here will get another beautiful tourist place.”

There are a number of species of deer, cheetal, sambar, leopard, duck, wildcat, beer, peacock and many other wild animals in this park at present.

On an average, 200-300 people daily visit this park. The number of visitors is expected to increase with the dip in temperature.

A senior official in the Tourism Department said if this project got formal nod from the higher-ups, the tourism would definitely get a boost.

“The promotion of such types of projects is very useful as it not only gives the tourists a place to enjoy, but it also gives employment to the people involved with the project,” the official said.

Courtesy: The Tribune