JMC-JDA dispute affects business of cracker sellers

JMC-JDA dispute affects business of cracker sellers Archit Watts/TNS

Workers busy setting up cracker stalls at Prem Nagar in Jammu. Tribune photo

Jammu, October 18
With just a week left for Diwali, the stalls of firecrackers are still not in sight anywhere in the city. The reason is dispute between the Jammu Municipal Corporation (JMC) and the Jammu Development Authority (JDA) over the allotment of land to the cracker sellers.
Though the JMC has allotted a ground to the cracker sellers at Prem Nagar after taking Rs 30,000 from each, yet the land, which originally belongs to the JDA, has become a matter of dispute as the JDA claims that the rent should be paid to them. As a result, the cracker sellers have become the victims suffering loss to their business.
“We have paid Rs 30,000 for the use of this land till Diwali. But the dispute between the JMC and the JDA has been causing us lot of inconvenience. No one is ready to provide facilities like electricity, water and sanitation here. In the absence of these basic amenities, we are unable to open the stalls,” said OP Sadhotra, president, Jammu Crackers’ Association.
He added, “Earlier the authorities allowed us to sell crackers at the Parade Ground. But this year, taking some precautionary measures, the site has been changed. The JMC has also increased the rent from Rs 25,000 to Rs 30,000. But nothing has been done in the name of publicity.”
During a visit to the ground at Prem Nagar, children were found playing cricket and hardly anything has been done in the name of sanitation, water and electricity. Heaps of garbage were also stinking.
“The administration has only erected the electricity poles, but there is no wiring. Our business has already been affected. How can we even think of good business in such conditions?” asked, Bansi Lal Sodhi, a wholesaler.
He added, “The Deputy Commissioner should visit here to know the ground reality. The cracker-laden trucks cannot even enter this ground. This is totally a misfit place for this purpose.”
Repeated attempts to contact the Commissioner, JMC, SC Sawhney, proved futile. Sanjeev Verma, Deputy Commissioner, Jammu, said, “There was some dispute between the two agencies -- JMC and JDA -- but now it has been sorted out. We have allotted the land to the cracker sellers at a very nominal price.”
“Parade Ground is a residential area, so we changed the location this year. All efforts will be made to provide all facilities to these stall owners,” added Verma.

This Diwali, gift of peace and apples from Kashmir---A first: Apple growers from Valley to hold fruit festival in Jammu from October 23 to 25

This Diwali, gift of peace and apples from Kashmir A first: Apple growers from Valley to hold fruit festival in Jammu
from October 23 to 25Archit Watts
Tribune News Service

Jammu, October 18
People of the miltancy-hit Kashmir Valley will give the message of peace, harmony and secularism to the entire nation this Diwali.
With the efforts of the state government, for the first time, the apple growers from across the state — including those from Sopore and Shopian —which is known as the apple bowl of the state and has been the hotbed of militancy and stone-throwing incidents — will come under the banner of the department of horticulture to give the message “Happy Diwali from Kashmir Valley”.
“Apple growers in the Valley, a majority of them Muslims, will come to Jammu to sell their produce in gift boxes this Diwali, not only to make money but also to spread the message of communal brotherhood,” said Mohammad Javed Khan, Director, Horticulture, Planning and Marketing.
“The department in association with apple producers will also hold a three-day fruit festival at Kala Kendra in Jammu,” he added.
During the festival, all varieties of apple - Red Delicious, Royal Delicious and Golden Delicious - will be made available to the people. “With this event, people will be able to distribute apple rather than sweets to their near and dear ones on the occasion of Diwali,” maintained Khan.
He said the aim was to provide the apple fruit to customers at a cheaper price as well as spread the message of communal love and brotherhood.
“A majority of the apple growers have confirmed that they will be participating in the festival. The three-day event will be held from October 23 to 25. There will be no middleman between the customer and the producer. As a result, the customers will be able to get the stock at cheaper prices,” Khan said.
Lauding the efforts of Horticulture Minister Sham Lal Sharma, Khan declared: “Diwali is the festival of lights, which is not only confined to Hindus and Sikhs. This year, with the involvement of the department, people from all sections of society will celebrate the festival.”
Horticulture has been the mainstay of the economy of the militancy-plagued state. 

Farmers suffer in absence of paddy procurement centres: State govt, FCI don’t see eye to eye, send separate proposals to Centre

Farmers suffer in absence of paddy
procurement centres State govt, FCI don’t see eye to eye, send
separate proposals to CentreArchit Watts
Tribune News Service

Jammu, October 17
The paddy growers in the state may have to wait for more time to get procurement centres (mandis), as there is a conflict between the Agriculture Department and the Food Corporation of India (FCI) over the establishment of these centres.
Being a Central government project, the state government through the Agriculture Department has proposed the setting up of 26 procurement centres, while the FCI, which is the nodal agency that procures the farmers’ produce, has sent a proposal for the creation of only 10 centres.
Minister for Agriculture Ghulam Hassan Mir had last year assured the paddy growers that the procurement centres would be created soon to lift their produce at the minimum support prices (MSP).
However, in the absence of these procurement centres, farmers have no other option but to sell their produce to mill owners. As a result, they are getting a lesser price for their produce.
“Though the state government has fixed Rs 1,080 per quintal as the MSP for the procurement of rice yet growers are getting just Rs 800 to 850 per quintal, as mill owners are fleecing the growers,” said Dev Raj, president of the RS Pura Rice Growers Association.
He alleged, “The government is not much concerned about the problems being faced by farmers. The most important project of creating the procurement centres is getting delayed. The authorities concerned should reach a consensus over the procurement centres so that they can be set up in a short period.”
He added that almost three months ago the authorities concerned had identified the land for these centres, but nothing was done after that.
VK Bhakri, Joint Director, Agriculture Department, said: “We have completed the formalities and have submitted the proposal for the creation of 26 procurement centres to the Central government for its approval.”
Bhakri accepted the fact that mill owners and agents were fleecing farmers. “The private mill owners are fleecing farmers and that is why we have planned to create procurement centres so that farmers can get genuine price for their produce,” added Bhakri.
Meanwhile, Rajesh Meena, deputy general manager of the FCI, Jammu, said: “We have sent the proposal to create 10 procurement centres and as soon as the government will approve it, we will be ready to start procurement through mandis. We have enough storage capacity and we are waiting for the approval of the much-awaited project.”

Drop in temperature hits power generation

Drop in temperature hits power generation Archit Watts
Tribune News Service

Jammu, October 16
With the onset of winter and fresh snowfall in the upper reaches of the state, the power generation has dipped, forcing the Power Development Department (PDD) to impose extra cuts.
Due to the change in weather conditions, the rivers feeding water to the hydroelectric projects are witnessing a sharp decline in the water level, causing lesser power generation.
All the powerhouses located on the Chenab, Jhelum, Indus and Ravi rivers are facing shortage of water, as the water channels have started freezing.
Talking to The Tribune over phone, PK Kaul, chief engineer, Baglihar Power Project, said: “The water level in the river has decreased, causing rapid decline in the generation. Earlier the generation was around 450 MW, and now it has been reduced to
360 MW.”
He said with the start of winter, the generation would be hit further. “The generation began to decline from October 11 onwards. In the peak of winters, the total generation of this powerhouse goes down to 150 MW, which means 300 MW lesser than its capacity,” Kaul added, terming it the winter effect.
At present, the state requires 1,500 MW power, and the decline in power generation has sent PDD officials into a tizzy. This change in power scenario has also increased the worries of industrialists, who are already fuming over the hike in power tariff.
“The erratic power supply and unscheduled power cuts are proving to be a bane for us. If the situation does not improve in a few days, the industrialists will have no other options but to shut down their units,” said Gautam Singla, an industrialist at the Gangyal area here.
Worried over the decline in power generation, chief engineer, PDD, Shahnaz Goni has appealed to the public to conserve energy and avoid unnecessary usage.

Rain-ravaged roads yet to be repaired

Rain-ravaged roads yet to be repaired Archit Watts
Tribune News Service

Jammu, October 15
Though a number of roads in the city were damaged due to landslides triggered by the monsoons nearly two months ago, they were yet to be repaired. Most of the roads, including the Circular road, New Plot, Rajiv Nagar, Gangyal and Kunjwani, were still in a poor shape and posed a risk to the lives of the commuters. A partially damaged road near the Mubarak Mandi complex often witnessed traffic jams. Though the authorities concerned had declared it a landslide-prone area, no efforts had been made to repair the road. The debris was still lying on the roadside.
Mohit Sharma, a local resident, who preferred to go to Nagrota via the Circular road, said, “The condition of this road is bad. Though it sees a heavy rush of vehicles, the authorities concerned are not concerned about repairing it. The debris and the poor condition of the road may result in mishaps. Senior officials of the department concerned should visit the spot immediately to take stock of the situation.”
Another area resident, Kewal Kumar, who runs a shop on the Gangyal-Kunjwani road, said, “During the monsoons the officials carry out repair work on this road. They should better find a permanent solution to the problem.”
PL Bhushan, Superintending Engineer, Jammu, Public Works Department (Roads and Buildings), said, “The process is on and we are working out the cost of repair and reconstruction work. The roads will be repaired soon.” However, he failed to give any time frame for the start of the repair work.
The partially damaged Circular Road in Jammu. Tribune photo: Anand Sharma

Pollution control board ropes in students for a green Diwali

Pollution control board ropes in students for a green Diwali Archit Watts
Tribune News Service

Jammu, October 13
With about two weeks left for Diwali, the J&K State Pollution Control Board (JKSPCB) has decided to rope in students and NGOs to make it pollution-free. “All those who will volunteer to spread awareness about a clean and green Diwali will be honoured,” said JKSPCB chairman Lal Chand. The department would appeal to all citizens to celebrate Diwali without bursting crackers, he added.
“The bursting of firecrackers increases noise and air pollution. Diwali is known as the festival of lights and people should celebrate it with lamps (diyas),” maintained Lal Chand, adding that the Central Pollution Control Board had “directed all states to take necessary steps to control pollution on this special day.”
He said the steps initiated by the board last year had proved successful. “Last year, the noise and air pollution remained 10-15 per cent lesser than the previous years,” claimed Lal Chand.
Referring to this year’s strategy to check pollution, he said: “Efforts are being made to sensitise people, particularly youngsters, to be eco-friendly. People should become health-conscious and avoid the use of firecrackers.”
He added that the board was also checking the noise level of the firecrackers. “Only those firecrackers are allowed which do not exceed the noise level of 125 decibel.”
The board would be monitoring the noise and air pollution level at various places across the state. “Educated people should come in support of the board, so that the environment could be saved from harmful gases,” added Lal Chand.

Measures Taken People are being requested to celebrate Diwali with lamps, and not firecrackers Those who help spread awareness about a clean Diwali will be honoured Firecrackers with over 125 decibel level not allowed

Low MBBS fee lures students from state to Bangladesh

Low MBBS fee lures students from state to Bangladesh Jupinderjit Singh/ Archit WattsTribune News Service

Jammu, October 12
A low fee structure and a lower eligibility criteria encourage students from Jammu and Kashmir to opt for an MBBS degree from Bangladesh. Such students are under the scanner following the arrest of Wasim Akhtar Malik in the Delhi High Court blast case. Wasim belongs to Kishtwar district and is a final year MBBS student at Riyaz Rigbo Medical College.
As the Harkat-ul-Jihad-al-Islami (HuJI) has a strong following in Bangladesh, the Indian security agencies are suspecting that the militant group has used Wasim and some other students to carry out the blast and send a terror email later to select media organisations seeking clemency for Afzal Guru.
Inquiries revealed that nearly 20 doctors, who had done MBBS from Bangladesh, were working in private and public hospitals in the state. Most of them had graduated from Ragib Rabea Medical College, Sylhet in Bangladesh. One of such students is Saima Saroori, elder daughter of former Public Works Department Minister GM Saroori.
The students get admission under a special scheme of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) countries. Fourteen students from India are sponsored for the course every year. The admission is done on the basis of marks obtained in Class XII. There are paid seats as well.
“We sent Wasim to Bangladesh after a number of youths from Kishtwar got admission there. He appeared in the competitive exams here but could not qualify. However, he was eligible for admission to MBBS in Bangladesh,” said Riaz Malik, Wasim’s father.
Riaz said the cost of MBBS was far less in Bangladesh. “Besides saving about Rs 1 lakh on annual fee and expenses, we save more money due to the higher value of the Indian Rupee.
Records of the Government Medical College and Hospital (GMCH), Jammu, also showed that the students preferred to pursue medical studies in Bangladesh due to the low cost of education.
At present about 5 per cent of the total number of interns in the hospital have done MBBS from the colleges in Bangladesh. “I was selected under the SAARC scholarship programme. The fee in a government college in Bangladesh was very nominal, as I had to pay Rs 3,000 only. Those who opt for paid/NRI quota seats have to pay Rs 10-12 lakh,” said Dr Syed Yasir Qadri, a resident of Srinagar, who is at present pursuing his postgraduation in Jammu.
He added, “About 14 students from India get selected under the SAARC scholarship programme every year. The admission is done purely on the basis of marks obtained in Class X and XII. There is no requirement of an entrance test for admission to MBBS in Bangladesh.”
Dr Rajinder Singh, Principal of the GMCH, said, “Mostly those students, who do not get admission here, go abroad. The neighbouring countries like Nepal, Bangladesh and China are favourites among the medical students. Back in India, they have to clear an exam to get a licence to practise here.”
Dr Rajinder added, “I believe mostly students from Kashmir go to Bangladesh.” It may be mentioned here that the admission process in these countries starts when it is over in India.

Cost Benefit

• Students get admission to MBBS in Bangladesh under a special scheme of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) countries. Fourteen students from India are sponsored for the course every year.
• The admission is done on the basis of marks obtained in Class XII. There are paid seats as well. There is no requirement of an entrance test for admission
• Nearly 20 doctors, who have done MBBS from Bangladesh, are working in private and public hospitals in the state.
• Such students are under the scanner following the arrest of Wasim Akhtar Malik in the Delhi High Court blast case.

Sharp increase in pilgrims visiting Vaishno Devi shrine

Sharp increase in pilgrims visiting Vaishno Devi shrine Archit Watts
Tribune News Service

Jammu, October 9
Even though the Navratra Festival this year lasted for eight days, the number of pilgrims visiting Mata Vaishno Devi cave shrine saw an impressive improvement. An increase of 29,071 pilgrims was witnessed this time as compared to the last year.
As per the Hindu calendar, there were eight Navratras (from September 28 to October 5) this year. The number of pilgrims, which was 2,90,313 last year during nine days, was recorded at 3,19,394 this year in eight days.
A senior official of the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB) told The Tribune that the favourable weather conditions and good hospitality arrangements made by the administration and the local hoteliers were the major reasons behind the increase in number of pilgrims.
“There is almost 10 per cent increase in the pilgrims as compared to the last year. Had the festival lasted for nine days, the number of pilgrims would have crossed the 3.5-lakh mark,” said the official.
The pilgrimage figures accessed by The Tribune also revealed that the total number of pilgrims, who had paid obeisance at the cave shrine so far was 12.56 lakh more as compared to the corresponding period last year.
Till October 8 this year, as many as 77,57,979 pilgrims had visited the cave shrine, while 65,02,203 pilgrims had paid obeisance during the corresponding period last year.
“This year the SMVDSB is celebrating its silver jubilee celebrations and the number of pilgrims is also expected to touch a remarkable figure after breaking all previous records. Last year, the total number of pilgrims visiting the shrine was 87.49 lakh, which we are expecting to cross by end of November,” he added.
Officials of the Tourism Department termed it a big success in terms of pilgrimage tourism. “The co-ordination and hard work of the officials have brought positive results. The Governor NN Vohra and Tourism Minister Nawang Rigzin Jora also took keen interest in the arrangements during the festival,” said Robin Singh Mehta, Director, Tourism Department, Jammu.

Lack of staff, testing facility hinders anti-adulteration drive

Lack of staff, testing facility hinders anti-adulteration drive Archit Watts/TNS

Jammu, October 10
With the festival season on, the authorities concerned have started a vigil on persons indulging in food adulteration. But there is only one public analyser to conduct tests on food samples collected from different markets of the city.
The Jammu Municipal Corporation (JMC), the Directorate of Health and the Legal Metrology Department keep a check on this illegal practice. All these departments submit food samples for testing to the Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine (IIIM) on the Canal Road here but the IIIM is already overburdened. The lack of testing facilities at the IIIM is reportedly hindering the anti-adulteration drive.
JMC officials say sometimes they face problems while dealing with food adulterers. They add due to the delay in sample testing the cases against defaulters also weaken. As a result, food adulteration is going on unchecked despite the fact that the authorities concerned collect a number of samples everyday and destroy huge quantities of adulterated milk and other adulterated food products.
Raman Sharma, a banker, said, “Diwali is approaching and sweet shops have already started preparing sweets. How can we know whether the sweets are adulterated or not when the departments concerned are facing staff shortage to keep a check on food adulteration?”
Health Officer of the JMC Mohammad Anwar Choudhary said, “Though we launch drives against food adulteration, sometimes the sample testing gets delayed. We often request the IIIM officials to get the tests done at the earliest.”
He added, “With the enactment of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, recently we are hopeful of getting a permanent solution to the problem.”

Tunnel closed for repairs, commuters inconvenienced

Tunnel closed for repairs, commuters inconvenienced Archit Watts/TNS

Jammu, October 8
Commuters on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway 1A had a harrowing time today, as the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) closed one tunnel at Nandini village, about 30 km from here, to carry out repair work.
Long queues of vehicles were seen on the highway, as the tunnel meant for traffic from Srinagar to Jammu was closed in the wee hours today.
Though NHAI officials allowed traffic to move through another tunnel, commuters were inconvenienced.
A huge traffic jam increased the journey from Jammu to Srinagar by almost two hours, which normally takes eight hours.
“After crossing Nagrota there was a traffic jam, as vehicles were stranded. Though the authorities were allowing the vehicles to move through another tunnel by blocking traffic from the other side after repeated intervals, the huge rush of vehicles made the situation worse,” said Dharam Parkash, a resident of Jammu, who was travelling to Srinagar.
The highway is the only surface link between the Valley and the rest of the country. The pilgrims, who come from other states to pay obeisance at the Mata Vaishno Devi shrine have to pass through this tunnel to reach Katra.
MK Jain, in-charge of the NHAI, Jammu and Kashmir, said, “The floor of one tunnel was badly damaged during the monsoon recently. So, we closed it for vehicular movement this morning to construct a concrete floor. It won’t get damaged easily now.”
Jain added, “The entire exercise will take nearly 24 hours and after that it will be thrown open to traffic. The highway is open as the second tunnel is being used for two-way traffic.”

Officials busy celebrating Wildlife Week, sick animals not treated

Officials busy celebrating Wildlife Week, sick animals not treated Archit Watts
Tribune News Service

Vicky Singh with his parrot outside the Wildlife Dispensary at Manda Hills in Jammu on Saturday. Tribune Photo: Inderjeet Singh

Jammu, October 8
Though the Department of Wildlife Protection has celebrated Wildlife Week by organising a number of awareness camps, the people, who have been visiting its head office at Manda Hills here with sick and injured animals and birds, were allegedly ignored.
The visitors were not attended to as the department officials had been busy organising a cultural programme for the closing ceremony this morning.
Vicky Singh, a florist from Sarwal market, alleged that he took his parrot to the Wildlife Dispensary, where an official told him to go to some other hospital in the city. “My Mithu (parrot) has not been able to fly since last evening. When I brought it here the official at the dispensary told me to go to some other government hospital,” alleged Vicky. He added, “The department asks people to save the wildlife, but at the same time its staff don’t even care to attend to the injured animals and birds.”
Vicky said, “Mithu is living with us for the past one and a half year, but his sudden illness worries me. I requested the official at the dispensary twice to call the doctor, but to no avail.”
Abdul Wahid, in-charge of Deer Park, who was at the dispensary, said, “This man came here with a parrot and told me about its illness. When the doctor is not there, how can the bird be treated?” He added, “I asked him to go to some other hospital in the city as the Wildlife Week celebrations were going on here.”
Meanwhile, the incident took place when students from various schools of the city were presenting colourful programmes there. They were dressed up as animals and trees. All senior officials of the department, including Upender Pachnanda, Chief Conservator of Forest (Wildlife), witnessed the celebrations at the auditorium.

Health Minister suggests changes in design of maternity hospital

Health Minister suggests changes in design of maternity hospital Archit Watts/TNS

Jammu, October 7
Minister for Health Sham Lal Sharma today directed the officials of the health department to make some changes in the design of the 200-bedded maternity hospital, which will come up in the Government Hospital complex in Gandhi Nagar here.
“It seems the proposed building requires some changes. It should be constructed in ‘L’ shape. Some empty space is also required in the centre of the building for ventilation. So, we have decided to call the architect and I will personally discuss the changes with him,” said Sham Lal while he was on a visit to the hospital.
“The maternity hospital has to come up after dismantling two buildings, one of which has the office of Deputy CMO. As soon as these buildings are evacuated, we will be able to start the construction of this much required hospital,” said Sham Lal.
“We will also make private wards on two floors of the hospital, with the capacity to accommodate at least 40 patients,” said the Health Minister. “The government is very keen to develop the healthcare infrastructure in the state and all possible steps are being taken for the purpose,” added Sham Lal. 

State expects bumper yield of paddy, maize

State expects bumper yield of paddy, maize Archit Watts
Tribune News Service

Jammu, October 6
With a favourable monsoon this season, the Agriculture Department is expecting bumper yield of summer crops paddy and maize. The monsoon, which had arrived well before its scheduled time this year in the state, proved extremely good for the growth of both these crops. There was nearly 900mm of rain during the rainy season.
SS Jamwal, Joint Director, Agriculture Department, said: “This year, we had distributed hybrid seeds to farmers, which have given good results. As per a fresh survey, the crops are ready for harvest and the total sowing area of these two crops has increased as compared to the past.”
“This season, paddy was sown in 1.12 lakh hectares in Jammu division, which is expected to give a yield of 2.05 lakh metric tonnes,” he added.
About the maize crop, Jamwal said it was sown in 2.08 lakh hectares and was expected to give a yield of 4.2 lakh metric tonnes in Jammu division.
Hopeful of getting a bumper yield this year, the farming community is also in a joyous mood. “The timely rains and advisories of the Agriculture Department have given us a good result. The harvest season has started and the quality of grain is much better than the previous years,” said Dharam Singh, a paddy grower at Dablehar village.
Another farmer, Suraj Sharma, at Bishnah said: “The short spell of rains proved good for maize, as longer rains can prove detrimental to the crop.”
Meanwhile, Ajay Khajuria, Director, Agriculture Department, said: “In the past few years, we have done extensive work in seed development and farming practices. The favourable monsoon and hard work of farmers, field officers have given a boost to the production.”
The next year, the department will take some more initiatives to improve the quality of paddy and maize, he added.
RICH HARVEST: Labourers work at a paddy field near RS Pura in Jammu. Tribune photo: Inderjeet Singh

MIDDLE: Tractor (son) of a farmer

Tractor (son) of a farmerby Archit Watts

A tractor is not just a tool to irrigate the farmland. It is more like a son to almost every farmer and there are a number of stories related to it.
It was a quiet, cool and breezy Sunday morning of summers in 2005. I was then a B.A. (Hons) final year student in Government College-11, Chandigarh. I and my friends Manreet, Gagan, Amninder, Dilpreet and Nitin were discussing how to get success, name and fame in life.
Suddenly, Amninder got a call from his father on the cell phone. All of a sudden, he disappeared from the scene leaving us all clueless. His absence disturbed us to the extent that we started a manhunt. After a long search, we found him sitting outside the swimming pool in a pensive mood.
When we asked him the reason, he broke into tears. Without giving any second thought to the matter, Manreet snatched his cell phone to know what actually was disturbing him.
Had his girlfriend broken up with him? That was the only question cropping up in our minds. After going through the call details, we came to know that the last received call was from his home and not from the 'estranged' girlfriend, much to our relief. Then one of us offered him a glass of water to soothe his nerves and again started thinking over the possible reasons troubling our dear friend.
On our repeated attempts, he broke his silence and disclosed that his father had earlier sold two acres of land (in Sangrur district) to ensure his studies in Chandigarh. Now, it was the time for his younger brother to get admission in some private college to join the MBA course in Chandigarh. His family had no other option but to sell off their old tractor —which was just like a family member to them — so that his younger brother could also realise his dream.
Nowadays, when I switch on my television set, a famous song: “Jatt Ne Ford Tractor Vechya Ro Ro Ke” (Jatt sold off his Ford tractor with tears in his eyes) reminds me of the plight of my friend's family.
The song not only presents the true picture of the "grim and gloomy faces of farming community" but also reminds me of Amninder, who went to Australia on a student visa like most of Punjabi youngsters who prefer to secure a job and citizenship abroad to live a decent life. 


Courtesy: The Tribune

NAVRATRA FESTIVAL: Over 2 lakh visit Vaishno Devi shrine

NAVRATRA FESTIVALOver 2 lakh visit Vaishno Devi shrine Archit Watts
Tribune News Service

Katra, October 4
The arrangements made by the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board and the J&K Tourism Department for the ongoing Navratra Festival have been proving well as the pilgrims from across the country are enjoying a lot these days.
The pilgrimage, which has so far crossed the mark of 75,73,298 this year, is getting almost 38,000 pilgrims on an average daily.
A senior official of the shrine board said: “Over 2 lakh pilgrims have paid obeisance at the Vasihno Devi Cave Shrine since the beginning of Navratras last week.
“We are expecting to cross the mark of 3 lakh pilgrims during the eight-day long Navratra Festival,” said the official sitting at the registration counter.
He said: “This year, the pilgrims are coming here in large numbers as the weather conditions are also favourable”.
The colourful procession, comprising tableaux by artistes, who have come here from Himachal Pradesh, UP, Madhya Pradesh and J&K, is also making the pilgrims to stay here longer than their scheduled visit.
Besides, the triangular wrestling competition between India, England and Pakistan also paid off well, which was won by India’s Joginder Kumar who defeated his Pakistani rival Zaman Anwar at the 7th Mission Dosti International Indian Style Wrestling Competition at Vivekananda Sports Stadium here.
The religious procession in the evenings is also drawing huge crowds.
Darshan Kumar, a hotelier, said: “Pilgrims are enjoying a lot during the festival. This year, the shrine board has made special arrangements to attract the pilgrims”.
“We are also offering 30 per cent discount to pilgrims on room tariffs. Every year, our association offers discounts to pilgrims during the festival,” he added.
Radhika Khanna, a pilgrim from Delhi, said: “The arrangements made by the shrine board are excellent and the performance by the artistes has won our hearts”.
“After watching the performance of various cultural troupes, we have decided to come here during the Navratras next year,” she added.

This paddy season, farm workers want higher wages

This paddy season, farm workers want higher wages Archit Watts
Tribune News Service

Suchetgarh (Indo-Pak Border), October 2
In the wake of the farming sector facing an acute shortage of farm labourers during the harvesting season of paddy crop, the labourers are demanding 30 to 35 per cent more for their services.
The labourers, including those from Nepal and Bihar who have now almost settled here, are charging Rs 2,900 - 3,000 per acre for harvesting paddy. Last year, they had charged Rs 2,200 for the same work.
A visit to 10 villages in the RS Pura belt here, which is also known as the rice bowl of the state, revealed that the farming community was facing the pinch in their pocket this paddy season.
“The government has fixed Rs 1,080 per quintal for procurement, which is almost the same as last year’s price. But, the labourers are demanding 35 per cent more money. Our profit has slashed,” said Gurjeet Singh, a farmer at Suchetgarh village.
Another paddy grower, Daljeet Singh of Gulabgarh village, said: “The labourers working here have gone to neighbouring states like Punjab this season, so there is an acute shortage of manpower for harvesting. Taking an advantage of this shortage, those who have remained here have begun to demand more wages.”
However, labourers have their own story to tell. Shubh Narain Rai, a farm labourer from Nepal, said: “We come here in every sowing and harvesting season. The travel fare and prices of all essential commodities have increased. So, we are demanding more wages. Is it not our right to demand more wages when faced with such high inflation?”
Another farm labourer, Ashok Mandal of Bihar, maintained that even Rs 3,000 for an acre was not enough to meet their basic needs: “We are four persons working in the fields from morning to evening and that too without a break. Against the work of four persons, we charge only Rs 3,000 for harvesting the standing crop in one acre.”
He further said some people offer them rice in place of money.
“Our job is not only to reap the standing paddy crop, but we have to ensure that the grain reaches the house of paddy growers,” added Mandal. 

Bus strike leaves commuters harassed

Bus strike leaves commuters harassed Archit Watts
Tribune News Service

Jammu, October 3
Commuters in Bani and Basohli subdivisions of Kathua district had to face a number of hardships, as the private bus operators went on an indefinite strike today.
The trouble erupted around 8 am, when the drivers and conductors of various private buses gathered outside the bus stand at Bani, demanding revocation of permit issued to two new buses on the Udhampur-Bani route.
The private bus operators here opposed the decision of regional transport office to introduce two new buses and termed it a clash with their already existing timings, said Vijay Kumar, a local resident.
The buses remained off the road throughout the day and caused immense hardships to all those who had to go to the district headquarters at Kathua, Punjab and any other far off place.
Office goers were the worst affected by the strike. They had to arrange other modes of transportation.
Ramesh Kumar, a banker, said: “I had to reach the bank at 9:30 am in Kathua but the strike caused me a delay of almost an hour.”
Sushil Kumar, a resident of Dhar Mahanpur village in Basohli, said: “I had to go to Pathankot to get some medicine. But because of the strike, I would have to now go in a cab, which would cost almost five times the bus fare.” He added that a very few state run buses were available on the hilly and remote routes.
KB Singh, Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO), Bani, said: “The transporters here opposed the government’s decision to introduce two new buses on the Udhampur-Bani route. They came on the roads to stage their protest and kept their buses off the road.”
“The situation is normal. But taking some precautionary measures, we have deployed some cops to keep an eye over the situation,” added Singh.
Meanwhile, Zahida Khan, Deputy Commissioner, Kathua, sent the RTO and some other officials to talk to the protesting transporters. “The RTO is still there. But so far the stalemate has not ended,” said Zahida.
A senior official in the district administration said the new buses belonged to some politicians and the local transporters were against this decision of the state government.

People urged to disclose names of power pilferers

People urged to disclose names of power pilferers Archit Watts
Tribune News Service

Jammu, October 5
To check power theft and minimise the losses of the Power Development Department (PDD), the state government has started wooing people to disclose the names of the offenders.
Minister for Revenue, Relief and Rehabilitation Raman Bhalla, on a visit to Langer village, near the Kunjwani area here, today asked the people to come forward and disclose the names of the offenders to help the PDD eradicate the menace of power theft. “The department will honour those who will name the power pilferers,” said Bhalla.
He also advised the people to use power judiciously, avoid illegal hooking, pay electricity bills on time and get the load sanctioned according to genuine consumption.
Bhalla directed the PDD officials accompanying him to install 17 poles in the uncovered areas of the village within three days so that better power supply could be provided to the people.
He assured the villagers that their development-related issues would be addressed in a phased manner. “The government is fully aware of the hardships being faced by the weaker sections of society and making all-out efforts to mitigate them on priority. There was no constraint of funds for the purpose,” said Bhalla.
The minister impressed upon the officials concerned to maintain transparency in the distribution of Central and state funds among the needy, besides ensuring their timely disbursement.

Power Department registers 24% rise in revenue till Sept

Power Department registers 24% rise in revenue till Sept Archit Watts
Tribune News Service

Jammu, October 5
The Power Development Department (PDD) has claimed that it has achieved a sharp increase in revenue in the last nine months and it will also take some more steps to keep a check on power theft.
Minister for Power Shabir Ahmed Khan said the PDD had realised a revenue of Rs 265.33 crore till September in the Jammu division. “During the corresponding period last year, the department had realised Rs 213.22 crore. This means revenue has risen by 24 per cent in the Jammu division,” Shabir said.
Talking about the power scenario, the minister said he had directed the officials concerned to speed up the work of installing meters. “As many as 6,627 electronic meters have been installed in the Jammu division this year, besides some steps have also been taken to improve the power scenario,” said Shabir.
Talking about power pilferage, he said Rs 2.38 crore had been recovered as fine during inspections by flying squads till September end.
Shabir also appreciated the role of the PDD staff in improving revenue collection, he said. “Besides routine work, the PDD employees have provided uninterrupted power supply to the people of Katra during navratras. All possible arrangements, including additional transformers, were installed there.”
Meanwhile, a senior PDD official said the department initiative to conduct raids at night had also given good results. “We are video-graphing the raids so that no one can point fingers towards us. So far, we have covered a few localities in cities and will soon go to villages where meters have been installed,” said the official.

Condolences pour in for slain Army officer

Condolences pour in for slain officer Archit Watts /TNS

Jammu, September 29
"Going back? Take care of yourself” were the words of Anya Sharma posted on the wall of Lt Sushil Khajuria’s account on social networking site Facebook on September 20, just a week before the 26-year-old Lieutenant sacrificed his life while fighting militants in a dense forest in the Kupwara sector of North Kashmir.
Anya has listed Lt Sushil Khajuria as her brother on Facebook. Lieutenant Khajuria was scheduled to marry early next year, but destiny had something else in store for him.
Sushil, a pass out of University of Jammu (JU), is now getting condolence messages from friends across the globe. Just a month ago on August 28, he had been flooded with birthday wishes. Having 166 friends on Facebook, Sushil’s account is open to all and anyone can see or post comments on his wall.
Sushil’s friend Vikas Hans has posted: “One day when a bullet gets stuck in my heart and I lay down my life for my country, pin my medals on my chest and say to my mom that her son was a brave man. These words were written by my friend Sushil on a simple page of my copy nearly six years ago. Who knew he gonna prove this today. I am proud to be your friend. I love you my brother. Missing u.”
The list of his friends who are proud of his daring act is long. “I am proud that I am your friend, Sushil.... And I will miss you?,” writes Munish Badgaal, another friend.

Ignored by kids, they find it tough to come to terms with their plight

Ignored by kids, they find it tough to come to terms with their plight  Archit Watts
Tribune News Service

Jammu, October 1
International Day of Older Persons is a special day for older persons or senior citizens all over the world who have been disowned by their children. Here in the Home for Aged and Infirm persons at Ved Mandir in Ambphalla, all inmates have more or less a similar tale to narrate.
With wrinkled faces, inmates here say: “Paisa aata jaata rehta hai, magar maa-baap phir nahi milte (money comes and goes, but they will not get their parents again).”
“But who can understand our plight when our own family members have disowned us?” asks Ram Rakhi, an octogenarian and a native of Khour village who has two married daughters in Patiala.
Ram Rakhi has been living in the home for aged after the death of her husband for the past one and a half years. “My daughters are well-settled, but they don’t have time for me. They have never visited me here. Once I went to meet them, but they even cheated me of Rs 14,000 (my total savings) and then a neighbour brought me here as I was unable to live alone in the village house. I have lost the battle of life,” says Ram Rakhi with moist eyes.
Besides Ram Rakhi, there are a number of people who have been braving odds at the twilight of their lives.
Ninetyone-year-old Sai Dass of Sajjadpur village in Marh Block, whose only son had disowned him about seven years ago, has now started living here happily. He said: I had four kanals of agricultural land, but my son told me that he had nothing to feed me. It is a better option to die at some place where no one knows your background than living a pitiful life at your house.”
“Till the time I was working, my son had no problem with me. But when I became a burden, he disowned me. The greed of money has made him blind. Maybe one day, he will realise the fact, but by that time I would have left this world,” said Sai Dass,
his voice shaking with emotions.
Meanwhile, a few inmates were taken to the Kendriya Vidyalaya, Bantalab, which had organised a special cultural programme for old persons. 

Inmates of an old-age home sit in its lobby on International Day of Older Persons in Jammu on Saturday. A Tribune photograph