Graduation ++ course through evening classes soon: Dr Sharma

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Nov 17: Undergraduate students will soon have the option of undertaking a three year Graduation++ Programme through evening classes.

This was disclosed by Dr G D Sharma, Head, Higher Education, Unit, National Institute of Educational Planning and Administration and president Society for Education and Economic Development while addressing a press-conference here today.

"The course is being offered by the Society for Education and Economic Development, New Delhi and Graduation ++ course will be aimed at development both in subject application in Information Technology and Management", Dr Sharma disclosed and said that the course would be undertaken after normal college hours and on holidays.

According to Dr Sharma, the main objective of the programme would be to provide students with a better perspective of the different facets of a job and to help them in handling the same. "Students would be provided guidance to improve their communication skills, would be made better equipped to prepare for competitive exams and would be sensitised to the social concerns and issues of national development", he added.

The programme, Dr Sharma said, would be modular and each module will consist of self-study hours and project work in equal measures and added that the total duration will be 720 hours a year for certificate course, 1440 hours for two years for advanced certificate course and 2160 hours for three year diploma/degree certificate. The programme will be delivered through print, delivered as well as through internet and through personnel contact hours.

Evaluation will be carried out after each module and will be based on the outcome of learning, he said, adding students will be required to develop a portfolio of contact hours, self-learning, project and fieldwork. "They will present the work before the Board of Examiners, who will evaluate the students on their understanding, organisation and critical evaluation to grant them grades", he further said.

The first year modules will include information technology skills, foundation course in science and technology, foundation course in humanities and social science, elementary mathematical skills, logical reasoning, overview of management concepts, introduction to values and workshop on these skills.

Srinagar Leh road to re-open today for rushing supplies to Ladakh:CM

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Nov. 17: Srinagar-Leh Road shall re-open tomorrow to facilitate despatch of winter supplied for Ladakh region. The Border Roads Organisation has closed the highway yesterday as per their schedule for winter.

Re-opening of Srinagar-Leh road been ordered on the instructions of Chief Minister, Mufti Mohammad Sayeed. These instructions were given when he was informed by Minister of State for Rural Development Haji Nissar Ali that the process of despatching winter supplies for snow bound region has not been completed yet and in the absence of adequate winter stocking of essential commodities at Kargil and Leh, the people of the region would face enormous difficulties during winter when the road remains blocked due to heavy snowfall.

Sharing the concern of the Minister who also represents Kargil constituency, the Chief Minister immediate asked the Defence authorities to relax their schedule as a special case and keep the road open till the first snowfall to enable the administration to rush the remaining quantity of winter supplies. The Border Roads Organisation agreed to the Chief Minster's request and decided to re-open the road till the first snowfall.

Meanwhile, taking serious view of the laxity in not completing the process of building sufficient winter stocks of supplied in time the Chief Minister asked the concerned authorities to mobilize all resources and rush the balance supplies so that the people of Ladakh region are not put to any hardship during severe winter on this account.

Annual day function held at Army School, Domana

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Nov 17: Army School, Domana celebrated its annual day function in which various cultural programmes were held.

According to a press release, chief guests on the occasion were Brig C B Thapa and Mrs Prabha Thapa. The function was started with lighting of Panchdeep followed by Saraswati Vandana. The children of nursery school enthralled the audience with their colourful dances. A series of items including Bengali dance, Marathi dance, patriotic songs and skits were highly appreciated by the parents and the guests. The grand finale was the dashing Bhangra by senior students. The annual school magazine ‘Prairna’ was released on this day. The trophies for the year round activities held at inter house level were also awarded to the winners. The day ended with prize distribution function ceremony and vote of thanks by the Principal, Dr Renu Gupta.

Prof Mattoo’s appointment as JU VC hailed

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Nov 17: Some student organisations and University research scholars have welcomed the appointment of Prof Amitabh Mattoo as new Vice-Chancellor of Jammu University.

According to a release issued by Doda Joint Students Federation, a general body meeting of DJSF was held today under the chairmanship of Mr Kuldeep Manhas wherein the appointment of Prof Mattoo was hailed.

The meet hoped that appointment of a Professor of international repute as JU VC, has added new dimensions to the credibility of the University.

The meeting was attended by Yudhveer Singh, Sham Singh, Shahid Saleem, Shahid Mahmood, Rabia Javaid, Suman Sen and K D Singh.

All Jammu and Kashmir Gujjar Students Federation has also hailed the appointment of new JU VC. In a meeting of the Federation, held today, the Gujjar students hoped that Prof Mattoo will work for the betterment of students community in Jammu University, said a release.

Senior research scholars in JU, Mr Lok Sevek and Dauood Iqbal Baba have hailed the Governor Mr Girish Chandra Saxena’s decision to appoint Prof Mattoo as the Vice-Chancellor.

In a press statement, Loksevek and Baba stressed that Prof Mattoo was the best candidate to run the administration of Jammu University.

Rajouri gets additional Rs 4.50 cr for development works

Excelsior Correspondent

Jammu, Nov 17: Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed today sanctioned additional allocation of Rs. 4.50 crore for early completion of some of the ongoing development works in district Rajouri. With this, the total availability of funds for the current year’s annual plan for the district has gone up to Rs. 53 crore, including unspent balance of Rs. 4.31 crore of centrally sponsored schemes for the last year.

Chairing the joint meeting of State Cabinet and District Development board at Rajouri, the Chief Minister asked the District Development Commissioner and other officers to ensure speeding up the pace of development immediately and ensure proper utilization of funds so that the benefits of development accrue to large number of population.

The Chief Minister provided Rs. 50 lakh for augmentation of drinking water supply for Rajouri town while another Rs. 10 lakh were provided for upkeep of district hospital at Rajouri. A sum of Rs. 22 lakh was provided for renovation of Gujjar and Bakerwal Hostel, Rajouri besides Rs. 50 lakh were provided for repair of electric transformers in the district.

The Chief Minister also ordered that 13 bridges in the district would be completed during this year and Rs. 93 lakh were sanctioned for the purpose. Similarly, Rs. 10.85 lakh were provided for water supply scheme at Siot.

The Chief Minister ordered that round the clock uninterrupted power supply be ensured to Shahdara Sharief Shrine and a fire station be set up there. He also given instructions for opening of a health centre at Shahdara Shrief.

Mr.Sayeed said that modalities would be worked out for appointment of engineers on contractual basis on the pattern of Rehbar-i-Taleem and Rehbar-i-Sehat programmes in the State shortly.

The Board decided that the number of inmates of Pahari Hostel will be doubled from 30 to 60 and a detailed proposal for the purpose will be formulated shortly. Two more coal mines would be opened in Kalakote area.

Similarly, two mechanical sub-divisions would be opened, one each at Nowshera and Kalakote. Four new Higher Secondary Schools, one in each constituency, would opened in the district while primary school at Parhan would be upgraded to middle school level. An amount of Rs. 10 lakh was provided as additionality for taking up horticulture activities in the district in view of its vast potential for this sector.

The Deputy Chief Minister, Mr. Mangat Ram Sharma stressed the need for starting the works on priority basis.

The Social Welfare Minister, Mr. Mula Ram said that Bal Ashram building would be completed at Budhal soon.

The Minister for Rural Development, Peerzada Mohammad Sayeed said that 90 panchayat Ghars are being constructed in the district under 10th Finance Commission Award out of 160 panchayat ghars.

The Minister for School Education, Mr. Harshdev Singh stated that 13 new primary schools would be opened in the district having two teachers each in the first phase while 200 education centres have been planned for Rajouri district in the first instance. Rs. 4 lakh each will be provided for construction of 13 school buildings.

The Minister of State for Works, Mr. Nawang Rigzin asked the officers to formulate small projects under district plan for early completion thereof.

The Vice Chairman, Gujjar and Bakerwal Development Board, Haji Buland Khan also participated in the discussions.

Mirza Abdul Rashid and Ch. Talib Hussain, MPs, Mr. Rashpal Singh, Mr.Puran Singh, Mr. Mohammad Aslam Khan and Dr. Romesh Sharma, MLAs and Mr. Nazir Ahmed Mir, MLC putforth several demands and developmental needs of the district.

The Principal Secretary, Planning and Developmental, Mr. Vijay Bakaya , Divisional Commissioner, Jammu, Mr. Anil Goswami and senior officers were present.

Earlier in his welcome address, the District Development Commissioner, Rajouri, Mr. K.A.Khan gave a resume of development works in the district.

Malhi inaugurates head office of RET at Digiana

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Nov 17: To inaugurate the head office of Ranjit Educational Trust, an impressive function was held in which Mr I S Malhi, chief secretary J&K Government was the chief guest. Mr Rangil Singh, ex-Minister, Prof Davinder Singh, Head of the Department, Punjabi Department University of Jammu and Mr Prithpal Singh Betab, Director Stationary were the guests of honour.

While speaking about the role of education in building up the social values Mr I S Malhi emphasised on the need of the standardisation of education. He criticised commercialisation of education on the whole and congratulated the Ranjit Educational Trust trustees for their sacrifice and commitment towards the upliftment of the society through serving it by providing education to all. He appreciated the aims and objectives of the Ranjit Educational Trust and hoped that Trust will help a lot to provide free education to below poverty population also.

Mr Manmeet Singh Amn, while presenting aims and objectives of the Ranjit Educational Trust said that new regimes have new brain waves. He said that RET was established to impart best education by introducing the new curriculum frame work which takes full of the requirements of schooling and learning and ensured that it would respond to social cultural and economic needs of the people.

Prof Davinder Singh and Prithpal Singh Betab also spoke on the occasion while Mr Ranjit Singh Amn, chairman of the Trust presented vote of thanks.

Bitta demands withdrawal of Congress support to J&K Govt

LUDHIANA, Nov 17: Former Punjab Minister and Chairman of All India Anti-Terrorist Front Maninderjit Singh Bitta today asked the Congress to withdraw its support from the Jammu and Kashmir Government led by Mufti Mohammad Sayeed since the latter had come to power with the support of Valley-based terrorists outfits.

Addressing a press conference here today, Mr Bitta alleged that Mr Sayeed had been planning to release the dreaded terrorists who were arrested by the army and police jawans after putting their lives at stake.

He predicted that Mr Sayeed would prove another Bhinderwala and the centre should keep a close watch on his activities.

He further resented the proposal of the Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister of disbanding ‘Operation Group’ constituted by the defence forces to counter the terrorists activities.

Mr Bitta announced that his front would hold a demonstration in front of Jammu and Kashmir house located in New Delhi on November 23 in protest against the decision of Mr Sayeed to release 100 militants from jails. He said the Kargil conflict widows would also take part in the proposed demonstration.

He also announced that front would organise anti- terrorist week from December 12-20. (UNI)

NEWS ANALYSIS
Mufti acts, Delhi cautiously reacts

Excelsior Political Correspondent

JAMMU, Nov 17: Known for his laudable cultural level, Mufti Mohammed Sayeed, Chief Minister of the beleaguered State of Jammu and Kashmir, may not be forced to be rough and tough in his dealings with the powers-that-be in New Delhi.

Taking the situation as it is, cultured Mufti has reason to be satisfied with the cultured Prime Minister. Even the Deputy Prime Minister, Mr LK Advani, a hardliner though, too, demonstrated his good cultural level while analysing, and commenting on, a set of measures initiated by the People’s Democratic Party (PDP)-led coalition.

These measures, which significantly also included the release of political detainees in a phased manner, were ordered immediately after Mufti Sayeed put on the mantle of Chief Ministership.

Mr Advani has been for the past some time handling Kashmir affairs directly. No wonder, some political adversaries of Mufti Sayeed literally prayed for emergence of some kind of hiatus between the Vajpayee Government and the PDP-led coalition in J&K. These adversaries started floating speculative reports about the Centre’s "displeasure" or "dissatisfaction" over the Mufti’s action after the BJP president, Mr Venkaiah Naidu, and general secretary, Mr Arun Jaitley, voiced reservations on the release of some militant leaders, including Mr Yasin Malik.

Anti-Mufti lobby,however, suddenly received a jolt, if not a major reverse, when Mr LK Advani, considered as Union Government’s main voice on Kashmir, decided to ensure better relationship between the Centre and the new Government in J&K. Mr Advani took the anti-Mufti lobby within his own party (BJP) by surprise when he made it abundantly clear on Friday at Ranchi that the Centre would provide "all assistance" to the new Government headed by Mufti Sayeed.

"All assistance" for carrying out the Government’s task against terrorism and for stepping up developmental works in the troubled State, Mr Advani clarified. The Deputy Prime Minister obviously wanted to offer a few suggestions on how the Mufti Government should proceed. Intriguingly, some elements sought to give currency to the report that Mr Advani did send a veiled warning to the Congress and the PDP.

Mr Advani knows it well—and he has, in fact, acknowledged umpteen times—that law and order is a State subject. True, Jammu and Kashmir has gone through hell and fire all these years as a result of Pakistan’s ‘proxy’ war. This hard reality is taken due cognizance of by both present Home Minister (Mr Advani) and former Union Home Minister (Mufti Sayeed), the latter currently going about as the Chief Minister.

But Mr Advani, or for that matter the Prime Minister himself, did not, all these days since the installation of the PDP-led Government in J&K, try to adopt ‘Big Brother’ attitude towards Mufti Sayeed. Tendering advice is one thing; issuing warnings, open or veiled, is another.

If Mr Advani voiced his feeling that the people of the country were watching and evaluating the governance in J&K, it did not, in any way, constitute "veiled" warning, as interpreted by a section of the media.

A thing, made public by Mr Advani at Ranchi, was confirmed days before by the Congress and PDP leaders. Hence, neither the J&K PCC chief, Mr Ghulam Nabi Azad, nor the Chief Minister, Mufti Sayeed, seemed surprised by Mr Advani’s observation that the PDP, as a regional party, "is answerable" for its decisions to the people of J&K, while the Congress, a national party, "is answerable" to the entire nation.

If a section of vocal leaders of the BJP, including the party chief, Mr Venkaiah Naidu, chose to criticise the Mufti Government’s move culminating in the release of a set of militant leaders and in the reiteration of utterances in support of "unconditional" talks with all sections of the State population, including separatists, it was obviously for political considerations in Gujarat, which will go to the crucial Assembly polls on December 12.

In other words, the BJP’s poll strategists, who also include Mr Venkaiah Naidu, would like to convey that the Congress, which is a partner in the J&K ruling coalition, is "soft" on terrorism. Will this message work for BJP in Gujarat in the coming days? And will such a message also work in Jammu region, where the BJP as a party is woefully scattered, if not in a shambles?

Spirituality alone can uplift humanity: Krishna

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Nov 17: The Spiritual Awareness Society celebrated its 21st annual foundation day at Prade Ground here today.

Addressing the congregation, Dr K Krishna , founder president of the society and its spiritual leader, said that self-realisation is essential for the better of mankind. In the strife-torn world the religion should be a binding force to cement hearts and attain spiritual upliftment.

Dr Krishna said that religions have divided the people and bred fundamentalism and communalism. The politicians, he stated have also not lagged behind in creating the atmosphere of hatred and intolerance as a result of which the world is sitting on a volcano.

He said " only spirituality the science of soul can fill this void to save the world from annihilation as spirituality upholds Manav Dharma which essentially is human values with universal spirit of peace and love". It firmly believes in the omnipresence of the same soul in one and all, emanating from one and only one transcedent source of supreme consciousness known as Almighty.

Dr Krishna asked the religious and political leaders to serve the masses.

The Spiritual Awareness Society preached that chanting of Aum holds key to integrated development of the people.

Mr Ajay K Sadhotra, secretary-general of the society spoke about the activities and achievements of creating spiritual awareness among the masses over the past 20 years.

Ms Shoba Singh and Sudesh Kumari Sharma expressed their experience in the spiritual field and sang devotional songs. Others who also spoke on the occasion included: Mr Prithvi Chand, ex-MLA, Mr Satish Sahni, Mr Jugal Kishore Raina, Prem Sharma and Dr Satish.