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.

Dearth of hostels trouble students, stage protest supporting their demands

PS Bali
Jammu September 27
Owing to the dearth of student hostel in the Jammu University, students from various departments, under the banner of Students Scholars Union JU, today staged a protest in the University campus.
Protestors demanded more construction of hostels, separately for boys and girls for their convenience. Students alleged that the university authorities are making tall claims of improvement in the University infrastructure.
“On one side the students from far flung areas are facing inconvenience due to unavailability of accommodation in the university campus, whereas on the same side University authorities are wasting money on their personal chambers,” said Sunil, president student scholar union, adding that the boys can manage accommodation, but the girls have to confront lot of troubles due to less number of hostel and rooms.
He said that the administration is discriminating, they are enjoying over the funds accumulated from the fees of students, they have every  facility at their rescue whereas students suffer a lot.
The Jammu University has currently running with six student hostels, three each for boys and girls but the condition of the hostels is not worth living. Students alleged that in certain rooms, more than four students have to adjust which makes havoc for them.
“There are three girl hostels but the number of aspirants is much more, authorities fetch same fees from all students, but they put late comers with some influence as a burden on already accommodated students, which affects their studies and comfort,” said a student, Mehwish from Poonch, adding that the University authorities are less interested in developing better and comfortable hostel facility for students.
From the very start of the session students from various departments start applying for the hostels, which they know if delayed will loose it. The competition of getting hostel room is harder than the entrance in the University.
The students also alleged university for entertaining blue-eyed students in hostel and for not improving facilities in the hostels.
“Rooms in the hostel are easily available for the influential and inmates of university authorities. The rooms in the hostels lacks basic facilities, there is no cooling system in the hostels where students spent most of their time, whereas chambers of the officials are well maintained where they only stay for few hours,” said a student, Tsensan from Leh.
Besides, hostel facility students also rued that despite of being higher institute of education it lacks wi-fi system in hostels, which is much needed for the students.
The students also said that they will launch massive protests in streaks if their demands were not met on time.
When contacted Provost Jammu University, Prof BL Sharma said that the administration is all set to open new hostel in the coming month. We are giving every possible facility to the students but if they are asking for Air Conditioner that’s not possible, they are here to study  not to enjoy comforts.
“Administration is always ready to accommodate students and we are providing shelter to every student who approaches us. There is capacity of around 350 students in boys hostel and the new infrastructure also has the capacity of around 60-70 students,” said Sharma.

Mismanagement at DES admission process irk students

PS BALI
Jammu september
In the ongoing admission procedure of various undergraduate and post graduate courses at the Directorate of Distance Education (DSE), Jammu University, Jammu, the students are confronting problems at large due
to mismanagement.
Students aiming to seek admission in various courses here alleged that DSE employees concerned with issuance and reception of admission forms have their bent towards blue eyed students and are sycophants to
influential persons.
Various students hailing from far flung areas of border line alleged that they have been harassed here by the concerned workers, as employees direct them from pillar to post.
Aggrieved student, Davinder Singh, from Poonch said that being from remote area; he had been waiting for his turn since morning, but the concerned employ in the reception counter raises objection one by one,
which is haunting him.
“I am here in queue from early morning and the person dealing with the reception of forms is prioritizing her inmates, despite of the fact that we are coming from far flung areas and have to reach back,” he said, adding that the employ deployed here at this counter is entertaining back door entry at most by keeping queue on halt.
He added that if the formality attached with admission form is not complete, they should tell it at once, but they are directing us from one pillar to another to mark this and that. Students suffering in the queues alleged that due to mismanagement of the directorate they have to suffer.
Score of students seeking admission in MA Sociology said that the DES is running short of faculty, “the department has very few working employees in the admission section, which borne brunt of extra burden
on the existing ones, which ultimately turns into mess,” said student wishing anonymity, adding that
Denying the allegations, director DES, Meenakshi Killam Said that they are not regular students of the university, students here apply from different areas and to make their entrance confirmed and genuine such
verifications are necessary.
“Here we cater to around more than 20,000 students of various courses and for their convenience we have to scrutinize all the documents,” said Meenakshi, adding that if they let students go without evaluating their formalities, it will create problem in their results.

Unchanged syllabus cause of concern: students

PS BALI

When, the education system has accelerated its pace through out the globe, especially in India, which has now crossed the mark of 60 percent literacy rate with Jammu and Kashmir just at 55 percent and is ending the list of most literate states of the country.

Out of the total 35 states, J&K has marked its position at number 33 just before Jharkhand and Bihar, where as Kerala and Mizoram led the tally with over 90-94 percent literacy rate. Education at the grass root level has been improved from past several years as according to the official data of Director of School Education J&K, The Literacy rate of the state is 55.5. The male literacy rate is 66.6% and the female literacy rate is 43%. There is a large gap in the male female literacy. This gap is more than the national average in 12 out of 14 districts of the state. Similarly the gap between rural and urban literacy is 22.1%. If we exclude the main urban centres of Srinagar and Jammu then this gap is further widened. There is a gap of 25% between the rural male and female literacy. In urban areas this gap is of the order of 18%. Jammu district has the highest literacy rate of 77% with 84.4% in males and 68.5% in females.

But the condition of the Higher Education here in Jammu is contradicting that of primary level. Much hyped claims of the education department of promoting education standard in the state at the international level are just bearing out bogus as the unchanged syllabus of under graduation classes of different courses is impeding the competitive mind set of the students here. When the international universities like Oxford, Cambridge and even

Indian Universities like JNU, DU, LPU and others are altering their syllabus after every two to three years, the Jammu University has not reviewed its existing Syllabus from past two decades, as alleged by students.

Whereas the University authorities are oblivion in this regard, they are even less concerned for the lakhs of students who are undergoing various courses under them.

The educationalists consider it as sheer injustice with the education sector of the state.

“Jammu University must change their syllabus with passage of time, it would be beneficial for the both students and teachers. For students change in syllabus means to learn new things with in depth information, whereas for teachers it experiences them of new horizons in teaching and keep on learning novel things,” said JU professor, wishing anonymity.

Although within past few years, higher education has succeeded to overcome the problem of infrastructure by establishing various degree colleges in far flung areas and opened new universities for the convenience of students. Right now there are five universities in J&K, which include University of Jammu, (Tawi), University of Kashmir, Srinagar, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University, Jammu and Baba Ghulam Shah Badshah University and Islamic University, Kashmir. Besides this the state has more than 80 colleges.

There is no doubt that higher education has excelled as par international universities in terms of infrastructure but they still lacks the mode to improve education system. limping of more and more study centers and The change in syllabus at regular intervals of time helps student to be in touch with the current scenario and that too with insightful knowledge. For instance, students in Jammu University are still stuck to books of local authors of 19th century. They are bound to read it because their syllabus is charted out like this, but the story of student in outside universities is all over different where they follow authors of 21st century to learn various parameters of the same subject. By taking education for granted how could they expect performance from the students as par of thy universities?

“The change in syllabus is must not after two or three years but they should amend existing syllabus or reshuffle it. Our teachers teach us to compete at national and international level but we are helpless to perform superior than those who consult more than four and five books apart from academic knowledge,” said Shweta Rathore, a student of SPMR College of Commerce.

Students rued that they are fed up with the same old age books and syllabus of under graduate classes.

Score of students alleged JU administration for not taking academics seriously, they said that notwithstanding the escalating competition in the education sector, JU authorities are not amending syllabus and are imparting same from decades.

“From where does one expects good result from JU students out of state, when here we are imparted with education of 19th century, whereas students of other states fetch knowledge of today through their academics,” said Sunil Sharma, Student of MAM College.

They alleged that J&K state lacks IAS competitors because of the same reason. The aspirants have to study individually about the current situation; he craves for same in his academics as syllabus of competitive exams differs from that of ours, whereas other states have aspirants who don’t need to consult tutorials because they are imparted with latest dealings of the globe within their syllabus.

“We are still studying about Aryabhatta, Air Ships, Recession, Indian Economy and other historical events, whereas they impart education about new designs of NASA, Air Shuttle, UFOs, how to over come recession and other some up to date details in profound manner,” said Ravinder Singh, student of JU, adding that if concerned authorities are really serious about to standardize the level of education sector of the state than they have to start from the syllabus.

Though the regular students are bearing this burden, the interesting part is that the students of Distance Education are also been taught from the same syllabus.

“Change in syllabus is must one cannot expect improvement in the education system if things goes repetitive. Higher Education Department must have to take these things in concern,” said another Professor of University, wishing anonymity, adding that the students out of state are connected with up to date material because of changing syllabus, but here in J&K state, the things are stagnated.

Score of students said that existing syllabus taunts them as if things go alike they are scared that their future would be bleak. “I am concerned about my future as I don’t know what will happen to the education system of this state when the syllabus of the higher classes is festered. I am not able to compete outside state not because of my ability its because of reason that what I have been learning thoroughly from magazines, internet and other resource able accessibilities, the students out of state have been taught same in their academics,” said BBA student of SPMR College, Neha Agarwal.

Whereas, JU authorities have something different to say, denying the allegations, JU Assistant Registrar, PS Pathania, said that there is customary change in syllabus, a board of studies every year conduct a meeting in which UGC members and various heads discuss this matter.

“The amendments brought in syllabus is in accordance with the rules of UGC,” said Pathania, before posing next question Pathania disconnected phone.

Omar not ready to bequeath chair

ALL Party Meet, no more than fun 

PS BALI

Jammu September 15

The speculations over the resignation of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah hit the state politics and it was in air that the CM has no other option other than resignation. Moreover eyes were stuck on the CCS meet in New Delhi, wherein CM, J&K was lambasted by the center.

Pertaining to the prevailing unrest in the valley, people of both provinces were anticipating dissolution of Chief Minister, as according to them he is not enough experienced to tackle this situation in the state.

From Political to non- political parties and from students to common person, everyone was eyeing on the move of the center whether they go for dilution of CM or will let the state burning.

The market of rumour was heated up as from every alcove and corner, people were expecting CM to leave his chair, but to everyone’s surprise, Jammu Kashmir Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah on Tuesday, finally put an end to the much hyped speculation that whether he will resign or not by claiming that he would not do so.

Still the observers feel that sensing the recovery in the situation as remote possibility, the chief minister has no way out but to resign which they feel he should have done much earlier.

The mood at New Delhi has made the CM realize that the things are not that easy as he has been taking by putting forth the maneuver of sentiments in Kashmir. He had already been advised in earlier meetings by the Prime Minister and the Home Minister to strengthen the instruments of his governance in the state and deliver in real terms, instead of pursuing the separatist agenda.

After refuting to quit CM chair, the rumours regarding replacement of CM caught pace in the political market. With the state government at sea in the face of a separatist upsurge, speculation over the replacement of chief minister Omar Abdullah with suggestions that his father Farooq Abdullah could replace him, with Omar getting a Cabinet post at the Centre. According to newspaper reports the CM has said that he will quit if the Centre does not accept his proposal of partially lifting AFSPA from the state in the All Party Meet on Wednesday, but unfortunately same remained inconclusive.

On one side where the NC led coalition government is pressing for Dilution of AFSPA in the state on the same side opposition parties are against it, according to BJP spokesperson, the removal of AFSPA will lead to great loss of the state, “we are stern on our stand that we will not allow AFSPA to dilute, as it will discourage our security forces, we will not step back if in Wednesday’s All Party Meet, there would be removal of this act,” said he.

This year till date from June 11, more than 86 youths have been killed in the alleged firing of CRPF and J&K police, with keeping more than hundreds wounded.

Earlier on July 7, 2008, Jammu and Kashmir Governor NN Vohra had accepted the resignation of than chief minister Ghulam Nabi Azad who was also prey to such circumstances during Amarnath land Row, wherein same situation had swayed state.

It is pertinent to mention here that this was the first time since upsurge that PDP attended All Part Meet. Due to their participation people of both provinces have kept some hope of calm, but the decision of inspecting ground level of the situation in the meeting, disappointed all. 

City colleges avail study material for students on website

                         Students smell conspiracy for covering incapability of teachers

PS BALI

Jammu September 14:

To cover the failure of teaching staff of the city colleges in attaining the interest of students in studies, city colleges here are planning to provide study material to students by uploading same on their websites. Claiming, this official website as a boon for weak students, they say that this facility will help weak students to learn more efficiently.

Failing to contend student’s queries via teachers, city colleges are now going to run study material on website. Students alleged that this all melodrama is to cover incapability of teaching staff. Group of students from MAM College said that, this is mere a drama to cover the failed practice of teaching staff. “In order to promote higher education, they should come up with some new idea, today score of search engines provides same material which they are going to introduce and even one can get lot of options in the study material on Google and other search engines. There is nothing novel in this initiative, they should try something new if they are really serious to promote education,” said bunch of students.

They also added that here in Jammu many colleges are craving for basic infrastructure and other facilities.

“Samba College is falling short of laboratory equipments despite of having Science stream, that shows sincerity and seriousness of authorities,” said Ajay Bakshi a student, he alleged that there are many colleges were students are deprived from basic education due to non availability of teachers.

Though students expressed satisfaction over the start of special classes for the weaker students, “this experiment will definitely work in the favour of college authorities, by spending extra time students will surely learn,” said student Koushal, adding that besides making free classes, college authorities should have to start special lectures for students on various topics which implies them practical knowledge of subject.

Earlier this is for the first time that the city colleges will upload study material on their websites and conduct free classes for the convenience of the students.

As per news reports, Director Colleges said Dr Sham Lal Gupta, has said that he has issued a circular to all colleges to provide the study material of various subjects on their websites for the convenience of weak students but unfortunately when contacted city colleges they denied reception of any such notification.

According to news reports Director Colleges has also mentioned same in the circular that besides keeping one handout of the study material with them, the colleges should provide a handout of the study material to the students on demand.

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Kashmiri youth adapted to new trend

                                            Stone pelting to setting ablaze govt property

PS BALI

Jammu and Kashmir has been facing problems from terrorists from more than two decades. The Indian army, CRPF and state police also has been struggling every hour to maintain peace and harmony in the state. The entire Kashmir Valley is in trouble from the past 4 months.

Keeping government on their toes, and life at stand still, four months under curfew has psychologically moulded minds of the locals especially youths, who for the sake of movement sacrifice their lives.

After a lot of wars in between India and Pakistan from 1947, there was a line of control made in 1971 between Indian and Pakistani, Kashmir. In 1989, rebels probably with some indirect help from Pakistan attacked New Delhi. It was reported that Islamabad has given support to some of the rebels. The land is filled with violence. Kashmir has become a constant hindrance for peace between India and Pakistan.

Apart from the ongoing violence in Kashmir, recently till September 13, 72 teenaged persons and a young man got killed in alleged firing by Central Reserve Police Force and State police. This event has stimulated the violence in Kashmir right now and indefinite curfew has been announced. Every killing was followed by protest which again followed by killing, this process continues till date.

From stone pelting to assaults on cops and para military personals, these young protestors have now adopted violent act by burning government properties and schools.

The recent incident of protestors where they burnt Crime branch office, PDD chief’s office, two police posts and schools, besides, ransacking residential house of minister.

Members of various Networking sites were visible in condemning such acts and consider such activities against their movement. Government blames separatists for this ramshackle, whereas separatists are blaming government agents. Amid this blame game it’s Valley which is losing its charm and its Kashmiri’s who are losing their property by adopting this new trend of burning property.

Jammu and Kashmir Government accused the Chairman of moderate Hurriyat Conference Mirwaiz Umer Farooq of not sticking to assurances made by his close aide to the administration that the march to Lal Chowk planned for the day would be peaceful. Whereas Mirwaiz in counter said that this all is handi work of government agents who are trying to malign this freedom struggle. According to reports people of the state consider this all melodrama to be a part of a bigger conspiracy to sideline Hardline faction and make the moderate faction more relevant. 

Eid brings cheer for Jammu Traders amid valley Bandh

PS BALI

Jammu September 8

The prevailing unrest in the valley from past more than three months is turning out as boon for the Jammu traders, with the arrival of Eid, (very significant festival of Muslims), Jammu markets are swelled up with customers, mostly from Kashmir.

From dry fruits to sweets and from clothing’s to home made appliances, the rush of customers is giving a brisk business to the traders here.

According to customers, the prevailing turmoil in valley has subjugated them to celebrate this pious function far off their homeland, “the frequent off and on calls by the separatists has gloomed the taste of real Eid, people in Valley are fed up with all this and are in need of some fresh air to relish. During open in Kashmir the markets in Kashmir are stuffed with customers and there is no place to even commute,” said Shanawaz Ali, resident of Anantnag, Kashmir, adding that sensing worst situation in valley, they preferred  to rejoice Eid here in Jammu alongwith his family.

The stucked atmospheres in Valley has already forced many families to shift to Jammu and other places, for the studies of their wards, but now with the arrival of Eid huge contingent of Muslims are visible in Jammu markets busy in shopping goods.

Due to the tense situation in the valley and the daily calls for Bandh, peoples are forced to celebrate Eid in the Jammu. “we are forcibly celebrating Eid away from our relatives because the frequent calls of Bandh by separatists has created havoc for the Kashmiri, daily killings followed by bandh, which is followed by defying and than again followed by killings,” said Rayees, resident of Kulgam, presently putting up in Bathindi, adding that this hide and seek of protestors and police is prolonged and sensing this as futile, he along with his family temporarily shifted to Jammu.

The Eid has brought cheers on the faces of Jammu traders, as pertaining to Eid they are incurring huge profits, from dry fruits to meat and mutton, from vegetables to clothing’s and from home made appliances to fire crackers, said shopkeeper.

“Kashmiris are very fond of non-veg and various delicacies, so on this pious occasion I am doing a good business here. Muslims are also kind hearted, they are investing money like anything to cheer Eid at its fullest,” said shopkeeper, Majeed at Bathindi.

The garment shops across the Jammu city is also experiencing great deal as, according to them on the eve of Eid and volatile situation of Valley they are getting huge rush of customers, “on the eve of Eid, Muslims brought various garments to attire themselves and they can invest any possible cost for contending themselves,” said customer, Saliq.

Same was the case with sweet shops, where people thronged before Eid. 

JU lack parking slot, students being blamed for lack of parking sense

PS BALI

Jammu September 9

No doubt the Jammu University campus boasts of vehicles of all range and size. Spanning from students, visitors and even the staff, the cars and two-wheelers are parked on the main roads and lanes instead of the scheduled parking space.

“Starting from the examination controller building towards the Business School and EVS department and Statistics, the snake tail of vehicles parked on the road screams about the lack of parking sense, which people possess,” said JU official wishing anonymity.

The apathy of the JU administration is such that there is no one to guide those digressed students and all those who lack parking sense.

“This is all fault of authorities, neither have they put any board of no parking in the campus nor any person who will guide people where to park their vehicles. This parking on odd places results to frequent jams within the university campus, causing many to miss their classes and many to stuck for long in queue of vehicles,” said Sanjeev Malhotra, student.

As one walks into the Jammu University campus he can himself experience the buzz of bling-bling effect. From Cycle to Bikes, and from Cars to Auto Rikshaw, all the possible vehicles are visible in the campus.

Alumni’s, staffers and students of JU, possesses vehicle of their own, but they lack sense of parking. One can find university with all odd parkings, from main gate to cornered Zorawar Auditorium, stuffed with different kinds of vehicles, all placed on wrong spots.

This is the scenario of usual JU, but the condition is more severe during examinations and admissions, when an only vehicle replaces students, “during examinations and admissions, there are only vehicles all around, I wonder despite of being so reputed and vast stretched university, it lacks basic parking facility,” said Anuj, student, adding that JU has enabled departments with parking facility, but that too not for all, this privilege is only for selected departments on the back side of Dhanvantri Library.

“Students are helpless to park their vehicles on odd places because being a part of history department I would never park my vehicle near sociology department. JU authorities should take some immediate action to maintain decorum of the University by establishing more parking slots for the convenience of students and staffers,” said JU professor, wishing anonymity.

When tried to contact JU authorities, number was not reachable.

Construction in GMC irk patients

PS BALI

Jammu August 31:

Patients admitted in Governmental Medical Hospital (GMC) Jammu these days are irked with the ongoing construction work within the hospital building. They expressed annoyance over the lethargic attitude of administration for executing tile cutting work outside recovery ward creating inconvenience for patients.

Attendants of patient’s alleged administration for taking patients casually by starting construction work within hospital.

“This is childish on the part of administration to create lot of fuss outside the recovery ward, the noise of tile cutter is so loud that it irritates normal person passes through that ward, than it is obvious that patients would definitely irked with such noisy sound,”  said Rakesh Kumar, an attendant.

On the basis of present knowledge of the physiologic effects of noise, these noise levels probably stimulate the hyperphysical- adrenocortical axis of patients, exceed the threshold for peripheral vasoconstriction, pose a threat to hearing in patients receiving aminoglycosidic antibiotics and are incompatible with sleep which would be dangerous for patient’s health.

Aggrieved patients said that this construction work creates lot of noise which affects them as they can’t take proper rest amid noisy machine work of tile reaper.

“It is good to renovate hospital building but it not putting comfort of patients on stake, they should mark the area and fit tiles prepared from outside so that their work accomplishes without making noise,” said  patient, wishing anonymity.

According to noise experts a tolerable sound threshold for sick people is considerably lower than healthy one, “noise can provoke many physiological responses, it can startle the patient, damage his hearing, stimulate epinephrine production, induce sensory disturbances, constrict peripheral and coronary. In short noise to a sick can led to death,” said expert Sandeep.

When Early Times tried to contact concerned authorities of hospital, on repetitive calling the numbers of Principal and Superintendent of GMC was switched off, whereas on official number there was no one to comment.

“Denta Care Dental Clinic” offers ultra modern treatment

PS BALI

Jammu Sep 01:

Dentistry, which is a part of stomatology, is the branch of medicine that is involved in the evaluation, diagnosis, prevention, and surgical or non-surgical treatment of diseases, disorders and conditions of the oral cavity, maxillofacial area and the adjacent and associated structures and their impact on the human body. Dentistry is widely considered necessary for complete overall health.

A dentist provides oral health services, pertaining to it “Denta Care Dental Clinic” at Laxmi Nagar, Sarwal, Jammu is one of the best dental clinic, which serves patients on genuine rates as compared to other clinics. The Denta Care Dental Clinic facilitates patients from basic to latest treatments featuring RCT, Crown Bridge, Ultrasonic, Scalling, Extraction, Gum Treatment, Dentures, Light Cure Fillings and Instant Digital Dental X-Ray at genuine rates.

Talking to Early Times, Dr Anita Koul, Dental Surgeon said that they had recently started this Ultra Modern Dental Clinic for the convenience of large number of patients in Jammu and its peripheries.

According to Dr Koul, the clinic encompasses very important practices related to the oral cavity. “Oral diseases are major public health problems due to their high incidence and prevalence across the globe, particularly in Jammu which has affected more than any other disease, said Koul.

She said that although modern day dental practice centers on prevention, many treatments or interventions are still needed. The majority of dental treatments are carried out to prevent or treat the two most common oral diseases which are dental caries (tooth decay) and periodontal disease (gum disease or pyorrhea). Common treatments involve the restoration of teeth as a treatment for dental caries (fillings), extraction or surgical removal of teeth which cannot be restored, scaling of teeth to treat periodontal problems and endodontic root canal treatment to treat abscessed teeth.

When asked Dr Anita about the Preventions, she said that proper hygiene (tooth brushing and flossing), fluoride, and tooth polishing is needed. Dental sealants are plastic materials applied to one or more teeth, for the intended purpose of preventing dental caries (cavities) or other forms of tooth decay,she added.

Ban over SMS make festivals gloomy

PS BALI

Jammu September 3:

For the third consecutive month, Short Message Service (SMS) is barred in J&K state, causing inconvenience for the customers in general and for students in particular. The youth in Jammu are irked with the ban and are demanding its revocation with immediate affect. This is the first time since the introduction of cellular companies that Jammuities are celebrating festivals without to and fro of greetings.

They allege that despite of normalcy in Jammu region they are forcibly borne the brunt of ban. Sensing the tense situation in valley, due to prevailing unrest government had imposed ban over text service in the third week of June within the state, pertaining to spread of rumours through text.

“The situation in Kashmir is tense but it doesn’t mean that every time Jammuities have to pay for situation in Kashmir, when the government if failing to stable the situation in Kashmir, then they should revoke this ban, atleast in Jammu, so that Jammuities won’t have to pay for Kashmir unrest,” said a resident of Janipur, P R Malhotra.

Without greetings the celebration of festivals are gray as people could not wish to their kins and kiths. “This is the first time since start of the cellular services in the state that we have celebrated Janamasthmi without texting wishing to our relatives here, this has made festivals gloomy,” said Pankaj Jha of Gandhi Nagar.

According to reliable sources this ban may linger till the situation in the valley calms completely. “The government is stern over the misuse of text messages to spread rumours in localities, which results in agitation, keeping in view the volatile situation of Valley, government has put ban over SMS and will continue with this ban until valley back to normalcy,” said source.

Students also expressed their annoyance over the ban and urged for its early revocation.

Score of students from Jammu University said that, there is no doubt that government has been failed in Kashmir, but atleast they should keep some esteem here in Jammu by revoking ban of SMS.

Students said that this year they are going to miss various schemes offered by many cellular companies viewing festivals.

Aggrieved customers of active six telecom companies urged to government to annul the imposed ban so that they can enjoy hassle free services and celebrate festivals and other occasion with gaiety.

Students’ ire of delayed re-evaluation results

PS BALI

Jammu September 6

The Jammu University students are already suffering because of poor quality of valuation and borne of extra fees for re-evaluation of results. Now with the delayed revaluation results, students are likely to lose a precious academic year.

As per official data every year around 20,000 students apply for re-evaluation, according to some students, they had to shell out at least Rs 1,000 for the entire revaluation process, as one answer script charges over 310, excluding 175 late fees. This includes compulsory charges for photocopies of answer-sheets. Despite all this, the revaluation results take over two to three months to get released. Therefore, “students have no option but to fill up supplementary exam forms,” resented students.

The revaluation results of several faculties like under graduate part 1^st, Part 2^nd and other post graduation courses are still awaited. "It's sheer harassment for all of us. Even though we've applied for the revaluation, the results will be out after supplementary exams. Thus, we've to study hard for the same subject again. Actually, there is no point in applying as we are anyhow appearing in the biannual exams," said Megha, an aggrieved part Ist student.

On one side when the students are back in classes after passing various exams falling under University of Jammu, on the same side there are some students who are still lurching to confirm their results as re-evaluation results are still awaited.

Contradicting much hyped claims of Jammu University for its speedy work, this time the time consumed by JU in declaring releasing results of re-evaluation seems to be bleak as more than one month has passed but the result is yet to declare.

“The re-evaluation always takes time as we have to hire special teachers due to busy schedule of concern teachers with their classes,” said controller JU, GM Bhat.

Students allege that they lost their precious time by up and down to university for seeking queries of results.

“When the university authorities can check lakh of papers of under graduation and PG courses on record time than what is wrong with them while checking of mere thousands,” said aggrieved students Akash.

Talking to Early Times JU controller said that it will take more one to two months to set out the results of various classes. “We are working on the papers and will try to release result as soon as possible,” said he.

Re-evaluation in JU mere a stunt of fetching money: students

PS BALI

Jammu September 2

Being in news is nothing novel for the Jammu University, as part of its stereotypic feat JU always keeps its cliché in News papers. This time the matter is something serious, as the students who had applied for re-evaluation of different classes under JU has alleged that this is mere way of fetching money out of students by detaining them.

Number of students complained that despite of performing well in exams, JU officials deliberately bore them brunt of extra charges by failing them in their respective subjects.

As per official report every year around 20, 00 students apply for re-evaluation in various classes, out of that 24 percent students of under graduate general qualifies after re-evaluation, 32 percent is the toll of B.Ed students and shockingly 54 percent students from various courses in post graduation of JU, succeed in their dropped papers.

“Every year said number of percentage of students makes it to qualify their papers in which they have been detained, unfortunately most of the student’s passes with good number of marks after re-evaluation, which makes evaluation by officials unconvinced said official of JU, wishing anonymity.

A student of post graduation alleges that he was the topper of his class but tyranny of JU officials dropped him in two subjects, but on re-evaluating same, he secured 30 percent more marks.

“When I checked my result and found that I had been disqualified in two subjects, despite of fact that those two papers were my best, it shocked me and made me to challenge University authorities,” said aggrieved student, adding that after re-evaluating he secured double the number he had.

According to the students JU is fleecing money by failing students deliberately, “here the re-evaluation fee is around Rs 310 per answer script and addition to it, they charge Rs 175 as late fee which increases with each passing day. At least there should be some provision for the student who made to qualify after re-checking that they should be relaxed with fee,” said student, adding that the brunt of extra charge is upon students for the fault of assessor.

Parents also alleged JU for deceiving students, “JU is running a monopoly and is looting students by deliberately failing them,” Said a parent.

Every year JU holds score of students in different papers, out of that maximum number of students succeeds to qualify. This shows the erring attitude of evaluators and how much seriously they go through papers, said parents.

Denying the allegations, JU controller GM Bhat said that the pass percentage after re-evaluation includes those students who had applied for division improvement, “the students who apply for division improvement had already passed but when they apply for division improvement they are also counted in the passed outs,” said GM Bhat, adding that only those 15- 20 percent students pass through who fall short of 1-2 numbers.

When asked about fee, JU controller, GM Bhat said due to inflation teachers ask for more money and for that we have to hike fees.

Minorities prey to psychosomatic in Valley owing to anonymous letters

Dozen of families migrate to Jammu so far

                                       PS Bali

Jammu, August 21

The fear of psychosis is the biggest fear of human, he can endure everything but he can’t resist psychological vandalism. People in general and minorities in particular are easy recipients to this fear and are preyed easily without many efforts.

In the ongoing turmoil in Kashmir from past two months, the fear of psychosis is escalating over million of minorities dwelling in Kashmir, where they have been harassed and humiliated by handful of miscreants from majority community, compelling them for evacuation.

The communal facade came to lime light at that time when some miscreants from majority community threw anonymous letters in the Gurudwara’s aiming to create panic among minorities, the letter was so dreadful that it made some minority families to pull up socks and migrate to Jammu.

The All Party Sikh Coordination Committee (ASCC) has alleged that several community members have received these letters.

The incident of threatening is not committed only once it was repeated thrice and more in different areas, which made minorities to think for their lives.

According to some migrated minority members in Jammu, the atmosphere of valley is altogether different and it contradicts its adage of century’s long brotherhood and communal harmony. They said that during late nights, youth from the area pelt stones on their shelters and shout Pro-Islamic slogans which make them prey to psychosomatic.

Though a delegation of minorities has put forth this incident before, Hurriyat hawk, Syed Ali Shah Geelani and other separatist figures in Valley but the response from their side was nothing more than mere eye wash, “this is our duty to save minorities dwelling in Kashmir as Islam teaches, this is handiwork of armed forces to create rift between two communities,” these were the words of Geelani, who some days back expressed distress over the Tral incident were some crooks chopped off hair  of Sikh boy and in his statement he has reassured Sikhs, saying they should not feel threatened and ignore the "fake letters". He has assured the community that nobody would force them to join the protests.

Much before this the Dukhtaraan-e-Millat chairperson and radical separatist leader, Asiya Andrabi expressed disappointed over the reports that two delegations of the Hindus and the Sikhs had called on the Hurriyat (G) Chairman, Syed Ali Shah Geelani, and "wept bitterly" over the sense of their insecurity, Dukhtaraan chief said that it had hurt the sentiments of the majority community in Kashmir.

But in her next edition of statement she said that we are not empowered to provide safety to minorities, “how could we extend protection to minorities when we are ourselves being oppressed by Indian forces”.

Although, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, who has assured that every effort, would be made to provide adequate protection to Sikhs in the valley, seems to be bleak as one by one dozen of families had been migrated so far.

Meanwhile this incident was also up roared in both houses of Parliament, where the government said that they were committed to the safety of the Sikhs in Kashmir Valley where some Sikh families have reportedly received anonymous letters from extremists asking them to either embrace Islam or pack up.

Amid hollow claims of government, forged sympathies of separatists and unprecedented threatening letters, the Sikhs are at the grinding end and are raising question whether government is serious to provide them security or they have to leave like exodus of Pandits in 1990.

It is pertinent to mention here that with over 60,000 members, Sikh community is the single largest minority group in the Valley after Hindus fled in the early 1990s when the armed separatist war backed by Pakistan erupted in Jammu and Kashmir.

Dishonoring Sikh youth in Kashmir widely condemned
PS BALI

Jammu
Jammu Province People’s Forum (JPPF) an amalgam of more than fifty social organizations today expressed immense grief over the Tral incident, where a religious faith of a Sikh youth was dishonored by some anti social elements.

Present on the spot many political and non political organizations condemned the act and staged a protest, demanding stern action against the culprits involved in tragic incident of Tral, in south Kashmir on July 28.

Chairman, Jammu and Kashmir National Panthers Party (JKNPP), Prof Bhim Singh, praised Sikh fraternity for showing patience and for handling the mater pacifically.
He said that the Sikh fraternity of the state has symbolized the state of unity and brotherhood by keeping their cool. He demanded stern action against the culprits.

Appealing majority for the support, PP chief said that they should condemn such incidents; as such incidents are an attempt of some miscreants to disturb centuries’ old brotherhood and communal harmony in the state.

The activists of Nirbhow Nirwair Organisation (NNO), also organized a massive protest demonstration at Karan Bagh Chowk near Air Port road and strongly condemned the immoral act of miscreants who not only thrashed and humiliated the Sikh boy but also chopped his hair, which is against humanity.
Carrying the placards and banners written with J&K government “Hai Hai” the protestors also raised anti government slogans and burn effigies of coalition government.
The protestors of NNO termed coalition government as sheer failure in securing minorities.

NNO, president, Harjeet Singh said that the Sikh community is insecure under the present government which is not competent to give protection to the minority community.
Warning Government about the severe repercussions NNO president said that if government fails to punish culprits, they would launch state wide protests which would be dangerous for state and nation.
Taking a strong note of Tral incident, the state unit Bhariyta Janta Party (BJP) accompanied by members of Sikh community staged a protest at Kachhi Chowni and demanded stern action against the elements which are violating atmosphere of communal harmony.
State leader Rajesh Gupta said that the Sikh’s are living in different parts of Kashmir and had never tried to hurt religious sentiments of any other community. He added that during mass massacre of 1984, the Sikh community maintained their cool and had never maligned anybodies religious sentiments.

People’s Union for Civil Liberties J&K State, Convener, Balraj Puri, also condemned the assault on a Sikh youth and the sacrilegious act of chopping hairs by some miscreants.
“This attack is not on an individual but it is attack on the composite heritage of Kashmir’, he said, adding he is anticipating all the political and non political parties from both Jammu and Kashmir to come forward and support their brethrens from minority.

Strongly condemning the incident of hair chopping of a Sikh youth, National Sikh Front demanded centre government to remove the present chief minister, Omar Abdullah government as they have failed to secure minorities in the state.
In a press note chairman of national Sikh front, Varinderjeet Singh, criticized J&K government and its administration for taking things casually.
He said that on one side JK government is welcoming Kashmiri Pandits back to Kashmir providing them government jobs but on the same time they are handicapped to secure existing minorities of the state.
Singh said that it is a shame that such things can easily take place in the valley and the government acts like handcuffed and doing nothing.
Government doesn’t have any control over the situation,
Panun Kashmir (PK) expressed deep anguish and shock over the reported barbaric act of chopping off hair and disrespecting turban of a Sikh youth of Tral Village of Kashmir by an unruly group from majority community.
PK convener, Dr. Agnishekhar condemned the ideology of religious fundamentalism and brazen communalism of the forces responsible for such inhuman act.
This is second such incident after July 12, when in Gaddapora Tral, one Sikh school boy Amandeep Singh was also beaten by a similar unruly group of youngsters belonging to the majority and his hair was also chopped off.
This approach of the mob once again reflects the deceitful mindset of Jihadi forces with regards to minorities in Kashmir Valley.
Reports coming from Kashmir Valley reveal that entire Sikh community, who stayed in strife torn Kashmir, has suffered untold miseries at the hands of such forces for the last two decades. The culprits responsible for the Chattisingpora carnage, Chhaanpora killings are yet to be apprehended and prosecuted.
The reports of protests also poured from Udhampur City, where the members of Sikh community after assembling at Slathia Chowk, burnt effigy of government and thereafter reached at District Development Office (DDC) in the shape of rally, raising slogans against the administration.
Former Rajya Sabha member and vice president of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Sardar Trilok Singh Bajwa blamed National Conference led coalition regime for such incident.
Condemning the incident at Tral, Bajwa said that need of the hour is to maintain communal harmony and brotherhood in the State, which has been passing through a crucial time. “Government is not in a position to stop incident so it is responsibility of all sections of the society to come forward and to save the situation from further worsening”, he said.
On this occasion, SGPC Gurdwara Singh Sabha, president Amar Singh and Secretary, Gurudwara Kalgidhar, Gurmeet Singh Panchii submitted a memorandum to DDC, demanding stern action against the guilty party person and gave five days period to nab the anti-social elements

SMGS to have separate pediatric division

PS BALI

Jammu:

In a bid to develop advanced health system in the state, Minister for medical health, technical education, youth service and sports, RS Chib today inaugurated 150 bedded pediatric division at Shri Maharaja Ghulab Singh, (SMGS) hospital here.

The minister inaugurated special department in the presence of BJP state leader, Ashok Khajuria.

Talking on the occasion, minister said that after the opening of separate department for children, there would be less chaos in OPD and the patients would be relieved from long queues waiting outside OPD.

Owing to the state government’s support for lending helping hand in promoting health sector, RS Chib said “I am very much thankful to state government for providing funds for this very important project. Chief Minister is himself very much keen in the development of the state’s health sector,” he said, adding that from time to time, such kind of developmental works would take place.

The hospital has introduced separate department to tackle health problems of children’s, the division features, pediatric emergency room, social worker room, seminar room and general ward with 35 beds and two isolation rooms in ground floor. Whereas in first, second and third floor, the section carries 46 beds each, with two isolation rooms in each floor respectively, the first floor also has three operation theatres.

Besides, having services for the patients, the department also has separate rooms for doctors and nurses.

Pediatric department of the hospital took around four years for its completion with the estimated cost of Rs. 1937. 75 lakh. The construction work for the department was started in August 2005, and it accomplished in May 2009.

With the introduction of separate division for children, general public also expressed cheer.

“This is a good initiative to lessen the over crowded hospitals, it was very troublesome to carry sick children or newly born children amidst other patients, pertaining to the apprehension of infection, but due to separate division, at least hygiene should be maintained,” said Rakesh Kumar, attendant with patient.

Rise in water level cause of concern, no immediate threat of flood.

PS BALI

Jammu 

Due to the incessant rains in the upper region of Jammu the water level in the river Chenab has increased but there is no immediate threat of flood, official sources said today.

Sources said that water level in river Chenab has increased due to continuous rains for the past several days in the upper parts, but has not touched the mark of danger yet.

However, they said the water level is still several feet below the danger mark. State Flood Control department, which is continuously monitoring the flow of water, has announced no threat of flood till now.

“The current mark of water level on the metering Gauze is 28.1 ft which is far below the danger mark of 32- 35 fts, so there is no need of announcing flood intimidation,” said Flood Control official wishing anonymity.

He further said that they are keeping continue vigil of the water level, “We don’t want to create panic among locals of low lying areas by proclaiming precarious flood threat,” said he.

The flood control department is waiting for the appropriate time for the sounding of flood threats.

“The flood threat would be announced when the water level touches the mark of 32, and it would be sounded high alert when it reaches 35 fts. At present the fall in water level is expected as the level is already dropped from 30 to 28 fts,” said official.

The official also said that when water level touches the mark of 31 ft, they will declare the alert in the low lying areas of Pragwal, Jourian and Khour.

Which is presently uncertain and it is not the right time to announce flood alert as everything is going good and the mark of flood like situation is far away, we don’t want to create panic among masses, said official.

Though, there was no immediate threat of flood, but the divisional administration has geared up its machinery to meet any challenge.

“Yet we haven’t received any information regarding alarming flood like situation in any part of Jammu but keeping monsoon in consideration, we are all ready with machinery and man power to fight the crisis and to lessen the causality,” said DC, Jammu, M K Dwevedi.

He said that the administration is continuing monitoring the situation of the water level. “we are ready with contingency, all the control rooms are active and rescue boats, choppers and other live saving tools are ready fro any such crisis,” said he.

Last time the heavy flood was witnessed in 1992 when the water level crossed the mark of 36 fts, killing 220 people, destroying houses, agricultural land and disrupting road traffic.

“The flash flood of 1992 caused huge devastation in Jammu particularly in the low lying areas, the bridge at Akhnoor was also washed away during that flood,” said official, adding, the water level is fluctuating up and down, but precautionary measures have already been taken.