After price hike, now traders resort to hoarding of onions

PS Bali

Jammu Tawi, January 15

Owing to the inflation of various edible products in the market, especially onion and tomatoes, some local dealers and traders in the wake of earning more profit have allegedly started hoarding the commodity, leaving commoners to lurch.

On the one side soaring rate of tomatoes and onions has broken the back-bone of the commoner, whereas on the other side hoarding has added to their miseries.

With tomatoes over Rs 35-40 per kg and onions with Rs 47-50 per kg have shaken the budget of common man and now shortage has multiplied their woes.

Some shopkeepers at the terminal points, say the supply of onions has come down by almost 50 per cent as the crop was damaged due to unprecedented rains, whereas the most of the crop has been hoarded by big players.

“For the sake of earning more profit, some self interested dealers have hoarded large quantity of onions and tomatoes,” said a vegetable vendor, Subash, adding that due to their greed, “we have to sell it on exorbitant rates.” The increase in onion and tomato rates is turning profitable only for such dealers and not for others.  

He further said that the hike in onion and tomato rates is likely to jump more as huge quantity of consignment is stocked for black-market.

Talking to Newspoint, president, Jammu Vegetable Association, Vijay Kumar said that there is less supply of onion from main markets, as huge quantity has been spoiled due to unprecedented rains, so there is a less chance of hoarding by traders. He said on an average around 10-20 trucks reach Jammu mandi, daily with onions, but due to shortage in the main markets, this time only one truck reached here.

He anticipated that with the arrival of new crop this price spiral will see a decline. “It will take more than 15-20 days to get the new crop and once this reaches the markets, prices of onions will also come down.

Despite generating, state plunges into dark

                                        Public needs awareness to shun illegal usage: Qasim

PS BALI

Jammu Tawi, January 11

Though Jammu and Kashmir State is generating enough electricity but with the onset of winters the unscheduled power cuts become a regular feature.

This is despite Chief Minister Omar Abdullah asking the Power Development Department (PDD) to recover outstanding dues from various departments as well as people.

Ironically government is the biggest defaulter as far as a paying power bills are concerned.

Adopting a heavy-handed approach against others for making recoveries, PDD has failed to recover over crore of pending rupees from various government departments and to retain this loss department has implemented curtailments, mostly during prime hours.

According to sources more than 20 government departments, including various wings of PDD itself, have not deposited their electricity Bills, compelling PDD to resort to unscheduled power cuts.

In addition to the breach of CM, the department has also added to the miseries of students, preparing for various examinations.

“PDD has maximized our miseries in this cold with persistent power curtailments. Our examinations are over head and every minute is precious, but due to constant power cuts, we are unable to concentrate, courtesy PDD,” said an engineering student, Adil Yousuf, adding that it is hard to study in dark and in cold, it is obvious that in winter one can’t sit without proper heating arrangement.

When during winters, power is much consumed as compared to rest of the year; the department emerges with more strict curtailments.

“If PDD is imposing curtailments with the pretext of over loading and extra consumption, then they must have to act strictly against illegal connections and has to work passionately in realizing more revenues and in curbing pilferage,” he said.

The condition of the tamper-proof areas is also same, as residents of such areas allege PDD for deliberately imposing curtailments.

“In our area, the PDD had installed electronic meters to check pilferage and during installation we were promised continuous power supply throughout the season, but with the arrival of winters, the supply has been irregular,” said Lakhvinder Singh, a resident of the Digiana locality, adding that the power supply, if linger for subtle odd hours is single line with very low voltage, which is of no use.

Admitting the fact, PDD Chief Engineer, Mohd Qasim said that the curtailment is the penalty of over-loading, “as during peak hours people in almost all areas make unnecessary use of illegal power supply, thus disturbing the setting,” said Qasim, adding that people by making superfluous use of electricity are bothering other legitimate consumers.

He also appealed public to shun pilfering, as it creates disturbances in scheduled setting, following creates inconvenience to many others. Welcoming people to work as enticers (Khabris), Qasim said “we appreciate the people to come forward and complaint against those, using illegal connections.”

It is pertinent to mention here that PDD is continuously raiding areas and is putting all its effort to curb illegal usage and in recovering pending Bills from people.

In the raiding drive, the department has already suspended four of its workers for deceiving department, said chief engineer.

Education in 2010: Year of crests and troughs

PS BALI
Jammu Tawi, December 29
Like any other area, education sector of the state also witnessed various crests and troughs during year 2010. From protests to negotiations, seminars to publications, criticism to admiration, targets to miss-outs, participation to pull outs and from controversies to achievements, the sector had surprises through out the year for Jammuites.It all started with the allocation of Central University (CU) to Jammu, what many tout as mother of all controversies in the sector, followed by number of political, social, educational, partial, inspirational, self-vested and discriminative agitations.The appointment of Prof. Amitabh Mattoo, as Vice Chancellor of the CU, however, was expected to mark the beginning of its functioning.But the controversy over it would not be pacified here only, when the other 30 Central Universities all over the country had almost completed their one session, even though its counterpart, CU in Kashmir has also started its proceedings. The CU granted to Jammu has been the victim of political melodrama and is craving for constitution, even as Jammuites are anticipating its functioning in coming year. In limbo for past one year, the Central University raised many eyebrows over the working of management, it seems perhaps wrong to say that regionalism was extending its roots in the state over the controversy of Central University, which was dedicated by centre with the motive of promoting education system of the state. The year also witnessed impersonation scam, where renowned politician has to bequeath his chair, paper leakage scam came out this year and superintendent involved in this also get caught red handed.
When on one side constitution of CU created number of hurdles and headaches in the working of higher education, while the year had something to cheer about for the education sector as well.Notwithstanding its lows, higher education in 2010 attained new glories, with 8-10 per cent of augmentation in literacy rate, in addition to Gross Enrollment Ratio (GER) of state, which touched 12 per cent from 7.09 per cent. The achievements of the higher education could be sensed with the ever increasing literacy rate and infrastructural rate that reached on six universities, excluding Central University and more than 90 government colleges in addition to around 323 privately run colleges. Beside, this many infrastructural development including hostels, laboratories, libraries, sports infrastructure and other such growth was also witnessed in the year.  Contradicting the achievements of higher education, 2010 also beheld various miss-outs, which pulled back this strife-torn state, the continuous protest by students, teachers and non-teaching faculty for many legitimate and some illegitimate demands. Rejection of Union Human Resource Development Ministry on the demand of the State Government for more funds for the construction of 18 polytechnics, whose fate is hanging in balance for the past over one and half year because of the financial constrain.Meanwhile similar was the year for Jammu and Kashmir Board of School Education (JKBOSE), where the literacy rate jumped to 65.67 per cent from paltry 55 per cent, the number of school dropouts also reduced from 3.67 lakh to 0.39 lakh due to opening and upgrading of primary schools, establishment of education guarantee scheme (EGS) center and organising seasonal camps.
During this year, to meet the shortage of teaching staff, about 6,000 teachers were selected by Service Selection Board (SSB) and 54,497 Rehbar-e-Taleem (ReT) teachers were engaged in newly opened and upgraded schools.4,242 primary and 616 middle-school buildings were constructed and 4,585 additional class rooms and 330 computer learning centers were          established.
As per official data around 8.51 lakh and 3.14 lakh children have been covered at primary and upper-primary level, respectively under mid-day meal scheme. Alike controversy of CU, JK BOSE also witnessed agitations, over the superannuation of chairman, Desh Bandhu, which was not accepted by the student community.

Cr rupee mistake: Floriculture blames ‘natural calamity’

PS BALI 

Jammu Tawi, January 5

In the days after slight rain washed away the embankment of the canal at Gangyal, the ill-planning of the Floriculture department not only eroded embankment, but also washed away crore of rupees used for construction of a park alongside the canal.

Blaming the floriculture department, an engineer of Irrigation department, said that no one at the helm of affair in Floriculture department approached Irrigation department for this project.

“The technical wing of the floriculture department initiated work on its own, without consultation of Irrigation department, which resulted in a disaster,” he said, adding that the department dug the sides of the canal which ultimately led to breach.

Interestingly signpost hanging on the wall of Director’s cabin contradicts its working which goes, “Strength in the forearm is of no use, if there is no strength in forehead”

Whereon, one side the residents are craving for legitimate compensation from the authorities, on the same side the department is anticipating ‘more aid from the government to resume this project’.

Group of aggrieved residents claimed that due to entering of water into their houses they incurred a huge loss. They alleged that “the department and contractor continued their digging even during the rains”, which weakened the embankment of the canal.

“We sought compensation from concerned department for the loss of our property, as if they initiated work, they must be versed with the pros and cons of the project,” lamented Rakesh, a resident and vice president of Youth NC Jammu province.

The residents also expressed anguish saying that after the episode, “no Floriculture employee visited here to take stock of the situation, we had a narrow escape as all our houses were inundated in the water,” said he, adding that what would be the consequences if this breach happened at night time.

Earlier, inaugurated on December 26 by the Minister of state for Revenue and Relief, Raman Bhalla the project was in its infancy and by the alleged negligence of the department on December 31, it eroded the embankment of the canal.

Denying the allegations, director, Floriculture department, KK Sharma said that it was due to natural calamity and as far as sliding of the embankment is concerned “it starts from the other end of the canal” which has no link with tilled area.

“We excavated only two feet after leaving distance of six feet between canal and the digging area,” said Sharma, adding that the sliding of the embankment starts from another corner and it was due to natural calamity.

Admitting that they did not consult Irrigation department, he said that “due to time constraint and pressure, we started work without consulting any department.”

On whether, resumption of project, Director said that they will start project again “after proper consultation of the Irrigation department” and expected aid from government.

Rain exposes Floriculture dept’s callousness

PS BALI
Jammu Tawi, December 31
Few centimeters of rain in Jammu, where on one side provided a sigh of relief from persistent dry weather conditions, on the other hand exposed tall claims of the government of heading towards positive development, wherein an under construction park at Gangyal has eroded the embankment of the canal, allegedly by the mistake of contractors and workers of floriculture department.Inaugurated on December 26 by the Minister of state for Revenue and Relief, Raman Bhalla the project was in its infancy and by the alleged negligence of the department it damaged the nearby embankment of the canal, causing inconvenience to the locals, with water entering the houses. “This project was initiated by the Floriculture department some five days back, but as per its condition it seems it was ill-planned and was not prepared for rains,” said president of residents association, Baldev Singh Baloria, adding that due to this damage residents have to face great trouble, as water entered into their houses damaging costly appliances and furniture.Residents of the area also held contractor, who is executing the works responsible for the damage and demanded a probe against him and the department.“Despite of poorly planned project, Floriculture department, and contractor continued their digging process even during the rains, which has weakened the embankment of the canal, resulting into flooding,” said Baloria.The residents also expressed resentment over the working of the Irrigation department as after hours of incident they failed to reach the spot.“All the government departments are working to please their bosses, as after informing Irrigation department in the wee hours, they reached the spot after five hours, which showed their interest,” said Baloria, adding that after Minister Raman Bhalla reached spot, all the departments including DC also appeared on the spot.Raman Bhalla released Rs 12 lakh for the restoration of damaged canal and instructed Irrigation department to complete work on priority basis.

4 month long stir lashes working journalists, leave them jobless

PS Bali
Srinagar, December 13
During the four months long turmoil in valley, when everything was on hold, Kashmir at utmost incurred huge loss and it will inevitably take them next one year to reimburse it and to stand back. As when the strikes and curfews broke back bone of Kashmiri traders, Kashmiri youth were the prime fraction at receiving end.
When, number of private companies functioning in Kashmir, wrapped up their business after sensing prolonged strikes, left thousands of Kashmiri youth at the mercy of god, and increased the miseries of state government by augmenting ratio of unemployed youth in the state.
Alike other professions, the working journalists in the Kashmir were also engulfed by this lay out wave, wherein many reputed newspaper organisations thinned their staff, where as many others slashed remuneration of its employees to about 50 percent.
Dismayed over the harsh step of the organisations various senior journalists stated it as prejudice with the working journalists, as working in Kashmir in such atmosphere was lurking to death.
“In Kashmir, reporting is like working on edge as you never know what happens next in Kashmir. And it was more precarious working during turmoil of four months, pertaining to which many organisations ousted maximum of their working teams,” said a senior journalist, Irfan.
Journalists are of the view that government is much responsible for instigating owners of the organisation to take such a harsh step and they demanded provision for journalist community in Kashmir. “We had been swindled by the organisations as well as government; by imposing curfew for prolonged time government bound organisations to lay off their staff, as for around two months newspapers didn’t hit stalls, which impressed owners to incur less loss,” said he, adding government should came forward to retrieve this so-called fourth pillar of the society.
On one side where journalists blame organisations and government responsible for all, the owners of the various organisations say that it was not eternal, “we inspired upon journalist to take it for a time being, as this industry was incurring huge loss as for days together, newspapers remain off the site,” said owner of reputed newspaper, on condition of anonymity.
He added government didn’t lend us time to think over it neither government allowed journalists to work in constructive atmosphere. So now its government, who have to assure any alternative for journalists, if they allow journalists to work in sincere and constructive air, we are open to take them back in our organisation.
Contradicting claims of owners, journalists said that their colleagues were ready to work on half pay instead of any lay off, but owners of the organisations denied their call, due to many reasons better known to them.
“We don’t want to challenge owners and government, but we just want government to keep alive ethical profession and let them work ethical,” said journalists.

Horticulture depart under scanner over shop allotment bungling

 PS Bali

Jammu Tawi, December 26

Making scope of bungling in the allotment of shop sites at Fruit and Vegetable Market, Udhampur, some elements in the Horticulture department not only cheated deserving applicants by allotting the same in the name of their kiths and kin in huge ‘ratio of 8-10 shops to per bogus person’, but also breached the stay orders of the high court over the shifting of the site. Despite the stay orders over the shifting of the site, horticulture department along with some influential persons, to cover up their fishy business, shifted the site taking advantage of long holidays to deter any claim of municipality over the site.

Following the allegations of the aggrieved applicants over the bungling in allotment of shop sites to fake individuals, high court had issued a stay orders on any further proceeding and December 29 was scheduled to submit orders, “but in the wake of holiday on December 25, horticulture department along with some influential people shifted the market,” said applicants.

They also alleged that on asking Area Marketing Officer (AMO), VK Langer, “he denied any such shift in his knowledge”, quoting AMO they said that AMO claims that he had information about the shifting but “no official document reached to him”.

Aggrieved applicants alleged that the ‘horticulture department also ignored call of municipality’ to discontinue any process, as the area was under municipality and many of the fake applicants were ‘without Municipality license’.

The cunningness of the horticulture department is as such that the allotted persons are not provided with any possession letter which is the basic for registering possession as per law, “even though shops were allotted to bogus applicants without any demand draft,” said applicant, adding that President Roshan Lal and AMO, VK Langer are working hand in gloves with horticulture department and have allotted shops to five to six persons of their families, moreover ‘all fake persons foray Market without paying any cost’.

According to aggrieved applicants, ‘only 35 people in the area possesses municipality issued license', whereas horticulture department has allocated around 85 shops, which make this case amply clear.

“When only 35 people of the area have municipality license then from where horticulture department has allotted 85 shops, which mean 8-10 shops to per bogus person” said one of the aggrieved applicants, adding that notwithstanding having license, many of the license holders are also deprived from allocation and the interesting part is that no applicant from Jammu was entertained.

They alleged that the allocation was arbitrarily and no mentioned procedure at the time of notification was followed, “even though no Area Marketing Officer verified any license or any applicant”. 

Following the allegations, horticulture minister, Sham Lal Sharma, yesterday instructed a high level probe into the matter and assured aggrieved applicants that if any body found misappropriating in allocation; same would be taken hard handed.

Complete integration of J&K with India only solution: Jaitley

PS BALI
Jammu Tawi, December 23
‘To end the discrimination feeling from the minds of the people of Jammu and Ladakh, the only solution is to fully integrate the state with the Union of India and then go for decentralization of power and equitable distribution of resources between the three regions,” said senior Bhartiya Janta Party (BJP) leader, Arun Jaitley, here, today.Jaitley along with other BJP central leadership is in Jammu for holding the party’s office bearers meet and to address a public gathering in order to express their resentment against statement of Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah’s statement on the accession of J&K with India on Friday. BJP president Natin Gadkhari, leader of opposition in Lok Sabha Sushma Swaraj, national spokesman Ravi Shanker Prashad, senior leaders Murli Manohar Joshi, Rajnath Singh, Anant Kumar, Venkaiah Naidu, Vasundhara Raje, Hema Malini, Navjot Singh Sidhu and Smriti Irani and some Chief Ministers of the BJP-ruled states are also in the city of temples for a two-day visit. Stating that violence was the key strategy of separatists, Arun Jailtley castigated UPA and state government for giving credence and legitimacy to the separatists by conceding to their demands. “…organizing mass protests and instigating youths to pelt stone on security forces is the new strategy of the separatists, to create violence out of it.” He said that common masses in Kashmir are fed up with separatist’s agenda of violence and continued hartals and protest calls.
Terming National Conference led coalition government responsible for the current situation of Jammu and Kashmir State, BJP leader, Arun Jaitley said that due to poor and unplanned policies of government, people of J&K state are suffering.
BJP leader and leader of opposition in Rajya Sabha, Arun Jaitley also said that the current situation of the state needs to be dispassionately analyzed. “Government of India should distinguish between the demands of common people of Kashmir, who want peace,” he said, adding that the Kashmir issue is nothing but a part of unfinished agenda of Pakistan emanating from partition and a result of erroneous blunders of the Nehruvian vision on
Jammu and Kashmir. Talking about special status of Jammu and Kashmir with the provision of Article 370, Jaitley said that Article 370 has worked against the interest of the people of the state and has prevented investment in the state. It has prevented job creation in the state.
Resenting over the statement of chief minister, Omar Abdullah on the accession of J&K with India, Arun Jaitely said that the merger of J&K with India is complete and irrevocable. “Accession of Kashmir, not merger with India” reflects “complete misconception and self deception” on part of the CM, said Jaitley.
Taking dig at ruling government, the senior BJP leader said the present UPA government has run completely out of ideas on Kashmir situation.
“That is why; on each visit to valley Prime Minister announces some adhoc initiatives. Earlier five working groups were constituted, which never met, but still one group supported demand of autonomy. Then the home minister announced quiet dialogue, which never took place. Now, they have sent three interlocutors who started the dialogue through the media,” he said, adding Kashmir was standing at historic cross-roads. “Most people of Kashmir want peace and progress. This can only be achieved by BJP’s approach of full constitutional integration of the state with union of India,” he said.

JU exam deptt leaves students in dilemma

 PS Bali
Jammu Tawi, December 16
Apathy of examination department of Jammu University has left entire student fraternity in dilemma, where on one side the examinations are near, the students are still in dark about date sheet of their respective subjects.
So far the department has not yet dispatched proper date sheet to departments.
As per sources the examination of various classes under Jammu University will begin from December 22, but students are in dilemma what to prepare, as no date sheet has yet been notified, prior to tentative date of examination.
Aggrieved students rued that some days back notification from controller office was out in paper carrying tentative examination date, which was December 22, "but as of now a week is pending including holidays, we are yet to receive proper date sheet," said a delegation of students, adding that even though the departments are not provided with official examination schedule.
Talking to Newspoint an official from Distance Education Department said that, as the examination for various classes are going to start from December 22, but yet we are not officially informed about the scheduled date sheet, which is creating problem for departments as well as students, who approach us from far flung areas. "Unofficially, we came to know that examinations are from December 22, same is what we convey to students, but hitherto we haven't received any official document," said an official, on conditions of anonymity, adding that as per officials at examination department the same date sheet would reach to us on Monday.
"After that we have to publish it on our own to inform students, but as there are holidays in between, we have apprehension that some students might miss the schedule," said the official, adding but we will put all our efforts to inform all.
When Newspoint tried to contact controller examination, GM Bhat, he asked us to contact Prof. Deepanker Gupta, officer on special duty, who said that they have dispatched all the data along with center notice to students and "if we feel that there is need of more communication, we will take the medium of newspapers to inform students".
On whether, what students do till they receive the schedule, Deepanker Gupta assured that by tomorrow, scheduled
date sheet would be out in newspapers for the convenience of students.
It is pertinent to mention here that this is not the first time that examination department came under criticism, some seven days back, due to mistake of examination department, Hindi students had to appear in some other course prior to scheduled one.

Hackling of separatists is reaction to their policies: Omar Abdullah

PS Bali

On consecutive third episode of hackling when separatist leader, Mirwaiz Omar Farooq was hackled by Kashmiri Pandits and some activists in Chandigarh today, the state Chief Minister Omar Abdullah here said that “it was bound to happen” as “it was people’s reaction to their (Hurriyat leaders) politics and policies”.

“I don’t condemn it,” Chief Minister said while interacting with media persons on the sidelines of a function in Jammu University on 8th University-Industry Council Symposium.

Omar said that he was proud of the Indian democracy which has given enough freedom to everyone to express their opinion. “And there has always been a battle of ideas and ideologies,” he said. 

Mirwaiz is the third Kashmir based separatist leader who was hackled by the irate activists, other two including Hurriyat hawk, Syed Ali Shah Geelani and Shabir Ahmad Shah, who were hackled in various functions in and outside state.

Earlier, Hurriyat (G) Chairman Syed Ali Geelani was hackled by similar kind of people in Delhi followed by harassment of another leader Shabir Ahmad Shah by activist of Hindu right wing in Jammu. 

Meanwhile, on the rehabilitation policy, the Chief Minister said that the policy was formulated after keeping all the pros and cons into consideration and after unanimous decision of all sides. Adding that with the implementation of this policy Indian nation would have no danger, Omar said that policy received full support of Home Minister P Chidambaram in formulating phase and the Government of India will continue support in its implementation also.

“This policy has nothing which can pose any danger to Indian nation in general and to any state or part in particular. We have taken everything into consideration while formulating the surrender policy. And this has been done by consulting Home Minister P Chidambaram and taking him into confidence. HM is very keen to see the policy achieves success in its implementation,” the chief minister added.

On whether, this policy catalysis resentment among various political and non-political parties, chief minister without naming any political party, said that some parties were trying to play politics over the issue. "People are very happy with the policy even though some parties try to create hula-bulla over it as if it is something which will pose danger to the nation. People would be benefited from it and no one will lose anything," he added.

It is pertinent to mention here that BJP has called for a three-hour bandh here on Saturday to protest against the surrender policy, claiming that it will lead to increase in militancy related incidents.

 

Students, industries linkage a symbiotic relationship: CM

PS Bali 

Linkage between Universities and Industries beneficial for the growth of economy and boon for student community, Jammu and Kashmir state chief minister, Omar Abdullah Thursday said, while speaking on the 8^th University Inter Council Symposium, being organised by University of Jammu in Collaboration with Confederation of Indian Industries (CII) and Association of Indian Universities.

He said that there is a symbiotic relationship between students and industry, this collaboration will summarize what industries seek from students and students will also get experience how to work in industry.

“The collaboration between students and industries will help academics to identify the methods to impart entrepreneurship qualities among students,” said Omar, adding that universities can produce product according to desire of industries.

He exhorted upon universities to imbibe practical research methods apart from theoretical research, which is the dire need of the time.

Omar said practical research will cultivate innovative ideas among students and will also help industries to get developed via student’s insight; he added it is only possible if universities and Industries collaborate on cost context.

“Industries need educated and ground-breaking youths, which can only be produced by this student-industry linkage, which is must in their making,” CM said, adding that we will also try to implement this policy in state government by organising such symposiums.

Such exercise in the state government along with universities and industries will formulate a strong triangle for the achievement of goals, Omar Abdullah said.

Chief Minister also emphasized upon the participation of university students in making projects, which would be constructive for the industries, “this will help students to generate own resources and become self dependent, apart from learning industries decorum of working.”

He also urged upon industries and entrepreneurs to assist students in taking innovative ideas with logical steps up to positive conclusion, which will boost their spirit and make them well aware of industry working.

“This policy enables budding entrepreneurs to work at their own, and to be self-dependent,” chief minister, Omar Abdullah said.

J&K growing in higher education: Malik

 PS Bali

Jammu Tawi, November 17

Central University will start functioning soon in Jammu, and if every thing goes well Poonch and Ladakh will also get CU campuses. Besides this, students would also avail degree courses from private colleges in coming time to ensure bright future of education.

In a crispy talk with Newspoint, Minister of Higher Education and Labour, Abdul Gani Malik revealed attempts made by Higher Education Department in expanding it to every nook of the state.

Excerpts ….

What are the targets in upgrading higher education?

Malik: The basic target of Higher Education Department is to reach the masses at its doorsteps in order to provide higher education.

Our main motive is to expand educational infrastructure in the state by which every student can avail easy access of higher education in cities as well as in far flung areas.

For the upgradation of educational system of the state, we are going to initiate post graduation courses in the private colleges, so that maximum numbers of students avail higher degrees, as there is huge gap between graduates and post graduates. After completing graduation, students apply for various post graduation courses under university, but due to dearth of vacant seats in varsity large number of students deprive of regular PG courses. The reason behind which is that we are short of faculty in private colleges; otherwise we would have started PG courses in private colleges. We don’t want to compromise in PG courses, so first we will introduce one to two subjects in private colleges and after satisfaction we will further expand courses.

We have also requested many B.Ed colleges to introduce M.Ed courses in their institutes for betterment of education at grass root level as right now we have 10^th pass teacher in our government schools, which are spoiling career of next Generation. Every year around 44000 students get admitted into different B. Ed colleges but after that they strive, for their benefit we are going to introduce M. Ed course with the help of some B. Ed colleges to get cream of teachers for the government as well as private schools. As educational institutes are ever growing sector and will increase in coming time.

To check the smooth functioning of B. Ed Colleges in the state, we are going to constitute special teams for different areas to inspect the quality of the education being imparted.

Besides all this, our main target is to raise our Grass Enrollment Ratio (GER), with consistent pace.

Sir, what are your achievements so far out of your sketched targets, and what else is yet to accomplish?

Malik: To reckon targets and achievements, I think we have done a great job during my tenure as the education system of the state is now considered among few Indian states with such a rapid growth rate. We have six universities and more than 90 government colleges in addition to around 323 privately run colleges. Still we are working to establish more and more. For past three years the literacy rate of higher education in J&K state has increased by 5- 10 per cent which is not a less achievement.

Every year we add new subjects on the basis of requirement to enhance the scope for the students in different and novel fields and to make them competitive in and out of state.

Besides, all this every year we amend syllabus with addition of current statistics, which provides new horizons for the students to get more spirited.

Demand of B. Ed colleges in Jammu and Kashmir is another landmark for us; J&K is at the priority list of the outside students to get their B. Ed. The increasing number of B.Ed colleges is good for state as it provides them wider spectrum of scope in teaching and name of the state is shined among most literate states.

Hence, government is not providing any aid to these private colleges, but they are affording quality education as well and are raising GER of state, which has recently touched 12 percent from 7.09 percent.

Are there any miss outs which you feel could have changed the education scenario?

Malik: Though there are very less miss outs but the long strikes and curfews in Kashmir have made us to lose precious time of our academia, but slowly and steadily we are coming out of it. In Jammu non-availability of land for Central University was the main barrier but now it has been resolved.

Central University is a thousand-crore project which consumes around hundreds of kanal of land, and it always takes time to identify such a huge available land.

We have also missed last academic session of Central University, because without vice chancellor, varsity would not function.

We have noticed that the placement ratio of management and computer students is on the decline. The reason behind its decline is poor faculty in colleges, we have diploma holders conducting classes for BCA students and simple MBA is for BBA and MBA students, which brings such results. Hence we have underlined this difficulty and very soon we will get some alternatives. And for which we would have to approach industries.

Meanwhile, the demand of Poonch and Ladakh students for central university is subtly haunting us, for which we have considered them for campuses but, it will only take place once CU starts a successful functioning in the Jammu.

We were lacking in introducing post graduation courses in private colleges and that was due to dearth of faculty but now we have decided to start it in some to check college faculty to hone teachers for imparting higher education to PG students.

Being from far flung area, what is your contribution for border and far flung areas?

Malik: Being from far flung area, it was my profound desire to do something for such areas, where access to higher education is a far off dream for students. Higher education department is working to sort out this cliché wherein students from far-flung areas remain deprived of the facilities. For past few years besides government degree colleges many private colleges have been established in the far flung areas, except few for whom we are working. We are also planning to set up campus of Central University in the belt area of Poonch, despite its successful functioning in Jammu.

Where does state stands in the field of higher education?

Malik: With such strides in the education system it definitely falls in the fast growing category. I am hopeful that in the coming times our state would over take many others in the literacy race.

Poonch, Leh might get CU campus: AG Malik

PS BALI

After strong resentment of Ladakhi students, now its students from Poonch, who are demanding establishment of Central University in Poonch. Irked with the apathy of government towards this border area, students from Poonch today approached Newspoint office to communiqué their plea for the set up of CU at their border area.

“From past six decades we are being treated as the second class citizens of this state, confronting discrimination at every front. When the state government busy dealing in providing facilities to other regions of the state, they literally ignore this border area. From education to employment, we are craving for everything.” These were the words of Javed Hussain, an M Ed student from Poonch.

It seems perhaps wrong to say that regionalism in the state is extending its roots over the much hyped controversy of Central University, which was dedicated by center with the motive of promoting education system of the state.

The students from Poonch consider themselves as deprived breed of the state with ever biased treatment from authorities. They said that despite of having enormous facilities to the students of Jammu, government is again mulling to set CU in proximities of Jammu for vested interests of some politicians, ignoring border areas.

They said that on one side government is making tall claims of providing standardized education to the border areas and on the other side they are depriving students of border areas from quality education.

 “Samba which is spotted site for the establishment of CU is not as remote as Poonch is from Jammu, students from Samba can avail higher degrees from Jammu University, but for student of Poonch it is impossible,” said he, adding that Samba students can also take benefits of various Punjab Universities putting up in their proximity.

The Central University that was set to establish in Jammu remained always in news, right from the day it was declared to establish in Jammu. Firstly, it was planned to shift at Kashmir but after protests in Jammu by students, the plan was revoked. Pertaining to being impartial center announced one university each to both provinces.

After that the CU came to light for the appointment of the Vice Chancellor, where on one side central government was stressing to appoint outsiders, on the same side various political and non political organisations demanded local vice chancellor as is in Kashmir.

Notwithstanding demands of their own they are also seeking campus of the central university in the Leh.

“Alike students of Poonch, the students from Leh are also craving for the standardized education and are also sufferers of government apathy,” said an official of education department in Poonch over phone, wishing anonymity.

Talking to Newspoint minister of Higher Education, Abdul Gani Malik said that Samba is not identified for its student ratio; it is spotted because of availability of huge Kanals of land.

On whether any provision for Leh and Poonch students,’ minister said “we are working to resolve their issues and if everything goes right, we might establish campuses in these two areas.”

Overcrowding in Gandhi Nagar Hospital troublesome for patients

PS Bali

Jammu, November 4

Government Hospital Gandhi Nagar, which is catering huge number of patients from Jammu and its adjoining areas at par excellence with well equipped rooms having almost all the facilities available for the patients but overcrowding in the hospital premises turns it into troublesome for the patients and is irritating for doctors.

The patients allege that idle overcrowding in the hospital causes huge noise pollution and is also infuriating doctors. The overcrowded wards make doctors to refuse admission of the patients, which left no option for the patients but to get admitted in private hospitals.

On an average 1000 patients attend the Out Patient Departments (OPDs). As per official records, the hospital also occupies around 90 percent of the indoor patients on daily basis.

Irated with the patients flow, a condemnable episode was ensued in the hospital in October, where a doctor refused admitting Brij Kumar of Bihar. When he was crying with pain, doctors on duty refused to get him inside the hospital. Colleague of the patient resented that the doctors treated them as second class citizen, “doctors were already frustrated after treating rush of patients and on our turn they outburst,” said he.

State government sketched out a plan to thin out this problem and established new block with all latest necessities, but the menace of the overcrowding is still same.

“Government had discharged its duty successfully to separate the hospital into different blocks to thin out the crowd but the condition of the hospital is going bad to worse, with more and more crowd, mostly in the Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology,” said an attendant, Neeraj.

He alleged that on one side where the hospitals in the Jammu region are craving for staff, this hospital is stuffed with members of nurses and ward boys. The hospital has nurses, who do their internship with the hospital, alleged attendant.

Patients also accused hospital authorities for not providing medicines to the needful patients. “We provide only injections to the patients that too pain killers, we are not empowered to provide medicines as we lack medicines,” said official, wishing anonymity.

Terming overcrowding good sign for the hospital, newly appointed superintendent, Dr Madhu Khullar said, “it is good to have over crowded hospitals and to prevent any inconvenience to patients we are working to streamline it and hopefully we will overcome it in the coming month. We have most overcrowding in Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, and for that hospital administration have asked authorities for separate ward,” said she, adding that they are also working to discipline the para medical staff of the hospital.

“we had a meeting with paramedical staff, where it was instructed to them that they have to work in shift wise, like first year will work from 9am to 1pm and after that streak follows,” said Dr Madhu, adding that the hospital is still short of dozen nurses to execute work properly.  

WAS IT REALLY CHEAP

PS BALI

“Munni badnam hui darling tere liye”, the number from Dabang, composed by Lalit Pandit has created a strong influence on the music lovers, it has not only marked its popularity in the India but has also touched hearts of foreigners visiting India. Touching the contemporary composition and lyrics, the number has outperformed all other item songs in its competition.  

So was with me that the obsession of the song was on my nerves and some days back I was singing same song in my office when my colleague from opposite sex interrupted me and said stop singing weird and offensive song, I giggled and asked her what made her to think that this Munni Badnam is weird and offensive song, she without saying anything left the place talking to herself the only thing I heard was CHEAP.

Though the song carries double meaning, but it is neither the first song to be sung in such a way nor the last, before this song various songs have forged their composition in the bollywood industry, some went success while others remain just as song.

Several years back, the song from Govinda starer movie, Coolie No. 1, “sarkailo khatiya jada lage”was in news where somber with least exposure actress Karishma Kapoor played the role of hot and alluring wife which invites Govinda to be naughty with her. Audiences have never expected such shots from Govinda and David duo. After the David’s-Govinda Sarkailo khatiya people thought that this would be the last song carrying such lingual, because in some places there were heavy stampede in the theaters.

At that time the movie song went big flop as there were audience with narrow mind set who opposed such exposure with double meaning. But with the passage of time, things went off and people start accepting such lingo.

After that various item songs came to market with double meaning some of them really shrugged audiences and remained every ones voice, few very popular included, “Ishq Kameena”, love kay liye saala kuch bhi kare ga, ganpat chal daaru la. Not only 90s but the songs in the era of 70s and 80s also carried with subtle double meaning songs like roop tera mastana pyaar mera deewana bhool koi humse na ho jaye, choti si umar main lag gaya rog kehte hai log, chad gaya upar re atariya pe solah kabootar re,, the best part of this song was gutar gutar. The streak of such double meaning songs remained back bone of movies. It was status of Bolly wood movies, whereas the condition of south cinema was much more explicit and open to such items. Let me apprise you something, I was traveling to Rishikesh for an official meet, on the way I met a well off person from south he was so good with English that he made me complex, to some how I managed to interact with him but with passage of time we became good friends, where after some time he dedicated his best ever song to me, it was honour for me to learn that some one is dedicating his favourite one for you, but when I heard the song it was no less than my rape, the song goes like,, “Hamar paas aaja janam do teen dakka de dyi ga, khula toh khula theek hov, agar na khula toh khulva lein ga,” embarrassed !  This word doesn’t suit there,, it was kinda humiliation as I was victim of rape, and that guy was singing it with so purity as he was roping bridges of accolades in my praise.

Oh I went out of track I was on my colleague, she said that this is offensive song, but for her clarification, I do mention here that the song of Karishma Kapoor, Sexy Sexy Sexy muje log bole, hai sexy hello sexy was the biggest hit of its time, and was mostly used by girls, they use to call themselves sexy and felt honoured when others call them sexy and after that sexy word adds into the dictionary of Indian tradition to praise immense beauty. There was no opposition to such songs.

Rekha in Khiladiyo K Khiladi, Bharo Maang meri bharo, was the song which brought Rekha back from 70s to 90s. Recent song sung by Kailash Kher in Movie Dev-D, “tu nangi acchi lagti hai”. Despite of censor board such songs hit market not because censor board is sleeping, its because acceptance power has been developed.

Now-a-days such double meaning words are usual and young generation abstain movies if it wont carry any such item song, some movies are even run in theatres only because of double meaning item songs. Like upcoming Aakrosh, “ Tere Ishq se meetha Kuch bhi nahi”, madhuri Dixit’s babu gi mane maf karma galti mare se hoi gayi.. The most famous number even today it has many lovers, “choli k peechay kya hai”, this song found various alteration and acoustics even today people are fiddling with it, this song explicits the naughty ness of the girls.

Even though one can notice that now the lingo in the movies are also double stranded, like their names, laffangay parinday, kameenay, badmash company, love sex aur dhoka, and many others. The Indian cinema has altogether changed its picturesque. From times of tradition to full Hindi intellect to now mixed intellect with abusive and offensive words dominating.

When people who project such things before us on 72 mm sheet have no problem why do we feel suchj in just repeating them? I am sure that my colleague has heard that song and that too not only once,, when she can resist it there than what was problem when I repeated it in same slang with harsh voice.

In short people of India are ambivalent, they are imbibed with the mixed responses, especially women folk they love to hear and watch which they defy in public and that’s testimony. Out of the men women ratio, maximum numbers of women have watched Murder, Ek choti si love story and other such movies, the ratio goes like 10:7 per ten females seven males are indulged in watching such movies.

Verdict ?’

PS Bali

Was Allahabad court Verdict over Ram Bhumi-Babri Masjid land title really satisfactory, to some one I will say yes it was because it had pacified long rage of the majority and subdued that of minority.

The long pending verdict, came to end and now the fanatics of Hindutva groups are talking about secularism after announcement of decision, which they themselves know that if the verdict were against them, they had created ramble in the country, because this verdict has nothing to do with religion, it is basically a venom which the fanatics are spitting on the name of religion. The metaphysical brotherhood, after verdict in the favour of Ram bumi, the fanatic groups are hammering every possible nail to engrave that what ever the verdict would be they had kept peace and tranquility. but it is for sure that these all  hollow claims were made after pre-conviction of the results, they were knowing that this decision would be in their favour.
It is democracy of killing, it is democracy of suppression, it is democracy of atrocities and it is moreover democracy of majority where minorities are being crushed.

They say that the verdict was announced by Muslim judge but there is always a moderator for making puppet to dance, same was with the three-judge special bench, they were operated by their bosses from behind the covers.

A three-judge special bench comprising of Chief Justice of India SH Kapadia, Justice Aftab Alam and Justice KS Radhakrishnan announced that the three-judge High Court bench could go ahead with the pronouncement of judgement while dismissing the special leave petition of Ramesh Chandra Tripathi that had appealed for deferment of the verdict so that an out-of-court settlement could be tried.

With the consensus of all the three-judge special bench of the High Court comprising of Justice SU Khan, Justice Sudhir Agrawal and Justice Dharam Veer Sharma was scheduled to deliver the verdict.

The verdict was mere an eye wash for the minority as, former attorney general Soli Sorabjee, who appeared for Sunni Wakf Board, called it a correct decision was almost working to impress his bosses.

Some days back while reading Times of India, I got clicked at the piece written by some DU student, it was live letter to God, she had created an awesome job by putting her all efforts to convince over the tattering condition of his created world. She has mentioned that people who are searching for god in materialistic abode are morons, as god is omnipresent and is in every ones heart.

I agree her as what I believe is that to fulfill desires people with vested interests ignites spark over such issues, such battles are of morons and those who follow them on the name of religion are the biggest freak, who are easily convinced, without making their own effort to understand things.

Those who fight for godly abode even don’t know the reality of their religion. I got some of my friends saying “what was mine is mine and what was yours is negotiable”, pre verdict notions of BJP, Shiv Sena, RSS and many other such Hindutva organisations were toiling hard to proclaim for maintaining peace after verdict, in newspapers I have also read that politicians saying this is just a verdict and it is not victory or loss of any party of group, but instantly post verdict they are saying we want Mandir building on entire land. Was it a really a dispute over religion, if one thinks it is clear that every religion teaches brother hood and respect for other religion but the long pending case for the abode of supremacy took over 63 years to make this decision. They call it historical but I call it irrational, as it only gagged minorities to such extend that they have to think twice to really believe that India is a democratic.

If the so called democratic fundamentalists who beat the drum of secular right now have to show secularity at that moment when the part of the Masjid was buckled down, if they had some soft corner for minorities they don’t had any problem in bequeathing gods abode for god, with other name.

Anyways I will only say that game was played and the ball is now into the court of Majority.

TUG OF WAR BEGINS NOW

PS BALI

The tug of war show begins now when the hardcore separatist leader, Syed Ali Shah Geelani and Government moderator, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah will confront each other on the stand of stabilizing education system of the state.

On one side when the government has announced resumption of open classes in the Kashmir Valley after the lull of more than three months, to counter resist its call, separatist Hawk, Geelani calls on for complete bandh and has asked parents not to send wards to school as according to him it is a well hatched conspiracy of government to disrupt cause of movement.

It is pertinent that separatists may forge every possible nail to fail this policy of government, whereas government must be prepared to give counter resistant to the same.

It is the test of Kashmiriyat, one can say sincerity of the Kashmiris, will they adhered to their notion of Azadi, or they will entrap themselves in the trap of government policy, it would be a scene to judge.

For past four months the Kashmiris are breathing but are not alive, they see but not feel, they say but not speak. It is the condition of every second person of the Valley, with the opening of schools and the resumption of classes, where some fractions of student and teachers expressed satisfaction and have heaved a sigh of relief, there were some elements who tried to create mess.

There was a mixed response to the opening of schools; government says that after assuming safety parents willingly send their wards to schools, but when the Kashmiri don’t want to speak after Azadi, what education really changes for them. Even after providing more than 170 vehicles and streets with the look of garrison for the security of students and teachers, hardly 20 percent of attendance was marked in the schools, whereas some city schools put on with zero pupil attendance.

Where on one side threat of separatists is haunting parents of sending their wards, on the same side they are ferociously hanged in the grasps of uncertainty, whether to join class or not as government has issued notice that exams will take place at its own time.

Bigmouths may speak, it is expected by the government advisories that reopening of schools might bring some change in the paradise when the dwellers of the paradise are reluctant to adopt change.

Now the onlookers of the Azadi will surely interrupt the schooling process as was done on the very first day of the initiative. The reproach of the opposition is still to erupt, and one can’t imagine what card they tussle this time to gray the possibility of peace until what they desire, optimistically fall or step down of CM.

The precipitation of doubts encompasses the parents, either to go with movement or go with brood’s future. Let me tell one thing here no two things go hand to hand, on one side pain and on the other side comfort, that’s something awful.

Why isn’t government apprises people about the truth behind the separatists, why their children are imparting quality education, why not they support this struggle, when Hawk of Hurriyat G and M, and JKLF are pressing youth to sacrifice lives for the sake of freedom why they have kept their children away from mess.

Let me apprise you with one experience which I met some years ago, same question I asked one of my friend to which he resorted and said no two people have same ideology and no son is alike father, to which I tried to counter but it was futile because it was something about faith, you can convert one from his religion but you can’t alter his faith.

I said dear when their children were kids like many who die they did not know what Azadi is all about and nor those knew who just dies for the sake of unconventional freedom were knowing but this word of Azadi was engraved into their minds which was not with the broods of separatists. This is all planned game, and illiterate Kashmiris are being used to get slaved. For instance for years Umar Farooq was no one to rule Kashmiri, but after he completed his education from well reputed university, he came and sat on the throne to rule Kashmir. And now it is turn of children of Geelani who are imparting education in somewhere in America, he will come and replaces his father to rule.

So it is apparent to say that Kashmir is puppet of these anarchical dynasties. Kashmiris are being befooled from both the sides.

Patients at Gandhi Nagar Hospital cry for healing touch

PS BALI

JAMMU, Oct 4: Despite the claim of the government that every possible efforts are on to standardize the health sector of the region, here the Gandhi Nagar hospital is facing apathy of the administration and patients left high and dry.

“The mismanagement of the hospital is apparent, as being in immense pain in the morning, they only provided me with pain killer and glucose drip,” said a patient, adding that the shift of the doctors in the night time is mere a formality, as what ENT specialist knows about surgical problems.

Various patients and attendants of the patients alleged that hospital starts functioning after 10 am, whereas only one doctor looks after all the patients before 10 am in the emergency ward of the hospital.

According to officials, senior doctors only perform their duty after 10 am, “normal functioning of the hospital starts after 10 am, the newly OPD section of the hospital also opens after 10am ,” he said wishing anonymity.

When this reporter visited Gandhi Nagar Hospital in the morning hours and found that the allegations chucked by the patients were true, as there was only one ENT specialist with three four ward boys attending patients with casual attitude.

The lethargic attitude of the administration was noticeable, as the emergency ward of the hospital was filled with pile of waste littered on the floor, with patients striving for doctoral care.

When this reporter tried to enter newly constructed OPD ward, the ward was locked from outside with no one to guide patients. It is the same ward where patients are treated and after 10 am.

Moving towards the ticket counter, where patients get the entry tickets for OPD, same was the scene there also, as long queues of attendants and patients waiting for hospital employee to issue entry slips.

A ward boy (name withheld) admitted that the office bearers start their duty after 10 am so that to impress their bosses that the hospital is functioning properly. On asking what if patients were brought at the time other than their schedule, he said “ward boys and some nurses take care of them with pain killers and glucose drip. And if the problem is major, the on duty doctor refers them to GMC, Jammu or SMGS for treatment.”

When contacted superintendent, Hospital, Dr Subash Baghat, he said that he don’t have any knowledge of this issue and no body ever complained about it. “If such is the matter in the hospital premises, I will check the matter and punish the defaulters,” said Dr Bhagat.

He also added that for the convenience of patients, hospital have two doctors for night shift from 8 pm to 8 am, one male and one female for the convenience of patients.

It is pertinent to mention here that it was the same hospital that desisted entry of poor some days back. Some fortnight back, one beggar was dodged out of the hospital reason best known to them. The beggar was wailing all the day outside hospital with pain but they didn’t allow him to enter hospital.

Street beggars on prowl need to make them productive

PS BALI

Jammu October 5

Begging in public places from street corners, outside schools and colleges, shopping malls, public transport and even though religious places has become a common view these days. This common urban problem, has taken alarming dimensions in even the smaller city like Jammu.

Begging, the profession or menace is increasing, day after day, in the city of temples, perhaps because of its being a large pilgrim destination of North India.

The holy places are enormously becoming the begging hubs, elsewhere in the country as well, where a large number of beggars scattered throughout the premises could be found, some begging alms and others trying to revoke sympathy by making emotional appeals. We often see children mutilated and disfigured being subjected to begging. Most of them are from outside the state. Beggars are an omnipresent sight in the city.

Being the city of temples, Jammu is fast becoming the most lovable place of the beggars who mostly come from other states like Orrisa, Bihar, Rajasthan, and Gujarat along with their families, with the hope of getting good alms here. Empty spaces under the fly overs, footpaths are the sweet homes of these people and even some have developed colonies in the areas close to the city.

Then whether it is some public place, some school or college, near the bus stand, some office or any other place where the public influx is more, beggars can be seen every where. In buses also mostly the small girls, carrying small temples with photographs of deities usually come and visit every passenger begging for alms.

Women and men keep a close watch on the children and prevent them from escaping. Beggars earn more than casual labourers. In Hindu philosophy, there are different days which are meant for specific God or Goddess, they catch up with myth also, like carrying a photograph of Mata Durga on Tuesday, carrying idol of the lord Shiva on Monday and there are so many who can be seen coming door to door especially on Saturday carrying an idol of 'Shani Dev' to beg alms, making hefty bucks.

In the last few years, begging is fast becoming a trade. Children seeking alms is not uncommon in the temple city. Many children can be seen begging around the temples, bus stands and commercial streets. Their target is usually the affluent class and foreigners. They sometime keep following the person until he/ she pays something. Mostly children between the age group of three to seven and that too mostly girls, their number is fast increasing.

"Number of beggars has increased to a large extent in the recent past. This menace is growing in the city. When the public refuse to give alms, some beggars become aggressive and many even follow the people. In the evening mostly, in crowed areas large number of beggars are there and sometime if you don’t give them some alms they will snatch your belongings. Authorities should take some measures to curb the menace," says a student Meenakshi.

“Beggars have become a headache for us. In a single day we confront more than 20 to 30 beggars and if we don’t pay or object, they react in a revengeful manner. You never know what they will say. Increasing number of beggars has become a problem. Wherever you will go, you will find the beggars there. Some faces of the beggars now have become so common that almost they are known every where in the city as they keep on changing their place every second day. They scare the kids, snatch things especially eatables from them and even scare the women. That is how crime starts, so handing over beggars, after rounding them up, to social and legal authorities cannot check the problem of beggary, it needs some strict measures," said Prof Sunil Tickoo, adding that government should adopt some strict measures to stop such activities and utilize beggars in productive approach by providing them with weight machines and other such small trading employments.

How street beggars can be utilized?

Beggars are very common in almost in the street on every traffic point in a street, religious places, market...etc. Often they are neglected and burden of the society. But they too have an expertise and advantage over other people.

They are keen observer, pretty quick and adapted to live in very harsh climatic condition such as hot, cold and even in rainy season throughout the day. In addition they learnt applied human psychology and apply much efficiently than many professionals.

By seeing their skills, they are well suited for informer who could track all suspicious events happening or going to happen in traffic point/mall/market.

Jammu is running severe short of labours and that deficit can be flied by beggars above minor age.

Beggars have also adapted to new trend for bringing their broods aging between 4-6 years on streets to gain more sympathy, but even sometimes they are the cause of fatal accidents.

According to experts, Indian Government has initiated a scheme of Sarv Siksha Abhiyaan for poor and deprived class, so beggars instead of launching their kids on streets, admit them in the schools, where they impart good education with timely meal.

Child labour on rise in Varsity, authorities oblivious

PS BALI

Jammu, September 30: Contradicting the tall claims of center government and state government for the prevention of child labour, Jammu University is explicitly executing child labour in the University campus. On entering the main gate of the Higher Institute of Education, JU, one can witness the children’s busy dealing with customers. From serving to dishwashing, every thing is done by children’s under the nose of University administration.

It was obvious that children working in factories with little bare hands have no one to listen but when the temple of knowledge starts such activities what will happen to rights of child.

The spot is so popular that even teaching faculty often visits there. Just adjacent to the Vice Chancellors chamber, the kids of hardly 13-14 years provide service to the students and teachers of the University, besides, visitors. Situated at the eyespot of the University, there is no one to concern over the injustice met to little kids. Even no body ever pitched voice against the breaching of laws.

Though the officials of the University alleged that the Varsity has its own department for the adhoc course of child labour, despite of it they are allowing owners to make use of children’s in their business. Where on one side government has issued right to education to everyone, University is reciprocating the same by sheltering child labour.

“They are economical and do what ever we want from them. They need money and we provide them, what is bad in it,” said owner of the Rehri, wishing anonymity. The owners also perceive that this practice will alleviate poverty.

He said that these kids are enthusiastic and they have good pace of work, they are from poor families. He added that to meet the both ends many Rehri owners put their own children’s on job.

Student fraternity also displeased this casual attitude of the University authorities. They alleged that the job of the administration is to fetch money from these owners, they are not concerned with what they do.

“This is pathetic, that on one side University is claiming tall promises to eradicate child labour from the state, whereas on the other side they are running such activities under their own nose. We have been taught in the classes that child labour is the biggest crime against the integrity and prosperity of nation, whereas they themselves breach that integrity,” said a student Sunaina.

Various Unions of the Jammu University also expressed their resentment over the issue and said that they have never noticed such thing but it is for sure that if any such thing would be brewing in the university campus they will go for protest against university authorities.

When contacted Jammu University, Dean Student Welfare, Prof. NK Triphati, he said that he was unaware with the fact, but at earliest he will take action against the same.

“We have a committee, who check all such practices and dealt with violators, I will personally visit the place and stop such malpractice immediately,” said Tripathi, adding that we have laid down a strict guidelines for the Rehris and Cafeteria’s working in University campus. The violators of those guidelines will be punished.