Low temperature, rain hit apple yield in J&K

Low temperature, rain hit apple yield in state
Archit Watts
Tribune News Service

Jammu, June 30
Apple production in the state is falling due to the changing weather and is affecting the fruit trade. Frequent changes in the climate and below normal temperature during the flowering stage of apple have affected the yield.

Experts in the Horticulture Department say a survey has shown that the production of apple will be less as compared to last year. “The size of the fruit has been affected because of the temperature remaining below normal. A frequent change in the weather during the flowering stage of apple during March and April and rain have damaged the fruit in the Kashmir valley as well as in Jammu division,” said GH Shah, Director, Horticulture Department, Kashmir division.

He said though the department had adopted various methods to ensure a bumper crop this year, the inclement weather had changed the scenario.

Shah added, “The apple crop has mainly been affected in the Shopian area and some parts of Srinagar district.” The Kashmir region produces a large quantity of apple and the economy of the region is also dependent on horticulture. Even tourism is the second important contributor to the economy of the region.

Apple is also grown in the upper areas of the Jammu region, including Kishtwar and Bhadarwah, where the situation is almost similar to the Kashmir valley this year.

“During the flowering stage of apple, the temperature should remain between 25°C and 30°C. But this year, the temperature has changed frequently and rain has also added to the woes of the the fruit growers,” said Jia Lal Sharma, Director, Horticulture Department, Jammu division.

Sharma maintained that the inclement weather was going to affect the apple production in September. “Normally, at this time of the season, we get an assessment report of the production all across the state, which is showing some decrease at this stage,” he added.

Courtesy: The Tribune

Amarnath Yatra: Road tax slashed for vehicles carrying pilgrims

Road tax slashed for vehicles carrying pilgrims
Archit Watts
Tribune News Service

Lakhanpur (Kathua), June 27
The state government has slashed road tax on all commercial vehicles carrying Amarnath yatris. Earlier, the commercial vehicles, including trucks and buses, had to pay Rs 2,000 as road tax per day, but following the government’s decision, Rs 2,000 will be charged for a week.

Talking to The Tribune over the phone, Transport Minister Qamar Ali Akhoon said, “We have reduced the road tax from Rs 2,000 per day to Rs 2,000 for one week for all trucks and buses carrying Amarnath pilgrims entering the state. ”

He said there would be no requirement to pay tax even when these vehicles left the state. But this concession would be applicable for one week only. “The road tax concession will also be available to those Amarnath pilgrims, who on their way back visit the Mata Vaishno Devi shrine at Katra ,” added Akhoon.

Meanwhile, officials of the Excise Department at the Lakhanpur toll post have opened a special lane for the vehicles carrying the pilgrims. “An easy passage will be given to the pilgrims, as a special corridor has been opened exclusively for the vehicles carrying them. The pilgrims will have to wait for just two-three minutes to get the toll receipt, as employees have been directed not to keep the yatris waiting,” said BA Saraf, Deputy Excise Commissioner, Kathua.

“The police and the Motor Vehicle Department have also been directed to ensure that the road remains clear for traffic throughout the day and there is no traffic jam near the toll post,” Saraf added.

Courtesy: The Tribune

RTI activists face IPO hurdle in Jammu

RTI activists face IPO hurdle
Archit Watts
Tribune News Service

Jammu, June 26
Even as the Centre has been making all efforts to spread awareness among the people about benefits of the Right to Information (RTI) Act, people here are finding it difficult to file applications under the Act.

One has to deposit a fee with an RTI application to get the required information from the department concerned. But in Jammu, the head post office at Gandhi Nagar has no stock of Indian Postal Orders (IPOs) of Rs 10, which is the easiest method of seeking information from any Central government office.

Officials at the post office are not even aware about the RTI Act and how an application is filed. The shortage of postal orders came to light on Thursday when this correspondent went to the post office to file an application. An official at a counter said they had not received the supply of Rs 10 IPOs for a long time.

“The IPOs of Rs 10 have been out of stock for a long time. Despite several requests, we have not yet got the supply,” said the official, and feigned ignorance that the IPOs were mostly used as fee for filing an RTI application.

However, the Chief Postmaster of the state, John Samuel, denied any shortage of IPOs.

“We are having adequate stock of IPOs of all denominations and there is no shortage,” he said. But he failed to reply to a question about the lack of awareness among the staff about the RTI Act.

On the other hand, an RTI activist, Balwinder Singh, alleged that, “The public is facing hardship in filing RTI applications, as the IPOs of Rs 10 are not available in the post offices and those seeking information have to go to banks for getting drafts to seek information under the RTI Act”.

He added that the IPOs,which were the best and the cheapest method to seek information under the RTI Act, were not available and the department should immediately take action in this regard.

Courtesy: the Tribune

Amarnath Yatra: Devotees begin preparations for langar

Amarnath Yatra
Devotees begin preparations for langar
Archit Watts
Tribune News Service

Chhan Roriyan (Kathua), June 26
Devotees from Punjab, Haryana and Delhi have started pitching tents on the Lakhanpur-Srinagar National Highway to offer langar to pilgrims coming from across the country for the annual Amarnath yatra starting from June 29.

A view of a langar at Chhan Roriyan village in Kathua district on Sunday. Photo by writer
The Baba Barfani Seva Mandal from Moga in Punjab, which has been serving community kitchen food to the devotees for the past 10 consecutive years here, is the first group this year to have set up tents in Kathua district.

The mandal having members in Canada, Australia and New Zealand collects money from the people and contributes it for the holy purpose.

Providing facilities like breakfast, lunch, dinner and accommodation free of cost to nearly 2,000 people and giving the services of a dispensary, the group said it had never charged a single penny from any pilgrim.

“It becomes possible only with the blessings of Lord Mahadev, who gives us the power and courage to meet the challenges. We serve langar for almost one-and-a-half month during the yatra and use only quality products, as the yatra is very arduous and we have to keep everything in mind while preparing the food,” said Suresh Rawal, vice-president of the mandal. He said this year, they would serve langar till August 12.

“The state government has taken a few steps to provide assistance to people like us, who offer langar on the roadside. Local MLC Subhash Gupta has provided us land without any charges and he has also assured support whenever required,” Rawal added.

TEACHER-STUDENT CLASH: Committee fails to submit report

TEACHER-STUDENT CLASH
Committee fails to submit report
Archit Watts
Tribune News Service

Jammu, June 23
A three-member committee, constituted by the authorities of the University of Jammu (JU) to inquire into the incident of a clash between a teacher and a PhD aspirant, failed to submit its report within the stipulated time here today.

On June 18, after a scuffle between Prof Dipankar Sengupta, who was officer on special duty (OSD) to conduct the entrance examination of PhD in Buddhist Sciences, and a PhD aspirant, Lovejeet Singh, alias Jimmy, in the examination hall, the university authorities had constituted a committee under the leadership of Prof Rajnikant, assisted by Prof RK Ganjoo and Dr Shailender Jamwal, to look into the matter.

They were asked to submit the report till June 23 after to enable the university to take the final decision on the issue. However, the committee failed to submit its report today.

“I am out of the city, so we will submit the report likely by tomorrow. So far I can’t tell you anything about our findings,” said Prof Rajnikant.

“We had received a few complaints that some candidates were using unfair means in the examination. I went there and found some students talking to each other. I first stopped them from doing so, but they used an abusive language against me, resulting into a scuffle,” said Sengupta.

On the other hand, students had been demanding the immediate suspension of Prof Sengupta alleging that he had slapped the student.

“Our delegation has gone to Srinagar to apprise the Chief Minister about the matter, as a teacher can’t slap any student and that too when the student has not committed any mistake,” said Kapil, a student leader and Jimmy’s friend. He added that during the scuffle Jimmy was injured and got three stitches in his chest.

“This is the admission time in the university and any further delay in taking a decision with regard to the matter may lead to a major trouble, as students have threatened to go on a strike,” university officials said.

Courtesy: The Tribune

Forest Dept to act tough with those found feeding monkeys

Forest Dept to act tough with those found feeding monkeys
Archit Watts/TNS

Jammu, June 22
The state Forest Department has decided to detain travellers, who are found feeding monkeys along the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway (1-A).Though it has failed to control the increasing population of monkeys, the Forest Department has now decided to detain for two to 24 hours people caught feeding monkeys.

Monkey menace in the state has assumed such a proportion that in some places residents have migrated from villages and have also left farming, as monkeys have been destroying their crops.

Confirming this development, the Chief Forest Conservator (Wildlife) of the Jammu division, Upinder Pachnanda, said, “Soon, those who are found feeding monkeys along the national highway will be detained in their own vehicles, as it is a crime to feed monkeys. The department is taking this step after taking cognisance of the problems being faced by the villagers”.

He added that it was just a step to make every violator realise that he had broken a law. “Though we have installed boards at several places asking travellers not to feed monkeys, people are in no mood to leave this practice. After detaining a traveller for a maximum of 24 hours, we will hand him or her to the police,” said Pachnanda. He added that their aim was to solve the problem and not to harass travellers.

About the department’s failure in controlling the menace, he cited the shortage of manpower and lack of funds as the main reasons for it. He acknowledged that though they were putting in maximum efforts and issuing challans to control the menace, the population of monkeys was uncontrollable.

“A monkey’s life is normally considered to be 12-13 years. So we cannot even keep them in captivity, as it is very difficult to feed them for such a long period,” he said.

On the steps being taken by the Himachal Pradesh government to curb the menace, the Chief Forest Conservator said, “The Himachal government’s method is not fruitful, as with the use of rubber pellets a monkey cannot be killed. It will definitely return to the same area after some time”.

Courtesy: The Tribune

8,600 clear first-ever entrance test of Jammu varsity

8,600 clear first-ever entrance test of Jammu varsity
Archit Watts/TNS

Jammu, June 22
With the declaration of the results of the first-ever Jammu University Entrance Test (JUET), the admission process to various courses of the University of Jammu began today.The university had conducted the entrance test for all 42 courses from May 26 to June 7, in which 11,000 candidates had appeared. The test was conducted for the first time to streamline the admission system and make it transparent.

Buoyed over the success of the entrance test, Assistant Registrar (Academics), University of Jammu, KPS Sambyal said, “Though we had promised to declare the results within 10 days, these were declared online successfully after 14 days today. We have not even received a single objection as yet.”

He said 22,000 applications were received for different courses and nearly 11,000 candidates took the entrance exam (some students had applied for two or more courses), while 8,600 of them cleared the test. For the general category candidates, the minimum pass marks were 21 and for the candidates belonging to the SC/ST category or Leh district the pass marks were 17.

After declaring the results, the university authorities also announced the admission schedule for the academic session 2011-12.

“The classes will start from July 18 and the candidates have been told to submit their admission forms in the respective departments along with the detailed mark sheets of graduation and the marks secured in the entrance test till July 6 without late fee and till July 9 with late fee of Rs 60,” said Sambyal. He added that the admission forms were available on the university website, www.jammuuniversity.in.

He added that, “No fees is being charged for the admission forms, as the authorities have already collected its charges during the entrance test. The norms of the University Grants Commission (UGC) will be followed in giving admissions on merit.”

Now, every department would make its own merit list on the basis of marks obtained by the candidates in the entrance test and graduation. “For deciding the final merit of a candidate, a 70-marks weightage will be given to the entrance test results and 30-marks weightage to results in the graduation,” added Sambyal.

In case of any problem regarding the test results, students can file objections with the Assistant Registrar (Academics).

Courtesy: The Tribune

Ration scarcity: J&K demands additional quota from Centre

State demands additional quota from Centre
Archit Watts
Tribune News Service

Jammu, June 20
After failing to provide adequate ration to people, the Consumer Affairs and Public Distribution (CAPD) Department has now urged the Centre to provide an additional quota to the state.

Minister for CAPD Qamar Ali Akhoon told The Tribune over the phone that the department had asked the Centre to sanction an additional quota of ration for Kashmiri migrants, floating population of Gujjars, Bakkarwals and people falling in the above poverty line (APL) category.

“We have requested for an additional quota of ration and are waiting for the approval,” said Qamar Ali Akhoon, adding that there was no shortage of ration for the people falling in the below poverty line (BPL) category.

A senior official of the department said the department required an additional monthly ration of 737 tonnes of rice, 254 tonnes of wheat and 68 tonnes of sugar for the migrants at the APL rates, whereas the requirement of foodgrains for nomadic families was 3,564 tonnes for six months.

The shortage of foodgrains is said to be a result of the nexus between the depot holders and the officials of the department.

Though a number of major ration scams have come to light this year, the department has not taken any steps to solve the problem of foodgain shortage, which has aggravated the problems of the Kashmiri migrants,the Gujjars, Bakkarwals and people in the APL category, as they have no other option left but to buy the ration at exorbitant rates from the open market.

At present, the state is facing a shortage of about 5,500 tonnes of ration for the APL category.

Courtesy: The Tribune

Katra Municipal Committee headless; Employees work without salary

Katra Municipal Committee headless
Archit Watts
Tribune News Service

Katra, June 19
Katra, which is the base camp of the Mata Vaishno Devi shrine, is without an Executive officer of the Municipal Committee and employees have not been paid salaries for the past three months.

It is one of the highest earning committees in the state.

Residents here do not know why the Local Bodies Department shifted the then Executive Officer, Ravi Sharma, in the last month of the previous financial year. Another officer who was appointed in his place also retired on March 31 and since then, the committee has been headless.

“This important post has been lying vacant since more than three months, but the government has taken no steps to fill it,” said MLA, Katra, Baldev Raj Sharma.

Sharma added, “Thousands of devotees daily visit the place, but due to the non-serious approach of the government towards this holy town, the pilgrims are facing a lot of inconvenience”.

In the absence of any E.O, the sweepers had earlier threatened to go on a strike if their salaries were not paid in a week.

However, the government in order to pacify the employees paid them the salary for one month. Other employees, including engineers, clerks, stenos, and peons have also been waiting for their salaries for three months.

SC Bhagat, Director, Department of Local Bodies, said: “We have written to the higher officials to immediately fill the post because the employees are not getting their salaries, which is causing resentment among them”.

Bhagat added that he had also written to the commissioner- secretary and the principal secretary, to immediately release the salaries of all the employees and hoped that they would get the dues within a week.

“So far we have given the additional charge to the deputy director of our department, but the vacant post will be filled by a KAS rank officer shortly”, he added.

Courtesy: The Tribune

Mushrooming of ETT colleges: Education Dept gets 100 fresh applications

Mushrooming of ETT colleges
Education Dept gets 100 fresh applications
Archit Watts/TNS

Jammu, June 17
More students from Punjab, Haryana, Delhi and Rajasthan are seeking admission to the elementary teachers training (ETT) course in colleges and institutes here. At present, 439 colleges and institutes are offering the course across the state.

A senior Education Department official said the number of students was increasing every year because the four states had recognised the ETT certificate issued by the J&K State Board of School Education (BoSE).

In view of the increase in the demand for the course,100 applications have been received by the Education Department seeking approval for setting up ETT institutes, say sources, and add the department is,however, still to grant the approval.

Educationists believe that deficiencies in the system like attendance being not compulsory and no requirement of proper infrastructure are the reasons behind a quantum jump in the number of such institutes and colleges. In the 2009-11 academic session, nearly 45,000 students appeared in the exams, with more than 40,000 belonging to other states.

An educationist, Prof Virender Gupta, a former head of the Physics Department in the University of Jammu, said, “The system has collapsed. No one is checking the infrastructure of these institutes and as a result, most of them are running from a single room. It has become an easy way to earn money as agents manage admission and students come here only to take the exams”.

AK Gandotra, assistant secretary, ETT, BoSE, said, “We inspect every institute or college before giving it affiliation. I have never received such a large number of applications seeking affiliation”.

Sheikh Bashir Ahmad, newly-appointed Chairman of BoSE, had said there were some loopholes in the existing system, which would be plugged within two months.

Courtsy: The Tribune

Drive to check sale of substandard pesticides

Drive to check sale of substandard pesticides
Archit Watts
Tribune News Service

Jammu, June 17
As the sowing of kharif crops is going on in full swing across the state, the Agriculture Department has launched a massive drive to keep a check on the sale of substandard pesticides, weedicides and insecticides.

Earlier, it had been reported that a large number of pesticide dealers were looting farmers by selling misbranded items to earn easy money. Acting over such complaints, the department has decided to check the stock of all dealers throughout the state.

The department has also issued an advisory to the farmers so that they don’t get cheated by unscrupulous dealers.

“The enforcement wing of the department has advised all farmers not to use Butaveer (a weedicide brand) batch No BuTJK0190 and KRICEL (an insecticide brand) batch No KRE1JK/256 as these have been found substandard in the quality control lab of the department,” said a senior officer of the department.

He further said all enforcement officers had been directed to seize the stock of said pesticides under batch No KRE/JK-389 CMO2.

“Similarly, the farmers have also been advised not to use Butaveer (Nanda Dawa) batch No ButJK0190, Benmain (fungicide) batch No MA00908CB and KRICEL (insecticide) batch No KREJK256 as these have also been found misbranded after lab tests,” he added.

He said so far the drive had proved successful and a large quantity of misbranded items had been seized.

“Now, the farmers will have to be aware so that their produce could be saved. First, they should use the pesticide, insecticide or weedicide over a small area so that the result could be checked. If it comes positive, only then they should spray it over the entire crop otherwise it might prove harmful,” said the officer.

Courtesy: The Tribune

Katra faces water shortage

Katra faces water shortage
Archit Watts
Tribune News Service

Katra, June 16
Katra, the base camp of the Mata Vaishno Devi shrine, has been facing drinking water shortage for the past several days.

A visit to various streets and markets of the town revealed that shopkeepers were selling bottles of water. Some residents were providing water free of cost to pilgrims.

Local residents and hoteliers alleged that they had to buy water from tankers to meet their daily requirements.

“There is a nexus between companies manufacturing mineral water bottles and officials of the Public Health Engineering (PHE) Department, which has created the water shortage. We are dependent on tankers, which cost between Rs 600-700 each,” said hotel owner Bhushan Sharma.

He said they had taken up the issue with the authorities, but no steps had been taken to end the shortage. “Since, the PHE Department has failed to provide adequate water to the town, it should seek the help of the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB), which can solve the problem as there is no water shortage on the track from Katra to Bhawan,” added Bhushan.

Local MLA Baldev Raj Sharma said he was helpless. “A large number of tourists visit the town between May and June. The department concerned has failed to take steps to end the crisis,” he said and added that he had even raised the issue in the state Assembly.

“The supply of water to Katra is only 5 lakh gallons at present against a requirement of 20 lakh gallons daily. Erratic power supply has added to the problem,” he alleged.

He also pointed out that the natural water sources from where the authorities used to bring water had turned dry and they were totally dependant on the Jhajjar water lifting project, which is almost 13 km away from the town.

Sham Lal Kesar, president, Katra Hoteliers, Restaurants and Lodges Association, also criticised the state government and appealed to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and Governor NN Vohra to take steps to solve the problem.

A senior official of the shrine board said that on an average, nearly 35,000 to 40,000 pilgrims visited the holy cave shrine daily.

Minister for PHE Taj Mohi-ud-Din said, “The shortage of water happens in the summer. However, we have started a number of projects in the area, which will solve the problem”.

Courtesy: The Tribune

Water scarcity worries world famous basmati growers

Water scarcity worries basmati growers
Archit Watts/TNS

Jammu, June 16
Growers of basmati rice in the RS Pura area of the Jammu region are eagerly awaiting the monsoon to hit Jammu and Kashmir, as the sowing season has already started and water scarcity is affecting the crop.

RS Pura is known as the rice bowl of the state.“The sowing of rice has already started, but choked canals have affected it. Most of the canals are dry and our produce is now totally dependant on the rain,” said Chaudhary Dev Raj, president of the RS Pura Rice Growers Association.

He alleged that though the government was aware that the rice growers were facing water scarcity, it had not made any arrangement. “Though the Agriculture Department has distributed hybrid seeds to the farmers this year, it has forgotten its prime duty to provide adequate water to the rice growers,” Dev Raj said.

He demanded that either the Agriculture Minister or officials of the department should solve the farmers’ problem, otherwise, the area would lose its name for producing quality basmati rice.

Minister for Irrigation Taj Mohi-ud-Din had recently said the department had removed silt from almost all canals in the state. “If there is any canal still choked or dry, we will definitely remove silt and garbage from it to ensure that water reaches the tail end,” said Taj.

The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast that the monsoon is likely to hit the state on July 1. “As per our forecast, the monsoon will hit the state well on time and it will last a longer period, as this year has been cooler as compared to the previous years,” said Sonam Lotus, in charge of the IMD.

He said the monsoon always brought cheer to the farmers, as water was the basic requirement of every crop. “The farmers of the Jammu region will definitely get a respite from the water problem, as most of the agriculture land falls under the rain-fed area”.

Growers of basmati rice await the monsoon as the sowing season
has started

Water scarcity affecting the crop

Farmers rue poor irrigation facilities and government apathy

Courtesy: The Tribune

ETT Mess: Admission process on, colleges without re-affiliation

Admission process on, colleges without re-affiliation
Archit Watts
Tribune News Service

Jammu, June 14
Despite drawing flak for the mess in the elementary teachers training (ETT), the state government has failed to curb malpractices in the process and provide a fair education system to students, mostly from the neighbouring states of Punjab and Haryana.

Like the previous year, the students will face a number of problems this year also as 11 days are left for the admission process to be completed. A large number of colleges and institutes have neither obtained a no-objection certificate (NoC) from the Education Department nor re-affiliation from the J&K State Board of School Education, but are offering admission to the ETT course in violation of rules.

A senior official of the education board said of the total 439 ETT colleges and institutes across the state, only 30 to 35 had obtained an NoC from the Education Department and also got the re-affiliation of the board.Yet, a majority of them were offering admission to the course.

The last date for the submission of admission forms for the 2011-13 session is June 25, but the colleges have not yet completed the official procedure,which is likely to create problems for the students.

However, the education board officials said they were trying their best to make the ETT process simple and clean. “Though the government has directed all ETT colleges and institutes to get re-affiliation from the education board before the beginning of every session, contrary to the order some institutes and colleges are offering admission to the students. Even the students have to submit their forms at the board’s office,” said AK Gandotra, assistant secretary, ETT, education board.

He added that, “Though almost all institutes have applied for re-affiliation, till they get it they can’t start the admission process. Hence, the board has issued them notices”.

Gandotra said the board would not take the responsibility of the erring institutes and the students should submit their admission forms at the board’s office in the local Rehari Colony. ETT colleges in the state are popular among the students from Punjab and Haryana, as they can clear the course without bothering about attendance.

Courtesy: The Tribune

“3 Idiots” boost: More domestic tourists now visit Ladakh

“3 Idiots” boost: More domestic tourists now visit Ladakh
Archit Watts
Tribune News Service

Jammu, June 13
Aamir Khan’s movie, “3 Idiots”, has not only won accolades and awards, but has also attracted a large number of domestic tourists to Ladakh, which was devastated by a cloudburst last year.

This cold desert is attracting a large number of tourists, especially domestic, due to “Rancho (portrayed by Aamir) and his school”. The movie, the shooting for which started in 2008 and was released in 2009, is proving to be a boon for the “Land of Lamas”. It has also “carved” out new tourist places like Rancho’s school, “Druk White Lotus School”.

Though Ladakh has been a favourite destination of foreign tourists, a large number of domestic tourists have also started coming here due to the movie. And the number has almost doubled as compared to previous years.

“3 Idiots” has given an unexpected fillip to tourism in Ladakh. Earlier, the people living here were dependent on foreign tourists, but this movie has helped in attracting domestic tourists,” said Nissar Hussain, assistant director of the J&K Tourism Department, Ladakh.

He added that, “When the movie was being shot, a number of domestic tourists, especially from Delhi, started coming here, as they came to know from the movie’s trailers that this place had a number of adventurous places, including natural water lakes.”

Citing the figures of tourist arrivals, Hussain said in 2007, 50,579 tourists came to Ladakh, including 28,477 foreigners, but in 2008, when the movie was being shot here, the number of tourists increased to 72,000, including 39,000 domestic tourists. Similarly, in 2009, 48,127 domestic and 30,446 foreign tourists visited the region, he added.

“The earlier trend of more foreign tourists visiting the region has changed. It can also be supported by the figures of 2010, which was the worst period in the history of Ladakh. Still after the devastating cloudburst, 55,685 domestic tourists and 22,115 foreigners arrived here in 2010,” Hussain said, and added , “A tourist here now desires to visit all places which have been shown in the movie”.

Jigmet Takpa, conservator of forests (wildlife), Ladakh, said, “After “3 Idiots”, a number of commercial advertisements are being shot here, boosting the local economy”.

Minister for Tourism Nawang Rigzin Jora, who is also the MLA from Leh, said:“The Tourism Department has been trying its best to attract more and more tourists, both domestic and foreign, especially to this place that was devastated by a cloudburst last year. We are sure that the goal set for this year will definitely be achieved”.

Besides being important for its famous monasteries, Ladakh has interesting places like Khardung La Pass, the world’s highest motorable road, the Nubra valley, the Pangong Lake, the Magnetic Point and the Zanskar valley.

Courtesy: The Tribune

Violation of teachers’ transfer policy unabated

Violation of teachers’ transfer policy unabated
Archit Watts
Tribune News Service

Jammu, June 12
Though the state government has decided to follow a policy not to transfer a teacher before the completion of his/her two-year tenure at one school and has imposed a ban on mid-session transfers, it appears to be a challenging task for the Education Department to adhere to the norms.

In reply to an application filed under the RTI Act by advocate Vilakshana Singh,the joint director, Directorate of School Education, revealed that a large number of teachers in Jammu division managed postings of their choice and were transferred in complete violation of the norms because of their clout in political and administrative circles.

In violation of the norms, 257 lecturers and 31 teachers in the division were transferred in the last academic session.

Similarly, a large number of teachers also managed such adjustments through political backing and 49 lecturers and two teachers of the division were transferred before the completion of their mandatory tenure of two years at one school.

Though a large number of posts are lying vacant in schools in the remote areas, there is a race to get posted near towns and urban areas, which is affecting the functioning of a number of schools, most of which are being run by single teachers.

“The corrupt practices, including political backing, seem to be prevailing in the Education Department here, as a large number of teachers and lecturers appointed in the government schools have been transferred in volation of the transfer policy,” said Vilakshana, adding that earlier the department had denied giving him the information, but when he appealed to the higher-ups, he got the reply.

GA Qureshi, Director, School Education, said, “Let me find out the details, as the matter is serious. If there is any violation of the transfer policy, action will surely be taken”.

Courtesy: The Tribune

Prime Minister’s Job Package: 200 teachers on waiting list asked to join duty

200 teachers on waiting list asked to join duty
Archit Watts
Tribune News Service

Jammu, June 11
Despite receiving a warm welcome in the Kashmir valley, a large number of teachers, appointed under the Prime Minister’s employment package for the return and rehabilitation of Kashmiri Pandits, are in a dilemma and have not joined duty in the Valley.

Taking a serious note of the development, as 355 of the 1,220 selected candidates have not reported to the Chief Education Officers (CEOs) concerned for joining duty, the Education Department has now asked 200 candidates on the waiting list to join duty within 21 days.

The government had created 1,590 posts of teacher under the Prime Minister’s special package and the Staff Selection Board (SSB) had selected 1,220 candidates on August 20, 2010. The selected candidates were directed to report to the CEOs concerned in the Valley within 30 days so as to confirm their joining of duty. On April 28, 2011, a notice was issued to 362 candidates to report on duty in their respective districts within 15 days, but most of them failed to do so, a senior official of the Education Department said.

He added that only seven candidates had reported to the respective CEOs and 355 posts remained vacant. “Now, we have asked 200 candidates on the waiting list to report within 21 days to the respective CEOs to fill these posts,” he added.

However, media reports said those who joined duty in the Valley received a good response from the locals. A few candidates had told The Tribune that they got unexpected support and love from the locals in the Valley.

Even Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, at a public function recently, said the government was trying hard to rehabilitate Kashmiri Pandits, but they would also have to take initiative.

Vinod Koul, Commissioner, Relief and Rehabilitation Department, said, “Yes, some candidates have failed to join duty in the Valley, but the overall response has been good. There is nothing to worry about and the process is on to fill vacant posts”.

Prime Minister’s Job Package

• As many as 355 of the 1,220 selected teachers have not reported to the Chief Education Officers concerned for joining duty
• The government had created 1,590 posts of teacher under the Prime Minister’s special package
• The Staff Selection Board had selected 1,220 teachers on August 20, 2010
• On April 28, 2011, a notice was issued to 362 candidates to report on duty in their respective districts within 15 days, but most of them failed to do so
• These candidates are migrant Kashmiri Pandits who were given jobs with a view to rehabilitating them in the Valley

Courtesy: The Tribune

Rain brings cheer

Rain brings cheer
Archit Watts
Tribune News Service

Jammu, June 10
Sudden rain in the city and nearby areas last night has brought relief to residents who have been braving the extreme weather conditions in the wake of unschedule power cuts and inadequate water supply.

Rice growers in the district too got a reason to smile as the sowing season is at its
peak and the sudden dip in the temperature with rainfall has given moisture to
the land.

The rain, which lashed along with speedy winds last night, has brought down the temperature with the maximum hovering around 38 degree Celsius, down from 42 degree Celsius yesterday while the maximum humidity went up to 88 per cent.

Harjeet Singh, a rice grower in Kullian village, said: “The moderate rain has not only brought the temperature down, but also it has increased the humidity level, which is good for the crop”.

“Earlier, we were lifting water, but with this rain there will be no need of lifting water for the next two or three days,” he added.

Officials of the Meteorological and the Agriculture Department also predict rain in the coming days.

A senior agriculture scientist at the Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology, Jammu, said: “There is a possibility of rain in the next two-three days, which will definitely give more respite to the farmers”.

On the other hand, high-velocity winds caused damage to electricity poles of the Power Development Department (PDD) and power supply lines developed snags.

Though officials of the PDD were immediately pressed into service to restore power supply, yet in some parts the situation was almost the same.

Shabnam Goni, chief engineer of the PDD, said: “We are assessing the total loss caused by the recent spell of rain and speedy winds. It will take a week’s time to prepare the report of the total loss”.

Courtesy: The Tribune

Central University of Jammu: Local to be appointed VC soon, says minister

Central University of Jammu
Local to be appointed VC soon, says minister
Archit Watts
Tribune News Service

Jammu, June 10
The fate of the Central University of Jammu is going to be decided soon as the Union HRD Ministry is thinking of appointing a person from the Jammu region as the Vice-Chancellor (VC) , says Higher Education Minister Abdul Gani Malik.

Malik, accompanied by Education Minister Peerzada Mohammad Sayed and Minister for Medical and Technical Education RS Chib, had met Union HRD Minister Kapil Sibal during a meeting of the Central Advisory Board of Education in New Delhi recently and discussed the issue.

Malik, while talking to The Tribune over the phone today, said, “The issue was discussed with Sibal, who assured us of the appointment of a local person as the Vice-Chancellor of the Central University of Jammu soon. He was serious about the matter”. He added that, “The appointment process will take some more time”.

Asked whether any special team or committee has been constituted to visit the state for the appointment of a person from the Jammu region as the Vice-Chancellor , Malik said, “There is no team coming to the state, but experts will definitely play their role”.

Some local organisations have been demanding the appointment of a person from the Jammu region as the Vice-Chancellor of the university. Activists of these organisations had held a number of protests in this regard.

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, during his speech in the last Budget session, had blamed local leaders for the inordinate delay in the appointment and politicising the issue.

The process to set up the Central University of Jammu and the Central University of Kashmir was started in 2009. Though the Central University of Kashmir started functioning last year, in the absence of the Vice-Chancellor, the functioning of the Central University of Jammu was yet to start. The Union HRD Ministry had earlier rejected a number of candidates.

Courtesy: The Tribune

J&K lacks equipment for cloudburst forecast

State lacks equipment for cloudburst forecast
Archit Watts
Tribune News Service

The Shortcoming

We don’t have a Doppler Weather Radar in the state, which is an effective tool for the forecast of a cloudburst. Though we have written a number of times to the higher authorities demanding two radars each in Jammu and Srinagar, nothing has happened — Sonam Lotus, in charge of Indian Meteorological Department

Jammu, June 9
The loss of life and property in the cloudburst in Doda district last evening could have been averted had the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) taken timely steps and installed modern weather forecasting equipment in the state.

Even after the cloudburst of Leh last year in which nearly 179 persons were killed and about 400 injured, the state office of the IMD continues to be without any equipment to forecast a cloudburst.

Talking to The Tribune over the phone, Sonam Lotus, in charge of the state office of the IMD, said, “We are not well- equipped and can’t forecast a cloudburst. The equipment available with the department can forecast temperature and rain only”.

He added that, “We don’t have a Doppler Weather Radar in the state, which is an effective tool for the forecast of a cloudburst. Though we have written a number of times to the higher authorities demanding two radars each in Jammu and Srinagar, nothing has happened”.

Sonam said the state government was slow in taking action. “No one here pays any attention to weather forecasting. We get calls only about rain and nothing else,” he said.

“Though almost 24 hours have passed since the cloudburst in Doda district, we have not received any official information from the state government. I came to know about the incident from newspapers and TV channels. You can understand the situation”.

Sonam said they had issued a warning of heavy rain before the cloudburst in Leh, but they didn’t have even a weather forecasting station in Doda. “We are completely out of touch as of now and don’t have any information about the loss of life and property in the Doda cloudburst,” he said.

Explaining a cloudburst, Sonam said, “A cloudburst means 100 mm of rain per hour. It lasts for almost 15-20 minutes and affects 2-3 sq km area”. .

Prof Sanjay Sharma, Department of Environment Science, University of Jammu, said, “Though we can’t stop a cloudburst, its timely forecast can help minimise its impact.

The areas having more vegetation have lesser impact of a cloudburst.Hence, the government should think of a plantation drive, as plants check soil erosion”.

Courtesy: The Tribune

J&K: Decline in foreign tourist arrivals since 1988

Decline in foreign tourist arrivals since 1988
Archit Watts/TNS

Jammu, June 8
Even as the state government has been trying hard to attract more foreign tourists, figures reveal that the number of such tourists last year was much less as compared to 1988.

In 1988, the highest number of 76,194 foreign tourists visited the state, while 48,115 came to the state in 2010. Tourism received a severe blow after the eruption of militancy in the state in 1989. The average inflow of foreign tourists between 1990 and 1996 was around 10,000 per year.

The infrastructure created over the years,besides gardens and parks, also suffered huge damage. Following an improvement in the security scenario, the state government made all efforts for the revival of tourism by developing the infrastructure for the restoration of the pristine glory of tourist places. Various circuits were also set up, but the efforts failed to yield the desired results. Although the influx has increased, the arrival of foreign tourists is still not up to the expectation of the authorities.

As per the official figures, in 2002 only 7,806 foreign tourists visited the state, while this figure went up to 41,000 in 2004 and continued to rise in 2005 and 2006. But the number fell again in 2009 and is still on the decline.

Minister for Tourism Nawang Rigzin Jora said, “We are trying our best and are expecting good results. The total number of tourists, both domestic and foreign, has increased”.

Courtesy: The Tribune

36 CCTV cameras installed in school board complex

36 CCTV cameras installed in school board complex
Archit Watts
Tribune News Service

Jammu, June 7
To check corrupt practices and bring transparency in the existing system, the J&K State Board of School Education has installed 36 CCTV cameras in the board’s complex.

The decision was taken after receiving a number of complaints regarding unfair evaluation in examinations and rude behaviour of the board’s employees.

“To keep a check on the functioning of the staff and to further streamline the board’s working it, the higher-ups had ordered the installation of CCTV cameras at all important points, which have been proving beneficial,” said Dr Javed Iqbal Khatib, joint secretary, BoSE.

He said with the installation of these cameras their burden had decreased. “Now, we are able to keep a check on the entire complex at the same time and that too by sitting in the same office, which does not even affect our work,” Dr Khatib added.

Giving details about the location,he said the cameras were installed in the evaluation branch, the secrecy branch, the main gate and all other offices, so that not even a single place was left out of the third eye.

“For this purpose, LCD screens have been installed in the offices of all joint secretary level and other top officials. We can also put it on random mode, which shows the picture of every place after a short period,” said Dr Javed Khatib, adding that they were also installing some more cameras.

Sources in the Education Department said they were also planning to implement the same system in government schools, so that the absenteeism of teachers could be controlled and education standards could be maintained.

“ The installation of CCTV cameras in the board’s complex is just a trial and if it proves successful, we will implement the same at various places,” said a senior official in the Education Department.

Trouble brewing over delay in student body poll

Trouble brewing over delay in student body poll
Archit Watts
Tribune News Service

Jammu, June 7
As the new academic session is about to begin, the demand for Jammu University Campus Students’ Council elections has started getting louder. A number of student unions have already adopted agitational methods to get their long-pending demand fulfilled.

The university authorities had last year announced that the students’ council poll would be held from next year, but so far nothing has been decided, which has agitated the students.

With the fate of the elections hanging in the balance, the intelligence agencies have reported that students can disrupt the peaceful atmosphere of the university if the authorities failed to announce the poll schedule on time.

“The elections have become a necessity as the authorities have been adopting anti-student policies. No one is ready to listen the plight of students as everyone is busy in corrupt practices. The money of students is being spent on unnecessary things, especially on the renovation of offices. This can be checked only by elected representatives of the university who can raise their voice at all platforms. So, we demand that the authorities should conduct elections from this year,” said Vikas Sharma, state president, NSF.

He further said if the authorities failed to announce the poll schedule in the first week of the new academic session, they would adopt various methods to get their demand fulfilled.

Similarly, the representatives of other students’ unions and research scholars said when neighbouring states could conduct the students’ council poll, then why the University of Jammu authorities were not ready to follow them.

However, the university authorities claimed that the matter was pending for the approval of vice-chancellor Varun Sahni who is the supreme authority to decide whether the elections would be conducted or not.

A senior official of the university said they were ready to conduct the elections, but the students would have to follow the norms decided by the Lyngdoh Committee for the elections. The Supreme Court had made it mandatory for all universities and those found guilty were liable to be penalised, he added.

Courtesy: The Tribune

Jammu region faces ration shortage: Authorities fail to break official-depot holder nexus

Jammu region faces ration shortage
Authorities fail to break official-depot holder nexus
Archit Watts
Tribune News Service

Jammu, June 6
Though Minister for Consumer Affairs and Public Distribution (CAPD) Qamar Ali Akhoon maintains that steps are being taken by the department to break the nexus between depot holders and officials of the department, most parts of the Jammu region are facing an acute shortage of ration.

Protests against ration shortage have become a routine affair as the authorities concerned have failed to streamline the supply. Opposition parties have also been demanding that the state government should improve it.

“It is unfortunate that the people, especially those living below the poverty line (BPL), have to struggle to get ration because the authorities concerned have failed to control its pilferage ,” said Ashok Gupta, president of the Shiv Sena.

Highlighting the problems of residents of the RS Pura area of Jammu district, Gupta alleged: “A majority of people living in the area have not been getting ration for the last one and a half years, but the department has done nothing to streamline the supply. There is a nexus between officials of the department and ration dealers”.

“The subsidised ration meant for the BPL families rarely reaches them and is easily available on the black market,” he added. There were a number of instances in the past few months where either the Vigilance Department or the police arrested ration dealers and the CAPD officials while selling the ration on the black market. A dealer was arrested from Ustad Mohallah here recently in this regard.An official of the department and a dealer were also arrested from the Khandwal area in the Satwari block.

The BJP has also been raising the issue at different platforms. The Kissan Morcha of the party recently launched a campaign to demand ration for people living in the Kandi area of the Jammu region. The issue was also raised in the Legislative Assembly and the Legislative Council during the Budget session, but no action was taken.

However, CAPD Minister Qamar Ali Akhoon assured the people that adequate ration would be provided. He said, “Those, who are not getting ration, can send their complaints directly to me through fax. I assure the people that their complaints will be addressed immediately ”.

He added: “We are trying our best to streamline the functioning of the department and those who want to give their suggestions are welcome”. Akhoon said he had decided to visit the areas from where the department was getting the complaints.

Courtesy: The Tribune

World Environment Day: Restoring Tawi’s sanctity remains on paper only

World Environment Day
Restoring Tawi’s sanctity remains on paper only
Archit Watts
Tribune News Service

Jammu, June 5
One more World Environment Day passed today, but the state government’s promises to restore the sanctity of the Tawi remained on paper only. As a result, the river, which has virtually turned into a garbage dumping yard, is crying for immediate attention.

A mere visit to the Tawi, popularly known as the Surya Putri, exposed the assurances made by the government.

The Tawi, which divides Jammu city into two parts, has become the most polluted river of the state, as the Jammu Municipal Corporation (JMC) is not only dumping solid waste in it, but sewerage from more than 20 direct and indirect channels continues to flow into the river.

Having a great religious and historical importance, the Tawi is a major left bank tributary of the Chenab, which flows through Doda, Udhampur and Jammu districts before entering into Pakistan. The total catchment area of the 141-km river is more than 2,100 sq km.

“One can better understand the approach of the state government towards such serious issues. If a major river like the Tawi that flows in the mid of the winter capital is dying then we can better understand the condition of other rivers flowing in the state,” said Gaurav Sharma, a social activist.

Despite a ban imposed by the High Court, the JMC and the state Pollution Control Board have failed to protect the river from becoming a dumping yard.

Sometime ago, a number of plans were announced to beautify the river for the promotion of tourism. Although landscaping of both sides of the river by constructing walkways and an artificial lake were proposed to be built, nothing has come over and polythene bags are still choking the river.

Mining mafia is also doing the excavation of sand and stones. Besides, a few people have encroached upon the land inside the river and have made houses in it.

Biomedical waste is also being dumped into the river without segregating it from other solid waste. This is also a violation of the Biomedical Waste (Management and Handling) Rules-1998.

“During the rainy season, the water level in the river increases and the garbage starts floating on the river banks, which not only emits foul smell, but also becomes a health hazard for the people living near the river,” said Indu Sharma, a resident of Bhagwati Nagar.

However, Minister of PHE and Irrigation Taj Mohi-ud-Din said, “The government is concerned about preserving rivers and a number of schemes have been launched for the purpose. The work is also going on to beautify the Tawi and in a short period, all loopholes will be plugged”.

Courtesy: The Tribune

Absenteeism: Erring teachers to face music

Absenteeism
Erring teachers to face music
Archit Watts
Tribune News Service

Jammu, May 27
To ensure punctuality and curb the menace of absenteeism in educational institutes, the department concerned has started taking some hard steps. The officials have been ordered to conduct surprise visits and prepare report cards of every institute.

In a recent order, the Director School Education, Jammu, GA Qureshi, has directed all chief education officers (CEOs) and zonal education officers (ZEOs) in Jammu division to conduct surprise visits in schools falling under their respective zones for at least three days in a week.

“These officers will conduct raids between Monday and Saturday and then furnish consolidated reports on next Monday,” Qureshi said.

He also ordered the constitution of a monitoring committee under the supervision of personnel officer, Directorate of School Education, for prompt cognisance of the absentee cases reported by the CEOs/ZEOs so that further action should be taken.

The decision has come out as a large number of teachers were being found absent from their respective schools during duty timings.

An official of the department said these people were bringing bad name to the entire community, so it was necessary to keep a check on them so that the purpose of education could be achieved.

“Earlier, whenever we conducted surprise visits to keep a check on absenteeism, we found two to three teachers absent in every school or institute, so the decision of the director will surely bring some results, as the absenteeism was increasing with every passing day,” he said.

He further appealed to the teachers and other staff of the Education Department to be punctual and perform better to avoid any departmental action.

Courtesy: The Tribune

‘Maintaining peace biggest challenge’
As memories of turmoil during last summer in Kashmir valley, where over 100 persons were killed in stone pelting incidents, are still fresh in everyone’s mind, the state police is adopting new strategies to deal with any untoward situation this summer

In an interaction with Tribune correspondent Archit Watts, the Director General of Police (DGP), J&K, Kuldeep Khoda, spoke at length about the various strategies to be followed to maintain law and order in the state.

The following are the excerpts:

Q: What is the major challenge before the Jammu and Kashmir Police today?

A: It’s been more than 20 years since we have been fighting militancy and bringing peace back to the state is the biggest challenge for us. Nearly 350 terrorists belonging to the four terrorist groups - Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT), Hizbul Mujahideen (HM), Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) and Al Badar - all funded by Pakistan, are active in the state. Our efforts to restore peace, deal with law and order situations, especially in the Valley are continuing.

Currently, we are focusing on these aspects as our aim for 2011 is to avoid the loss of life and property across the state while dealing with such incidents.

Q: Last year, over 100 people were killed during unrest in the Valley. What are your plans this year to deal with such untoward incidents, especially the stone-pelting mob?

A: We always adopt new techniques to deal with such situations and this year, we are adopting non-lethal weapons to deal with crowd, as mostly police personnel face problems while dealing with a violent mob. For this purpose, we have formed five battalions, especially to deal with the stone-pelting mob, and these are equipped with full body protective gears, non-lethal weapons like plastic pellets for SLR guns, pump action guns, coloured water canons, triple-action smoke grenades, besides other traditional methods and weapons.

Q: Other than crowd control methods, how are you preparing to deal with youngsters, just to change their minds?

A: A large number of youngsters were found involved in violent incidents and a fairly large number of them were arrested in stone pelting activities last year. That’s why we are opening health clubs, organising sports tourneys, talent hunt contests, seminars and debates on various issues to help them explore their talent and make them aware of rightful living.

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has also ordered all government departments to listen to the grievances of the public with much care so that they would have no need to adopt any subversive method.

Q: Is there any major threat from Pakistan this summer as the intelligence agencies have from time to time sounded alert about terrorist strikes?

A: We consider all these inputs seriously. We have recently received reports that Pakistani rangers or other agencies in Pakistan are continuously trying to push terrorists into our territory. The terrorists have set up more than 20 main camps near our boundary. They are also funding separatists or anti-social elements here to carry on their operations.

Q: How do you take the threats of Syed Salahuddin, chief of HM, who has released a number of videos showing terrorist training camps on the other side?

A: No, he is no one to dare us. We are well prepared, as our government both at the Centre and state has full faith on us and we are very much capable in dealing with any such threat. It is not a question of fear from any individual, when a country (Pakistan) is already trying to harm us.

Q: Besides foreign ultras, is there any threat from Sikh militants?

A: Yes, there are some inputs that Sikh militants are trying hard to enter into the state from the other side, but our intelligence agencies like the CID, IB and RAW’s information about all this has helped us a lot. So far, there is no Sikh militant active here.

Q: You have so far spoken about militancy, is the law and order under control in J&K?

A: The year 2010 has proved far better as compared to 2009. The figure related to serious crime has also come down. If this continued, the day will be not be far when this state will appear as one of the top tourist places across the world.

Q: Will the troop reduction increase the burden on the police?

A: Let the Ministry of Home decide the issue. But, we are very much prepared to deal with all kind of situations.

Courtesy: The Tribune

Swimming in canals proving dangerous; People urged to be cautious

Swimming in canals proving dangerous
People urged to be cautious
Archit Watts
Tribune News Service

Jammu, June 3
With the recent incident of drowning of a seven-year-old girl in a canal, the district administration has swung into action. The deputy commissioner has appealed to the people to adopt precautions while bathing in canals and rivers.

Though swimming and bathing in rivers and canals has been banned in the neighbouring states, in J&K, there is no such ban.

However, Sanjeev Verma, deputy commissioner, Jammu, told The Tribune that they were putting in maximum efforts to save precious lives by checking drowning incidents.

“We can’t put a ban on such practice as the rivers and canals are too long and it is impossible to keep a check on defaulters. So, we have been appealing the people for not allowing their children to swim in deep water bodies,” said Verma.

He hoped that their efforts would yield results in a short period. “We are going to launch a campaign in this regard. The administration has decided to publish advertisements in newspapers. Besides, we will also install notice boards appealing to the public for not allowing their children to swim in canals and rivers at some prominent places in the city and nearby villages,” he added.

Terming it a serious issue, he said the administration would also take suggestions from the public so that risk could be minimised. Another senior bureaucrat said the people should play an important role in this issue otherwise there was no method to keep a check on it.

“Those who don’t know swimming should avoid going near the canals and rivers, especially during the rainy season because that time the water flows at full tide and the level remains high, which normally results into tragic incidents, claiming a number of lives,” said a senior bureaucrat.

Courtesy: The Tribune

Weird poll symbols prove beneficial for contestants

Weird poll symbols prove beneficial for contestants
Archit Watts
Tribune News Service

Khour, May 22
Politics is a weird game. May be that’s why the election symbols allotted to the candidates in the fray for the posts of sarpanch and panch are also weird. But, one thing is sure that the election symbols like road-roller, cylinder, jug, ring and fan are proving beneficial for candidates.

Though, a large number of contestants have been appealing to the election authorities to change their symbols, yet these kind of symbols are not only making them popular among the public, but these are easy for the voters, too, to keep it in mind.

In Khour block at Nrayana panchayat constituency, where one Raju Pahalwan got the election symbol of cylinder was seen upset with this symbol. “Wherever I go for campaigning, people not only ask me to arrange cylinder for them but they have also started calling me a cylinder,” Pahalwan said.

Similarly, in Taroti-Danwal panchayat constituency, where Master Hakikat Ram got the election symbol of ring said, “My election symbol is a ring, which is becoming costly day by day, as the price of gold is touching a new high. So, wherever I go people demand cheaper rings.”

Many others like him, who got the symbols like torch, fan and jug have echoed similar views, as these commodities are hardly available in this hot summer, especially when the temperature is touching almost 43 degree Celsius.

Rabinder Singh Binder from Nihapur Simbal-Lower panchayat, who is a contractor by profession, got road-roller as his election symbol, which proved beneficial for him to secure a thumping win.

Courtesy: The Tribune

Results of Class XII: Girls outshine boys in Jammu division; l Nipun Gupta overall first with 97.8% l Pass percentage declines by 6%

Girls outshine boys in Jammu division
l Nipun Gupta overall first with 97.8% l Pass percentage declines by 6%
Archit Watts
Tribune News Service

Jammu, May 23
With 97.8 per cent marks in the science stream, Nipun Gupta, a student of BB Shanti Vidyapeeth Higher Secondary School, Udhampur, secured the overall first position in the Class XII examinations (Jammu division) the results of which were declared by the J&K State Board of School Education here today.Students of Shiksha Niketan Higher Secondary School at Jeevan Nagar in Jammu celebrate after the declaration of Class XII results on Monday. Photo by writer

However, girls yet again outshone boys by securing 33 positions out of the total 40 on the merit list.

The overall results witnessed a decline of 6 per cent, as the pass percentage this year was 39 per cent as compared to 45 per cent last year. While Nipun Gupta topped in the science stream, girls also topped in the commerce, arts and home science streams.

Of 44,986 students who appeared in the exams, 17,545 were declared pass. While 24 students of private schools figured on the merit list, only 16 students of government schools appeared on the merit list and that too in the arts and home science streams.

Of the 40 students on the merit list (all streams), 11 were from Government Girls Higher Secondary School, Mubarak Mandi, and 10 from Shiksha Niketan Higher Secondary School, Jeevan Nagar, Jammu.

Even the first position in the commerce stream went to Shiksha Niketan Higher Secondary School, as Supriya Gupta, daughter of Rajesh Gupta, got 97 per cent marks.

In the arts stream, Chander Mohini, daughter of Milkhi Ram Sharma, a student of Government Higher Secondary School, Jourian, stood first by securing 93.4 per cent marks. In the home science stream, Sonal Jain, daughter of Vaneet Jain, a student of Government Higher Secondary School, Mubarak Mandi, secured the first position with 84.9 per cent marks. Meanwhile, Joint Secretary, School Education (Jammu Division), Dr Javid Iqbal Khatib congratulated the students whose names appeared on the merit list.

Dr Khatib said, “Despite heavy snowfall, bad weather conditions and the ongoing panchayat elections in the region, the board has declared the results in a record time of 37 days this year and the credit goes to the entire staff”. He added that they were also trying to declare the Class X results in a short period.

Courtesy: The Tribune

PADDY SOWING SEASON ABOUT TO START; Farmers worried over poor condition of canals

PADDY SOWING SEASON ABOUT TO START
Farmers worried over poor condition of canals
Archit Watts/TNS

Chadwal (Kathua), May 26
Even as the paddy sowing season is round the corner, the authorities concerned seem to be in deep slumber, as most of the canals meant for supplying water for irrigation have dried up.

Only a week is left for the crop sowing season, but the dilapidated condition of the canals and their distributaries is still a major concern for farmers. “The paddy crop requires adequate amount of water during its initial days of sowing and if it does not receive enough water, the sapling wilts and dies. The condition of the canals and their distributaries is very poor and most of them are dry, thus adding to our worries,” said Harjeet Singh, a farmer at Chadwal village.

He said the department concerned had totally failed in performing its duty. “The situation is worsening with every passing year and if it remains the same for the next few years, we will have no option but to change our occupation,” Harjeet added. A visit to various villages in the region, including the Kathua, Samba and RS Pura areas, revealed that the situation was almost similar everywhere

“The condition of the canals speaks much about the functioning of the department concerned,” said Narinder Singh, another farmer.

Narinder alleged that there was a nexus between officials of the Irrigation Department and the Agriculture Department. “This is the basic reason why no one pays attention or bothers about our plight,” he added.

Chaudhary Devraj, president of the Rice Growers Association, also accused the state government for not providing an adequate amount of water for irrigation.

“Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and other ministers speak a lot about their work, but the reality is different. No work has been done to facilitate the rice growers of this area. The sowing season is about to start and if the government is really serious to solve the problems of the farming community, they should take some serious and speedy steps to save the farmers,” said Devraj.

However, Irrigation Minister Taj Mohi-ud-Din has recently said they had done their job and there was nothing to worry. “Water has been released in most of the canals and de-silting process has also been finished,” he said.

Courtesy: The Tribune

Rain, hailstorm, strong winds damage crops

Rain, hailstorm, strong winds damage crops
Archit Watts
Tribune News Service

RS Pura, May 27
Rain, hailstorm and strong winds during the past 48 hours have damaged vegetable, pulses and fruit crops in many parts of the Jammu region.

Reports said farmers of Udhampur, Kathua, Samba and Jammu districts suffered huge losses due to this sudden spell of rain accompanied by strong winds, which destroyed the leaves of the growing crops.

Even agriculture experts of the Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology, Jammu, in their report submitted to the Agriculture Department have recommended compensation to the farmers for losses suffered. “The loss of of vegetable and pulses crops is irrecoverable, as their leaves have been damaged, which will take 15 to 20 days to grow again. The yield will also see some decrease.

The state government should assess the damage to provide compensation to the farmers so that their losses could be covered,” said Dr JP Sharma, Associate Director (Research), Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology, Jammu.

He said vegetable crops were in their fruiting stage and hailstorm and rain had destroyed them completely.

Sharma added, “Major vegetable crops like tomato, brinjal, ladyfinger, pumpkin and bottle gourd have been damaged.

Similarly, pulses, including moong and mash, have also been destroyed”. In some mountainous parts of the region, the maize crop has also been damaged due to the squall.

A visit to some areas of the region has revealed that the situation was worst in the fields and the farmers were seen sitting with grim faces. Growing vegetables, pulses and horticulture crops, including mango, melon and watermelon, have also been affected due to this recent rain, hailstorm and winds.

All these crops were also found damaged by insects, which compounded the problem. “Our crop has been damaged completely by rain followed by strong winds. Now, insects have started affecting our crop,” said Gurmeet Singh, a farmer at Abdullian village.

He said the government should immediately assess their losses so that they could be compensated.

Courtesy: The Tribune

Construction of modern toll plaza nearing completion

Construction of modern toll plaza nearing completion
Archit Watts
Tribune News Service

Lakhanpur, May 28
The problem of waiting for hours in queues while entering or exiting the state will be soon solved, as the construction work on the modern toll plaza at Lakhanpur is nearing completion.

Being the main entry point to Jammu and Kashmir for all commercial and private vehicles, the state government has been working overtime to complete the construction work.

A large number of vehicles enter or leave the state through this toll plaza. But so far there is only one counter each for light traffic vehicles, heavy commercial and passenger vehicles to pay the toll tax, which usually results in traffic chaos for hours.

The officials of the Excise Department are sure that after the modern toll plaza was ready, there would be no more traffic jams. “The construction work is nearly complete. It is in the final stage and will not take more than two-three months. Even the construction of a bridge over the Ravi is going on and as soon as it is complete, the modern plaza will be opened to traffic,” said BA Saraf, Deputy Excise Commissioner, Lakhanpur toll post.

“The state government is constructing a bypass, which will connect the toll plaza to the outskirts of the city. Besides, nine computerised weighing bridges are also being installed. Similarly, a parking lot is also being constructed for trucks,” added Saraf.

Another senior official of the Excise Department said the modern toll plaza was proposed to come up over 264 kanals. “If the department is seriously thinking of opening the modern toll plaza in a few months, our problem will be solved,” said Gurmeet Singh, a truck driver.

Courtesy: The Tribune

Flowers to greet tourists along Lakhanpur-Srinagar highway

Floriculture Dept to develop parks
Flowers to greet tourists along Lakhanpur-Srinagar highway
Archit Watts
Tribune News Service

Jammu, May 29
To make the road journey more enjoyable for tourists coming to Jammu and kashmir, the Floriculture Department has decided to develop parks and green strips along the Lakhanpur-Srinagar National Highway.

The Minister for Floriculture, Sham Lal Sharma, today, while inaugurating a park at Batehra near Akhnoor on the Jammu-Poonch Highway announced that the state government would develop a number of big and lush green parks along the national highway, right from Lakhanpur to Srinagar.

“The innovative plan will be carried out by the Department of Floriculture, just to attract a maximum number of tourists to the state,” said Sham Lal Sharma.

He further said these parks would be developed along the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway and would also encourage the farmers to divert towards floriculture.

“The department will also create an earning source for floriculturists, besides beautifying the pathways along the national highway,” he added.

According to senior officials of the department, a similar project had been submitted to the higher-ups for their approval, to deck the sidetracks with flowers along the Jammu-Pathankot National Highway.

They added that the road beautification project would also make the national highway a tourist attraction and boost the local economy.

The farmers in the Jammu region usually cultivate maize, wheat, paddy, vegetables and fodder, but in the recent years under the crop diversification programme, the government has encouraged them to cultivate flowers.

In its effort to attract farmers towards crop diversification, the Floriculture Department has already announced a number of incentives, including marketing facility to floriculturists at their doorsteps.

At present about 300 hectares of land in the state is under cultivation of different varieties of flowers, particularly marigold, jasmine, aster, rose, chrysanthemum and tuberose, giving employment to large number of people.

Courtesy: The Tribune

Girls outdo boys in Class X results

Girls outdo boys in Class X results
Archit Watts
Tribune News Service

Jammu, May 30
Girls outshone boys in the Class X examinations in the Jammu province, the results of which were declared by the J&K State Board of School Education (BoSE) here today. With 98.2 per cent marks (491/500), Tanu Devi, a student of RMC Higher Secondary School, Kathua, secured the top position, while the second position was shared by Megha Sethi, a student of Spring Dales English School, Kathua, and Swadha Kailoo of Brahama Rishi Bawra SVP Higher Secondary School, Udhampur, with 97 per cent marks (485/500). The top 20 positions on the merit list were secured by 84 students, including 53 girls.

The results, which were for the first time declared on the grading pattern, witnessed a decline of above six per cent as compared to the last year’s results. This year, the pass percentage is 50.01 per cent as compared to 56.52 per cent last year. The pass percentage of boys and girls were 49.22 and 50.98 per cent, respectively.

Of 47,061 students, who appeared in the exams, 20,275 were declared pass, while 3,259 students got reappear and 23,350 failed. Interestingly, all students, whose names figured on the merit list, were from private schools, and none was from government schools.

However, Prof Javed Iqbal Khatib, Joint Secretary (Secrecy), BoSE, said the pass percentage declined this year due to a strict drive against copying and use of unfair means during exams.

Courtesy: The Tribune

Now, flying squads to check attendance in ETT colleges

Now, flying squads to check attendance in ETT colleges
Archit Watts
Tribune News Service

Jammu, May 31
From this year onwards students, who get admission to ETT colleges in Jammu and Kashmir, will have to attend classes regularly, as the J&K State Board of School Education (BoSE) has formed special flying squads to keep a check on absenteeism in these colleges and institutes.

After facing the flak from all corners, the BoSE authorities have now constituted 30 special flying squads comprising board officials, principals and teachers of various schools, colleges and institutes to keep a check on absenteeism in the ETT colleges/institutes.

Nearly 40,000 students from neighbouring states of Punjab and Haryana take admission to colleges and institutes here as there is virtually no need to attend classes. Shockingly, the board officials are also aware of this practice but no action had been taken in this regard. “We are very much aware about mismanagement and corrupt practices going on in the ETT institutes and colleges in our state. So, we have decided to make surprise visits to such institutes during normal days and wherever the flying squads find less attendance of students, they will have the power to de-affiliate such institutes immediately,” said Prof Javed Iqbal Khatib, Joint Secretary (Secrecy), BoSE.

He said the surprise visits would be conducted on a routine basis and the college owners, principals and other staff members had been directed to strictly follow the norms fixed by the BoSE or face action.

Khatib added that, “The agent system is also giving a bad name to the board, which we are also trying to control from this year.

Courtesy: The Tribune

Teachers’ transfer policy being violated in state

Teachers’ transfer policy being violated in state
Archit Watts/TNS

Jammu, June 1
Despite tall claims by Education Minister Peerzada Mohammad Sayeed of streamlining and bringing transparency in the education sector, nothing seems to be happening on the ground as a large number of teachers and lecturers are overstaying in the schools violating the norms of the transfer policy of the state government.

In a reply to an application filed under the RTI Act by Vilakshana Singh, an advocate, who is practising in the Jammu and Kashmir High Court, the Directorate of School Education stated that as many as 2,805 teachers and lecturers had been working in the same schools for a period of more than five years, which was against the prescribed norms.

A perusal of these documents further revealed that there were a few teachers who were working in the same schools for more than 30 years. These teachers had started their career from these schools and were about to retire from there only. The reply also stated that a teacher had been posted at Government Middle School, Kaumti, Ladda, in the Udhampur zone for the last 32 years.

Similarly, a teacher had been serving at Government Primary School, Kund, in the Udhampur zone for the last 30 years and another had been posted at Government Middle School, Chowki Choura, in the Jammu zone for the last 30 years.

The list of such teachers was long, but hardly any action had been taken against them because of their political backing.

Even the Director, School Education, GA Qureshi, failed to give a satisfactory reply. “This matter is very serious and I will check the details. So far I can’t comment on the issue,” said Qureshi while talking to The Tribune over the phone. However, he accepted that no teacher or lecturer could serve more than five years in the same school.

Courtesy: The Tribune

People vote for water in Dansal

People vote for water in Dansal
Archit Watts
Tribune News Service

Jandrah, June 2
Braving searing heat, people voted for ensuring regular water supply in the Kandi (dry land) area of the Dansal block in Jammu district today.

Residents of this area have been facing an acute shortage of water every summer but the government has not launched any water scheme in the area. As the polling for the 13th phase of the panchayat elections began today, a large number of voters, especially youth and women, came out to vote to ensure proper drinking water supply to their area. Voters at Jandrah village in the Dhan panchayat alleged that they were not getting water supply for the last two days. “Though the government has declared our village as a model village, we are deprived of basic amenities like water and roads. The water shortage has made our life a hell. We have to travel long distances to fetch water,” said Sushil Sharma, a student of the University of Jammu and resident of Jandrah village.

He hoped that when their sarpanch and panches were elected, their major problems like water and roads would be solved. “The delegation of power to panchayats will surely solve problems, as the elected candidates will raise our issues for the development of the area. It will also make the government more accountable and the funds will be spent more efficiently,” added Sharma.

“The delegation of power to the grass-roots level will bring results in a short period. After the elections the power will come in the hands of sarpanches and panches, who will have to work for their areas, as they are accountable to the voters of their villages,” said Dhruv Singh, a resident of Jakhyari village.

The residents of these villages, including Jakhyari, Lai, Panwali, Athem and Surinsar, also alleged that they were unable to live in this hot summer due to the water scarcity.

Courtesy: The Tribune

Repolling in Nallah panchayat on June 6

Repolling in Nallah panchayat on June 6
Archit Watts
Tribune News Service

Jammu, June 3
Even as the panchayat elections are going on, objections and complaints of alleged rigging have flooded the office of the election authority, forcing it to decided on conducting re-polling in a few blocks.

In a recent incident at the Nallah panchayat in the Sunderbani block of Rajouri district, where elections were held on May 12, the election authority has decided to conduct re-polling on June 6, as Tirath Ram, a candidate for the post of sarpanch in the Nallah panchayat, had filed a complaint alleging that the counting process was unfair, as a few people had entered the counting room and destroyed ballot papers.

Acting on the complaint, Simrandeep Singh, SDM, Nowshera conducted an inquiry and submitted the report to the election authority. He stated in the report that the votes polled and the votes counted did not match. Talking to The Tribune, the SDM said, “There was clear negligence on the part of the returning officer and the assistant returning officer, as nearly seven ballots were destroyed. But both officers did not highlight the incident of loss of ballots and declared the results. So, an inquiry has been marked against them too”.

“I have requested the election authority to conduct the re-polling in the constituency. It has accepted my request and now the elections will be held on June 6,” he added.

The SDM said the High Court had also sought the status of the elections and the details of the panchayat area had been provided to the court. “The court has also agreed on the re-polling,” he said.

The officials conducting the elections also accepted the fact that they were receiving a large number of objections. The election authorities were looking into various aspects of the complaints before taking the final decision, they said.

However, repeated attempts to contact the Chief Electoral Officer, BR Sharma, proved futile.

Courtesy: The Tribune