Bas Ek King-Song-Singh Is Kinng

Despite 2010 unrest, JKPSC has conducted 35 tests: Bhukari

PS BALI

Jammu Tawi, March 14

Even though the conduct of Jammu and Kashmir Public Service Commission (JKPSC) has come under scanner with stake holders leveling allegation of favoritism and nepotism, the premier recruiting agency of the state has conducted a record number of 35 examinations for various gazetted, non-gazetted posts and departmental examinations across the state during past one year. The success was achieved by the commission despite 2010 summer unrest and other legal hurdles confronting the Commission.  

Talking to Newspoint, Secretary and Controller of Examination J&K Public Service Commission, M A Bhukhari rubbished the allegations of favoritisms and said that the Commission has received ppreciations for its timely and fair conduct of examinations. “These are mere allegations leveled by the people with vested interests. The selection of the candidates is purely on basis of the merit,” he said. The hue and cry, Bukhari added, is nothing but a plot to defame the Commission. “Why don’t these people raise their voice when an economically backward person qualifies the examinations? Those who always level false allegations should look into the record number of examinations conducted by the department during past year,” he said.“Such elements should see that during past few years the  Commission has made the conduct of examinations in the state as a regular feature,” he added, “aspirants should trust the commission.” In recently declared final lists of both Veterinary Assistant Surgeons and KAS, it was being alleged that the commission has adopted favoritism during the 

selection process. However, the response to the declaration of the results varied in Jammu and the Kashmir province with aspirants praising as well as denouncing the process of selection.

Ameet Kour, a Jammu University student and an aspirant of KAS, while appreciating the efforts of the commission said, “JKPSC is really working in a positive direction to uplift the state administration. Conducting so many exams gives no time to aspirant to doubt its functioning,” she said.

Ruling out any favoritism on regional lines, Kour said that nobody can be certain on the allegations leveled against the commission. Notably, in the KAS selection both the regions of state alleged favouritism and regional nepotism towards a particular region, however, the commission maintains that no such thing has happened.  “The list is testimony itself that out of selected 392, the majority of selected candidates are from Jammu, as Doda, Poonch, Rajouri, Kathua, Udhampur and other districts are all part of Jammu province which in itself proves a bent towards a particular region,” said a Kashmir based aspirant, Mubashir Hussain.

Jammu aspirants feel betrayed of JKPSC

                                               Trust of aspirant over commission is must: Bhukhari

PS BALI

Yet another time, aspirants of Kashmir Administrative Service (KAS) from Jammu are feeling betrayed by the Jammu and Kashmir Public Service Commission (JKPSC) in the recently declared final selection list of 392 candidates.

In the declared list out of total 392 selected candidates, Kashmir got a major share of 162 in open merit and that too of a particular community, while out of a total of 234 selected from Jammu, only 28 Hindu candidates got place in open merit and 96 candidates were from reserved category.

Irritated over the disparity met to them, various aspirants also staged protest against JKPSC demanding explanation of the list.

“This is not the first time that Jammu aspirants have to protest against JKPSC, every time they (JKPSC) leave Jammu aspirants to fight for justice,” said one of the non selected aspirants, Kapil.

He added that already minced by the axe of discrimination from years, hard work of Jammu candidate is always ruined and “not to apply for these posts is the best option for a Jammu youth to refrain more discrimination,” he said.

Taking a dig at JKPSC, some privately run coaching institutes alleged that JKPSC is working under Kashmir influenced powers.

“The recent declared list makes it apparent that JKPSC is working to please their Kashmiri bosses and to appease anti-Indian protesters by providing them administrative seats,” said owner of reputed institute of Jammu, on the basis of anonymity.

They claimed that despite of hard work, Jammu aspirants are craving for justice on roads.

“We have students with potential to crack Indian Administrative Services (IAS) exams, but they are missing in the final list of the KAS, which ridicules the list and credibility of JKPSC,” he said.

Same examination earlier faced a stay, wherein some candidates belonging to reserved categories, aggravated after the declaration of KAS-2009 (Mains) results in September last year filed a writ against JKPSC, but it got clearance from court on February 10.

Talking to Newspoint, Secretary JKPSC, MA Bukhari rebuffed allegations and said “Interview panel comprises of eight members of the commission, so there is no scope for favouritism. Some elements for personal gains are trying to make it communal.”

He assumed that earlier some aspirants wasted their precious time in filing writ petitions against JKPSC, which resulted futile.

While advising, Secretary said that aspirants should trust commission and should concentrate on studies rather than challenging JKPSC’s working.

Nothing is impossible: A tale of dedication

                        

PS BALI

'Nothing is Impossible in this world' is in what Shallu Gupta believes in. Hailing from Ambgrota village near Kot Bhalwal, Shallu is handicapped by both hands but her determination and dedication to achieve her maintained aim of becoming a lecturer is firm and currently she is working as a contractual lecturer in Computer Science at Commerce College Jammu.

Born in 1978, Shallu met with a tragic accident, when she was only 17 years of age, where she lost her both hands and was on bed for at least five months. "In 1995, while installing television antenna at terrace, I came in contact with live wires and went unconscious and when I awoke I found both my hands missing, at that time it was hurting but support of my family made me stand again," Shallu said with smile on her face.

Even after losing both hands, Shallu was not depressed, so she continued her studies and did her intermediate from Government Higher Secondary School Mubarak Mandi, immediately followed by graduation in Science from Parade College for women with support of her family. "It was hard time for me to get out of the trauma, but 110 per cent support of my family especially my brother, who always stood next to me for my rescue, helped me a lot to fulfill my desires," said Shallu. After completing graduation, Shallu went for Masters Degree at Jammu University, but it was not her step. "After  finishing graduation, my mentor, Chandershekar advised me to go for masters in Computer Sciences, it was blind hit from my side, but I got admission and in University I used to be shy and less talkative, but friends of mine constantly backed me, which helped me to complete it", said Shallu. During her studies, she was adjourned as the best student and was conferred with a scholarship. Acting as an inspiration for many disabled persons, Shallu is of the opinion that nothing is impossible if you have that instinct to achieve targets. Working as a contractual lecturer, for past six years, Shallu is satisfied with her position but is still envisaging permanent lecturer post to serve Jammu people. "I always had an aim to be lecturer and with the God's blessings, after completing my masters, I got chance to teach computers as a contractual lecturer, which somehow satisfied me."

About future plans, Shallu said that she wanted to be a permanent lecturer and for this she is aiming for PhD and is studying hard to qualify NET exams. On whether, did she ever felt that people are underestimating her, Shallu said that at times some elements questioned about her potential, and every time she have to prove herself. When Shallu was questioned about government support, she said that never we did approached government for any help not did government reached us to assist. "I am self dependent and with the grace of god and support of my family and friends around me, I achieved what I had always aimed, now only thing that I want from government is my right of being a permanent lecturer," said Shallu, adding that she is all qualified of being a permanent lecturer, "I had a degree, experience and moreover that spark to enlighten others with the wisdom."

BJP: Patriotic or Traitor?

 PS BALI

Has Bhartiya Janta Party (BJP) lost its ground of being patriotic after failure of its much hyped and much talked Ekta Rally, where they mocked the Tri-colour from post to pillar?

Was the BJP proposed Ekta Yatra a reel in practicality or was just another political gimmick. Not hurting only sentiments of million of patriotic Indians, BJP’s stunt of unfurling National Flag at Lal Chowk, Srinagar also tattered repute of Tri-colour.

Under the huge speculations, nation wide, BJP launched Ekta Yatra from Calcutta to hoist national flag in disturbed area of Kashmir.

The Yatra saw various impediments, as in the start of the Yatra, chief minister J&K, Omar Abdullah warned BJP for its repercussions and recommended them to discontinue this Yatra, but to forge the iron of politics, BJP continued and so raised the anticipation of the Indian community.

In the wake of the Yatra, the market of the rumors was heated up and speculations were made that to counter the statement of separatists, BJP has made this Yatra firm and will not bend, less than hoisting flag.

But the true colours of the BJP was exposed when they, even after reaching Kashmir (some of the activists, who later were arrested by the J&K police), failed to unfurl flag. In Kashmir, activists of the BJP acted as they have been thwarted by the police, but the body language of the activist was reciprocating their much hyped firm decision.

As after leaving hotel premises, the activists rather than proceeding towards clock tower, started pretending from the very place with tri-colour in hands, to which security forces resorted to manhandling, which was pre-planned activity.

Forces jumped on flag, tried to fetch the flag from the hands of BJP activists and in that drama, it was national entity (Tricolour) which was being mortified.

Did any one ask BJP why they made statement of separatists, a pretext for organising this rally, was it to show that BJP is strictly opposing the school of thoughts of separatists, or was it a maneuver to gain public attention.

It would be shocking to learn that the BJP and Separatists are working under same umbrella. Did anyone ever ask Separatists that who is spoon feeding them, who in India made the separatists heroes and provided them bullet-proof cars and vests, Police and CRPF escorts and VIP treatment, no body knows but it is fact that none other than BJP-led NDA government of Atal Behari Vajpayee and L K Advani.

Contrary to the strong ideological clash between separatist leaders and the Sangh Parivar, there has been an equally strong chemistry between the two. The maximum possible security cover and recognition was provided to the separatist leaders during Vajpayee’s regime in 1999-2004.

Over 200 Police and CRPF personnel, are currently deployed on the “duty” of guarding the politicians disputing and abusing the sovereignty and integrity of this country. Even as ordinary constables or head constables are posted as PSOs with Cabinet Ministers and most of the mainstream politicians, Sub Inspectors and Assistant Sub Inspectors are functioning as heads of the security cover provided to the separatist leaders.

Mocking over the relation with separatists, BJP always pitched voice against anti-national activities of the separatists and hence making them a pretext to firm their stand of being nationalistic.

Coaching at grass root must: Sajid Dar

PS BALI


Following the footprints of his father, Mohammad Yousuf Dar, ace footballer of his time, AFC "C" and "B" license owned Coach, Sajid Dar started his football career in 1992, and never looked back. After representing almost all the big named football clubs in the state, and playing all in maximum number of big tournaments in and out of J&K state, Sajid opted to serve state with his panache of football and joined Kashmir University.Terming lack of proper coaching at the grass root level for the inconsistency of Jammu and Kashmir football team in major national football tournaments, despite having great talent, Dar shared that proper coaching at the grass root level is very important. In a crispy talk with Newspoint, Sajid Dar shared various pros and cons of the state football, besides his personal football career and needs to upgrade state football.
Excerpts…
*Throw some light on your childhood days. How did your interest in football emerge? When did you think of football as your career?
Dar: I did not take up the football till my schooling was over. However on the other side my father who was then the star footballer of the state and country as well used to take me with him to witness the matches and I was impressed by my father at my early age. I Started my career when I joined S P School in the year 1992 and from their itself I decided that I will choose it as my profession now. Football seems to be running in my family blood. I am always proud to be the son of the legendry footballer of the state and besides getting impressed by my father, Mohammad Yousuf Dar and was also impressed by my cousin Aslam Parveez Dar, who is also an ex-international player.I got the selection in my first trial at SP School in 1992. I was selected for district championship before getting selection for Junior National Championship in the same year, Then i joined Young Men Christian Association (YMCA) Club of Biscoe which was then the upcoming and most fan following team of the State. The players like Ishfaq Ahmed, Manzoor Dar, Majid Dar Intikhab Alam, Hilal Rasool and myself started our career from YMCA. I Captained, YMCA in many state and national level events including Federation Cup. After YMCA I played for City Club for more then three years and after that In Iqbal Sports and soon after that I started my coaching career.
* Can you tell us the process of obtaining a coaching license? Our readers might be interested to know the process. Can a person without any first class football playing experience go on to be a coach? Are there any restrictions?
Dar: There is a criteria set by the Universities/Institutes who are conducting different coaching courses for the coaches and as a candidate u have to fulfill all the criteria, like in NSNIS the eligibility they have set is that the qualification must be graduate and he must have represented state at various senior national tournaments in their respective discipline. There are coaches who are qualified but don't have the sound sports background and If you really want to set the example, then you must possess both, a sound academic and sports background as well.* What is the "special thing" about Football, which makes it stand apart from the rest of the sports?Dar: Football is the most popular game of the world. Football is world-wide sport, almost everyone plays. No other sport is being played and watched by so many people. It can be played all over the world, and with fairly cheap equipment. One can choose football as a profession.
* You have had an extensive coaching experience. Please tell us about your tenure as the head coach KU?
Dar: I started my coaching career soon after getting diploma form NSNIS Patiala. I got my first coaching assignment in the year 2004-05 when Dr K A Tarzan former DPE of Kashmir University called me to coach Kashmir University Football Team.
After that I was appointed the coach of under 21 football team by JKFA and besides JKFA also gave me some assignments for the Youth Development Programme and in the 2006 I got appointed as the Football Coach of Kashmir University in the Physical education and sports department. Recently I also attended the youth development programme organized by AIFF at Goa. And I am also coaching one of the leading Clubs of the State Iqbal Sports and recently we have won the All India Police Martyrs Football Tournament. Besides me and Hilal Rasool of JK bank are among the few coaches of the country who have done diploma in football coaching and also AFC "C" and "B" license courses.
* Please tell us about Your new project. Do you see such an initiative being a success in J&K.
Dar: Football has game me name as well as fame and it is only because of football I am being recognized I have devoted my life to football and I want to do something for the betterment and upliftment of football. As all the football lovers know that few years back we launched FPWA in Srinagar and FPWA is planning to start a football academy in the month of May or June, this year with the collaboration with SPUNP group and football by Carlos Queiroz and by the blessings of Almighty and the support of the football loving people of J&K it will certainly be the new beginning of JK football. Insha Allah.
* Education and Sports are inter-related. How can these two avenues be combined so that there can be an all round development of a child plus their interest in sports grow.
Dar: The benefits of sport reach beyond the impact on physical well-being and the value of the educational benefits of sport should not be under-estimated. In addition to physical development, education and sport also have strong influences on inclusion and community building, character-building and community safety.
* What changes do you think J&K Football should incorporate if it is to be successful?
Dar: We are always talking that we have a lot of talent in JK. But why we are not consistently performing on the national level, why we cannot produce players like Mehraj, Ishfaq, Arun Malhaotra regularly. The answer is that there is lack of proper coaching at the grass root level, which is very important. I have seen coaches very keen to take assignments when it comes to the senior national events but nobody bother's to conduct the coaching classes for the young and budding footballers of the valley. I request the JKFA and other organisations who are directly or indirectly involved with football that their should be the regular coaching camps for the youth development and each coaches and teams performance should be monitor regularly.
* What developments should we need to create club culture in State?
Dar: As we all know that football is the most popular sport of our state. Apart from the departmental teams like JK Bank, JK Forest, JK police, who are atleast offering jobs to the players but there is also a big role of the private clubs in the state and I hardly find any sponsors for those clubs. These clubs are been run by personal efforts of their respective managing bodies. And during the season the players and management face lot of problems like refreshment, playing kits, pocket money and the rehabilitation for the players. From my personal point of view if these clubs get the sponsors who can atleast fulfill these demands I hope more and more players will take interest to this game and definitely the competition level will also improve and when the competition level will improve we can improve our performance at the national level. 
* What are your future plans?
Dar: I am a coach of Kashmir University Football Team and it is my dream that Kashmir University should qualify for the All India Inter Zone Football Tournament and after qualifying at least once we should be the champion's of All India Inter University as well.

Corruption Hollowing System

J&K state to lead the tally of corrupt states, if all goes wrong

PS BALI

The day is not far, when Jammu and Kashmir, state would lead the tally of most corrupt states of the India, and the day will soon come when it will become the most corrupted isle on the world map with almost every second person tainted of being corrupt.

Not like many other states, corruption or bribery in J&K state is on rampant and is engulfing great intellects to elusive personalities. At one time, bribe was paid for getting wrong things done but now bribe is paid for getting right things done at right time.

Many people touched this concept, with their own context many-a-times, some held government responsible for uncontrolled corruption, whereas many cursed system and its functioning. But nothing changed, moreover this menace took wild shape by entering into the minds of the people by exerting upon them that corruption is the ‘word-of-day’ and you cannot do anything without taking it affirmatively.

In our daily life, most of us must have been a witness to or a victim of the corruption thriving in some or the other part of the country. It could be in the form of a taxi-driver manipulating the meter to jack-up the reading or a government officer taking bribery to promptly transfer your file to the next department or even yourself offering bribe to a traffic police on breaking a signal.

Even though the higher ushers of this menace, ‘administration’ has took it for-granted, for them corruption enhances the ways of revenues.

At present J&K state figures at number 2 in India in context of corruption, but as the Bihar government is mulling up to start anti-corruption year, with J&K without any maneuver, will ultimately shove J&K to number one spot, which would be pride moment for our so-called corrupt genre.

Some days back while running through Indian Express, I found that Chief Minister of Bihar, Nitish Pawar holds a resolution of making Bihar corruption Free State for Year 2011, eventually yielding special status.

On one hand India’s number one corrupt state is mulling to descend, whereas J&K state is stagnant in making any result oriented resolution to curb this menace.

Bihar Chief Minister summoned all his leaders to declare their assets, which would be a great step to intensify government’s fight against corruption.

But what about Jammu and Kashmir that is running out of ideas to eliminate corruption, rather one can say that Jammu and Kashmir administration is not interested to work on it.

As an old adage goes, ‘Corruption is like a ball of snow, once it's set a rolling it must increase”, same is case with Jammu and Kashmir, here the people are accepting bribery to grab more and more bugs, which subsequently ascends state towards ever increasing corrupt zone. As per official data around 665 registered cases of corruption are under the State Vigilance Organisation and Crime Branch against public servants including several IAS officers.

Competition of earning more and more, jostles common man into ditch of this grave torment. The inner sense of the man is waning over some currency notes, he may take prestigious rank after offering money, but he can’t repute that position.

Every person blames government for being liberal against corruption but at individual level every one of us had offered huge or subtle money to get our work done with ease.

Here in Jammu and Kashmir, the corruption seems ever lasting as the façade of the functioning is concerned, from peon to bureaucrat, every body is maligned with corruption, here our politicians play pivotal role and made J&K shine in this race by embezzling huge sum of funds.

Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah is less worried to put an end on it, or he doesn’t have much time to think over it, from his busy schedule and ‘Blackberry Games’.

This is the high time for the state government to show some strict accountability in eliminating this disease, which altogether is hollowing system of the state.

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.”