Final phase of "Display Your Talent" begins
Jyoti’s solo dance performance declared best

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Feb 12: The third and final phase of the inter-collegiate competition "Display Your Talent" being organized by University of Jammu (JU), commenced at Brig Rajinder Singh Auditorium here today.

Indian classical solo dance competition was held on the inaugural day of this phase. Jyoti Bangotra from Kathua campus of the university was declared best in the event for her mesmerizing performance based on "Geeta Updesh", extract from great Indian epic "Mahabharata".

Meanwhile, Priyanka Sharma from Government College for Women (GCW) Parade was adjudged second for her beautiful performance based on "Bal Krishna Leela". She enlivened the story of "Kalia Mardan" (River Yamuna and Kalia Nag episode).

The third prize in the category was declared in favour of Priyanka from GCW Gandhi Nagar, who impressed with "Tohre Tukre and Tatkar" etc.

Earlier, Dean Students Welfare, Dr. P S Pathania declared the final phase open. The event was compared by Vriti Uppal.

Those present on the occasion were Prof. N R Sharma, chairman Campus Cultural Committee, Dr. D S Bhau, Assistant Dean, Prof. R D Sharma, Rector Kathua campus, Prof. Shohab Inayat Malik, Asstt Dean, Vijay Atri, Asstt Dean.

Open FIR against officials of Horticulture Deptt

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Feb 12: Crime Branch has registered an open FIR against the officers and officials of the Horticulture Department for extending ‘undue’ favours to an industrial unit.

An official spokesman said that on the basis of specific inputs, the Crime Branch initiated enquiry during which it came to fore that an industrial unit under the name and style of M/s Kashmir Jam Industry, Samba was not purchasing raw material like apple from the Horticulture Department but receiving subsidy from the Government.

As such the owner of the industry was fraudulently receiving subsidy amount from Government. On the perusal of source report and preliminary verification report, prima-facie offence under different sections of RPC and Prevention of Corruption Act was established against the officers and officials of Horticulture Department.

After receiving permission from the Government, a formal case was registered for in-depth investigation and investigation entrusted to Inspector Rajinder Sharma.

Governor inaugurates international workshop in JU

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Feb 12: Tracing connection between mythology and science, Governor Lt. General (Retd) S K Sinha today said that the latter cannot totally ignore the former.

Inaugurating an international workshop on physics and analysis of hot and dense matter at University of Jammu this morning, the Governor while referring to mythological belief said that emergence of the Himalayas from the ocean. Scientists were today studying the Big Bang concept which led to the creation of the universe. They may find an element of commonality between their scientific findings and some mythological beliefs. He said that Homer's Idiyad describing the Trojan War used to be dismissed as mythology and poetic fantasy till recent archaeological excavations have established the historicity of that war, which over centuries had got embellished with mythology.

While dwelling on the topic, the Governor hoped that the participants at the workshop who have come from all over the world would deliberate elaborately on it during various sessions and will also get an opportunity to benefit from each other.

In his presidential address, Vice Chancellor, Prof Amitabh Mattoo cautioned against the possibilities of another big bang, which could destroy the universe. He stressed upon the scientists to constantly research and be aware of such possibilities.

About the workshop, Prof Mattoo said that this is a part of 'A Large Ion Collider Experiment' (ALICE) which aims at studying the behaviour of the moist elementary particles of nature, which make up the entire universe, under conditions of extreme temperature and pressure (Quart Gluon Plasma), as it may have existed a few moments after the big bang.

The Vice Chancellor said that the collaboration of the High Energy Group, University of Jammu with ALICE project is one of the first and the biggest achievement for the research of the Varsity. He said the Group has joined two more futuristic international collaborative experiments called Compact Baronic Matter (CBM) based at Facility for Antiproton and Ion Research at GSI, Darmstadt in Germany and also the Big Indian Effort called Indian Neutrino Observatory.

The workshop is being attended by a galaxy of scientists from across the world, prominent among them are Dr Jurgen Schukraft, Spokesperson for ALICE, Prof Bikash Sinha, Director, Variable Energy Cyclotron Centre, Kolkota and SAHA Institute of Nuclear Physics, Dr Rene Brun and Dr Fons Rademakers, the developers of the ROOT framework, Dr Tim Hallman, the spokesperson for STAR Experiment.

Prof Anju Bhasin, Convener of the Workshop welcomed the delegates and gave a profile of the event while Prof Naresh Padha, Head of the Physics Department dwelt on the objectives of the workshop.

The ALICE experiment has been going on for the past 15 years and University of Jammu has remained actively associated with it since its inception. In this experiment, very heavy nuclei at ultra high energies (approaching almost the velocity of light) will be made to collide in a particle accelerator called LHC (Large Hadron Collider) which has been specially designed for the experiment.

The collider facility exists at CERN (European Centre for Nuclear Research) in Geneva, which consists of a 27 kilometer long tunnel dug below the surface of the earth at an approximate depth of about 300 feet. This is the second largest project in the world after NASA Space Exploration Programme.

Doda migrants seek parity

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Feb 12: Seeking parity with the rest of migrants in the State, District Doda Migrants Committee held a protest rally in support of their demands here today. The processionists were led by Chairman of the committee, Suraj Prakash Raina.

The protest rally started from Mubarak Mandi and passed through the main bazar, Pacca Danga, Jain Bazar before concluding near civil secretariat where the protestors raised sloagans in favour of their demands.

Accusing the State Government of being resorting to delay tactis, Raina while addressing the rally said, "As many as seven hundred files were submitted with the State Government for finalizing the cases regarding relief, out of which only 31 cases stand matured so far."

Meanwhile, Raina threatened that the committee would go far hunger-strike incase Government fails to concede their demands.

Earlier, Raina urged Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad to personally intervene into the matter for the early redressal of their demands.

Training programme of NE Trade
Union Activists commences

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Feb 12 : Stating that working class constitutes prime human resource, Minister for Health and Medical Education and Labour and Employment Mangat Ram Sharma has stressed for safeguarding interests of workers to enable them to contribute optimally in National development.

He was addressing Trade Union activists of North-East states after inaugurating training programme at Katra today. The 5-day special training programme focusing on workers education and spreading awareness in the working class has been organized by Central Board of Workers Education under the aegis of Union Ministry of Labour and Employment.

Mr. Mangat said that workers have to play dynamic role to strengthen democratic values in the country as trade unions were one of the important components of democracy. "If Trade Unions are not strong democracy will not serve its true purpose", he maintained and added that worker plays most important role in making the nation economically vibrant and productive.

Mr. Sharma hoped that trade union activists participating in the training programme would enhance their knowledge and information and share their experiences among one another.

Zonal Director (CBWE) North zone V. R. Hanwate, Regional Director (CBWE) R. S. Jamwal, State President Trade Union Congress Subash Sharma and President Chamber of Commerce Ram Sahai also spoke on the occasion and threw light on the interests and rights of labour class.

BJP demands immediate supply of ration,
relief to snow hit people

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Feb 12: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) today demanded that immediate efforts should be made to provide the ration and relief to the snow hit people in Doda and Kishtwar districts, the maximum areas of which are cut off from the rest of the State due to heavy snowfall.

Talking to reporters here, today, BJP leader Incharge Doda district Anil Parihar, Koshal Kotwal, incharge Bhadarwah Constituency, Basant Raj Thakur, vice president, Kishtwar and Rajesh Gupta demanded immediate supply of ration and fodder to the snow hit people in these districts.

They also demanded on spot assessment of losses and financial package for construction or renovation of damaged houses, release of salaries to SPOs, VDCs and Ex-servicemen who have been appointed as VDCs, their appointment in J&K Police, construction of towers at safer places, supply of free ration for three months to the drought hit people as already announced by Chief Minister and probe to find out the reasons responsible for frequent damaging of power towers in the area.

They said the people in the twin districts are facing lot of hardships due to lack of essential commodities and there is a famine like situation in the area.

The Government should ensure immediate supply of ration and relief to the people in the far-flung areas of Paddar, Marwah, Warwan, Dachan, Chatru, Thakrai, Saroor, Bunjwan and Kishtwar, said Anil Parihar.

He also alleged that the SPOs and VDCs performing the duties on higher altitudes are at the verge of starvation as the Government has failed to pay salaries to them for last five months.

Babu Singh visits snow bound areas in Doda, Bhaderwah

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Feb12: Power Minister Babu Singh today visited Doda & Bhaderwah to have on-the-spot assessment of damage in affected areas and to monitor efforts being made by the administration for restoration of supplies, services and communication.

MLA, Abdul Majid Wani, DC Doda K A Bhat, Chief Engineers of PHE, PDD & R&B departments, Director CAPD and other district civil and police officers accompanied the Power Minister.

Mr. Babu Singh took meetings of the officers at Doda and Bhaderwah. The Power Minister exhorted upon officers to revitalize the efforts to reach out to people in distress. He said the focus should be now on to reopen the link roads in these districts to ensure restoration of supplies. It was informed that Doda Bhaderwah road has been cleared of snow and Gandoh Bhallesa road shall be restored within 4 days.

DC was directed to expedite the restoration work on all the roads and to involve Rural Development Department in restoring connectivity in far flung areas. The officers were asked to take help of the department as well as village level disaster management committees.

Mr. Babu Singh directed authorities for air dropping of the food grains, blankets and medicines in these areas. He met snow-hit population at Doda and Kishtwar to obtain direct feedback from the affected people and took meetings of prominent citizens at Doda and Bhaderwah.

It was informed by PDD officers that power supply in Kishtwar town has been fully restored by charging of Thathri receiving station. In Doda town also, power supply has been restored fully. In Ghat and Pul Doda areas, power supply situation has improved lot. Prem Nagar receiving station has also been fully charged now. Power Minister directed officers to procure and store material required for repairs/restoration works in advance.

Govt adopting delaying tactics in
passage of Shrines Bill: KPs

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Feb 12: Expressing serious concern over the delaying tactics adopted by the State Government in passage of Kashmiri Hindu Shrines and Religious Places Bill, the Management Committee of Durga Nag Trust, today alleged that the State Government was buckling under the pressure of New Delhi in this regard.

The Government should bring the Bill immediately to ensure the protection of over 700 religious places of Kashmiri Pandits from Banihal to Uri said, President of the Trust, P N Takoo while talking to reporters here, today along with senior KP leader, A N Vaishnavi who is also the member of the Trust, Dr O P Nakhasi and Mrs Prem Lata Bakshi its other members.

They demanded that world famous Sharda Temple in Pak Occupied Kashmir (PoK) be also brought under the purview of the new law. "If these places of religious faith and heritage are to be preserved, passage of the Bill is imperative", they added.

Mr Takoo in an appeal to Chief Minister, Ghulam Nabi Azad demanded that an immediate session of State Legislature be summoned to pass the Bill.

Expressing concern over the plight of the displaced Pandits he demanded an employment package for the community youth for their return to Valley. He also demanded employment package for those KP youth who have not migrated from Valley during turmoil.

Giving a clean chit to the Trust and its management, Mr Vaishnavi said no property of the Trust has been disposed off after P N Takoo took over as its president. While terming all allegations in this regard baseless, he said the Trust has created valuable assets in Kashmir and Jammu during his tenure as president.

He said the yearly budget of the Trust is now five times more as compared to the period before Mr Takoo’s taking over.

The Trust later through condolence resolution expressed profound grief and sorrow over the demise of K P Sabha chief and senior KP leader, TN Khosa and veteran journalist, P N Jalali.

Army provides tents to Bakerwal, Gujjars

Excelsior Correspondent

REASI, Feb 12: As a part of Operation Sadbhavana, Counter Insurgency Force (Uniform) of the Army organised a function and distributed tents among the poor members of Bakerwal and Gujjar community here today.

General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the Reasi based Uniform Force, Maj Gen P C Panjikar was the chief guest at the function while Deputy Commissioner Reasi, Sanjeev Verma was the special invitee. A total ten tents were provided to the nomad families.

While speaking on the occasion, the GOC said that realising the difficulties faced by this community during migration as well as their stay in hilly and plain areas, these tents are being provided to them. He also stressed the members of this community present on the occasion to provide good education to their children. Several other army and civil officers besides prominent Gujjar/Bakerwal leaders were present.

The DC lauded the initiative of Army authorities. He also appreciated the development projects taken in hand by the Counter Insurgency (Uniform) Force for the civilian population of the area in district Reasi. He appealed the local population to extend full cooperation to the Civil Administration and the army in maintaining peace and harmony in the area.

Don't confine youth in shell: Governor

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Feb 12: Governor Lt. General (Retd) S K Sinha today lamented attempts of confining enterprising youth of Jammu and Kashmir in a shell while rest of the world was looking towards Mars and Moon.

In an interaction with a group of students from Degree College, Kupwara here this afternoon, on their return from Seir-e-Wattan under Operation Sadhbavna, the Governor said that some elements with vested interest had a purpose in raking up the bogey of separate nation to further their agenda.

'Thinking in these myopic terms will do good to none but retard the growth of the youth of Kashmir, who have now got wide vistas of opportunities waiting them in this competitive world', General Sinha observed when a student, while narrating his tour experience, said that after the tour he felt like a chic out of an egg shell.

Dwelling on the historical background of Mughal monuments, which the students visited, the Governor said that the Mughals assimilated and became a part of great Indian Nation. He said "we are all proud of the monuments and legacy they bequeathed for posterity", adding "the City of Srinagar too is blessed with the magnificent grandeur of Mughal gardens".

The students observed that apart from visiting places, they were highly impressed by the discipline and affection of the Indian Army, which had organized the trip and said that it inculcated a spirit of self-confidence in them.

The Governor said that the record of Indian Army in tackling terrorism has remained far superior to other armies facing the same situation in other parts of the world, adding "Our security forces have been carrying out their difficult task in the State in a most commendable manner. Whereas helicopter gunship and artillery, causing extensive damage are being freely used in Baluchistan, Wazirstan, Iraq and Afghanistan, there has not been a single instance of the use of such weapons in Jammu and Kashmir'. He also referred to the seizure of Hazratbal by ultras and how the sanctity of the shrine was restored without causing damage to it.

General Sinha advised the students to aim high by acquiring knowledge, which he termed was the key to progress and prosperity.

Kranti Dal warns Thackeray brothers, stages demonstration

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Feb 12: Kranti Dal has strongly criticized the Shiv Sena leaders Raj Thackeray and Udau Thackeray for instigating Shiv Sainiks against the people of North Indian states staying in Maharashtra and terrorizing them.

Warning the Sena leaders to desist from such activities, the Kranti Dal president, Anan Sharma said such an act has sent wrong signal throughout the country. Demanding the arrest of the duo, he said the Sena leaders were doing this all for cheap politics which will have serious repercussions.

He alleged that North Indians in Maharashtra are beaten, looted and their properties damaged at the behest of Raj Thackeray and Udhav Thac-keray. They are also forced to leave Maharashtra which will not be tolerated by the patriotic Indians.

Mr Sharma said this way the duo were supporting the cause of terrorists who are hell bent to create a dissension among the people of India to disintegrate the nation.

He said the Maharashtra can only be strong once India is strong and united and no body will be tolerated to disintegrate the nation how powerful he may be.

Demanding the immediate arrest of the duo, he suggested them to shun the cheap vote bank politics and apologize for their inhuman and anti-India activities. He urged them to behave like true Indians and think of national unity and integrity.

Criticizing the Maharashtra and Central governments, he said both remained silent spectators to the happenings in Maharashtra and till date have failed to initiate action against the duo.

Later the Kranti Dal activists staged a demonstration at Bikram Chowk in protest against the Thakeray brothers and shouted slogans against them. They warned that their action will not be tolerate at any cost.

Those who addressed the demonstration included Ranjit Singh Bali, vice president, Kranti Dal, Pretam Sharma its city president, Vikram Singh president, Youth Wing and its general secretary, Rajinder Singh.

Charak reviews status of higher education in Valley

Excelsior Correspondent

Srinagar, Feb 12 : Nearly Rs. 14 crore stand utilized on the construction of recently opened 6 new Degree Colleges in the valley so far this fiscal. These include Rs. 3.27 crore on Women’s College Sopore, Rs. 2.57 crore on Degree College Bandipora, Rs. 1.78 crore on Degree College Pattan, Rs. 2.57 crore on Degree College Dooru and Rs. 1.78 crore each on Degree Colleges of Beeru and Budgam.

This was stated at a high level meeting of officers of higher education chaired by Minister for Higher Education Gulchain Singh Charak at Women’s College Srinagar today to review the scenario and status of higher education in the valley and discuss measures to upgrade and streamline it further.

The meeting, among others, was attended by Commissioner Secretary Higher Education, Pramod Jain, Director Colleges Professor N.D. Wani, Registrar, University of Kashmir and Controller Examinations besides all Principals of Degree Colleges of Kashmir division.

The meeting deliberated upon the different academic and administrative issues and reviewed progress of under construction college buildings.

The Minister impressed upon the participants to put in their best to upgrade the academics to make it in tune with the urges and aspirations of the students. He urged all stake holders for better and greater coordination to make the educational scenario of the state more result oriented. He also emphasized for timely declaration of results of all classes, re-evaluation and all other activities.

During the meeting, a committee was constituted to formulate a uniform academic calendar for the colleges.

Later, the Minister visited Budgam to review progress on under construction Degree College there. The College complex is spread over 65 kanals of land and is coming up at a cost of Rs. 3.30 crore. Presently, 80 students are on roll in this College.

On the occasion, the Minister directed for early completion of the College building and said that approach road would also be constructed for which estimate should be drawn up.

PK for consolidation of homeland forces

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Feb 12: Panun Kashmir (PK) in its meeting here, today, held under the chairmanship of its convenor, Dr Agnishekhar took the stock of various political developments in the state.

The meeting was attended by the recently constituted interim body led by Daya Krishen Koul. The meeting, took serious note and exception to the statements of some leaders for creating confusion among the community.

Dr Agnishekhar, while criticizing them said these leaders are preparing for elections without any ideological basis. He said unless basic problem of exodus is addressed by the Government, elections have no meanings for Kashmiri Pandits.

He said it is high time that all homeland forces should consolidate and take strong measures to prevent mushrooming of leaders and organizations.

He said the P K recently constituted Interim Body under the presidentship of Daya Krishen Koul which took a review of the organization and decided accept the resignation of Moti Koul from the basic membership of the PK.

It also warned those parties and individuals who are trying to dilute the KP opinion and homeland.

The meeting among others was attended by Pran Koul, Roop Ji, Ashutosh, C P Koul , Shadi Lal Bakshi, Virender Raina, Ramesh Raina, Omjee, Kamal Jee, Baljee Marhatta, Sudesh Dhar and Rajesh Dhar.

BCFI flays Govt, set to launch united struggle

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Feb 12: Backward Classes Federation of India (BCFI) has strongly condemned the coalition Government in the State for ignoring OBCs, SCs and STs and asked members of all these communities to launch a united struggle in support of their demands.

In an emergency meeting of the Central Executive Committee of the Backward Classes Federation of India (BCFI), held here today under the chairmanship of Nek Ram Dofara, the members discussed the future programme and policies to be adopted by the body after holding fresh elections on Feb 17 (Sunday).

The Central Executive finalized the date of elections and agenda of the meeting and discussed various burning issues concerning the backward classes in view of the coming assembly elections in the State. The Federation analyzed critically the situation and plight of common man during the reign present Coalition Government in the State.

The speakers in the meeting alleged that Congress-PDP alliance has miserably failed to implement most demanded Mandal Commission recommendations implemented in entire India except Jammu and Kashmir state. The present ‘Coalition’ has deprived the OBCs from enjoying the fruits of reservation as per Mandal Commission recommendations. The members strongly condemned the stance of the present government.

They appealed the members from OBC, SC and ST communities to launch a united struggle and exert maximum pressure on the Government for the implementation of Mandal Commission Report in the state.

K C Raina, Bua Ditta, K L Basotra, Madan Lal, Tilak Raj and H L Verma also spoke on the occasion.

Gharu lays foundation of road

Excelsior Correspondent

R. S. PURA, Feb 12 : Minister of State for R&B Ch Gharu Ram has said that Azad-led Government was making tireless efforts to connect every remote and far-off village with nearest district headquarter.

He was addressing public gathering at Sai Moil in Suchetgarh after laying foundation of a link road from Bullah Chak to Sai Khurd.

Ch Gharu Ram said that on the completion of link road, 20,000 souls of Sai, Bullah Chak, Trewa and Nikowal villages would be benefited. He asked the R&B engineers to complete it speedily within stipulated time frame. He asked them to use quality material in development works.

Large number of locals from Sai Khurd, Nikowal and Trewa met the Minister and projected their problems including construction of Bullah Chak-Nikowal and Sangral-Mungral village link roads, upgradation of Govt. Primary school Sai Khurd, establishment of seeds, fertilizer depot at Sai, Tube Well at Sai, repair and renovation of interior lanes, drains and nallahs of Sai, Nikowal and Bullah Chak villages, stoppage of un-scheduled power cuts, pension to widows, old aged and handicapped.

Responding to the demands, he asked the R&B authorities to prepare estimate for construction of Bullah Chak-Nikowal link road and Jora Farm-Nikowal bridge and submit for funding so that works would be started soon.

JURSEA delegation calls on DAA

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Feb 12: A delegation of Jammu University Research Scholars Executive Association (JURSEA) today called on Dean Academic Affairs (DAA) Prof. B P S Sehgal and apprised him about the problems of newly enrolled Ph.D scholars.

The delegation led by JURSEA president, Vikas Sharma apprised Prof. Sehgal that newly enrolled scholars were not being registered due to which they are unable to avail hostel facility and also deprived of using library, as proper registration is being done only after Board of Studies meet. But, that period is proving out too long for them, he added.

He asked Prof. Sehgal to ensure that all the enrolled scholars must be provided identity cards and be allowed to avail hostel as well as library facility, before the completion of formal procedure.

Prof. Sehgal agreed upon the demand of scholars and has assured to issue the order in this regard to all the HoDs within a short period, as stated by JURSEA president.

Those who were the part of delegation included Anuradha Goswami (chairperson), Sajjid Hussain (joint secretary), Rakesh Chib etc.

HC quashes dismissal of cop

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Feb 12: Justice Mansoor Ahmed Mir of State High Court today quashed the dismissal order of a police constable.

The petitioner cop Abdul Majid was dismissed from the service on February 4, 1994 after some militants stormed Police Post Narbal Bridge, Srinagar on the intervening night of July 27 and 27, 1993 and snatched the weapons of the petitioner and other police officials manning the post.

After hearing Advocate M A Bhat appearing for the petitioner and AAG B S Salathia appearing for the State respondents, Justice Mansoor Ahmed Mir observed: "There is nothing on the official record as to who conducted the regular enquiry, who were the witnesses and when they were examined as required in terms of Rule 359 of J&K Police Manual", adding "had the enquiry officer examined the witnesses then their statements would have been on record".

In the judgement, Justice M A Mir further observed: "It is beaten law of the land that services of Government employee cannot be terminated without any regular enquiry. Rule 359 of J&K Police Manual mandates how to conduct a regular enquiry and how to dismiss a police official from the service".

"In the given circumstances of the case, the impugned order is quashed with a liberty to the respondent to conduct fresh enquiry, the Court further said", adding "if enquiry is not conducted then the petitioner is not entitled to any monetary benefits right from dismissal order till today". However, it will not be termed as a break in his service for other service benefits including pension.

With these observations, Justice MA Mir disposed of this petition.

BJYM leader inaugurates day care clinic

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Feb 12: Sangrash Educational and Health Care Trust opened the charitable day care clinic at Lower Roop Nagar Muthi.

The clinic was inaugurated by the Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM) state vice president, Mukesh Sharma.

Appreciating the efforts of the Trust, Mr Sharma said the people of the surrounding areas will get free medicare services from the health clinic. Besides the testing facilities will also be provided to the patients at nominal charges.

Addressing the function, chairman of the Trust, Ravinder Koul said the day clinic has also been provided with a laboratory. He said doctors who are specialists in various fields will provide their free consultation to the patients daily.

Among others Mahesh Dhar, vice chairman of the Trust, its secretary, Sunil Mahnoori and ex MLC B L Bhat attended the function.

ASC building, computer lab inaugurated by VC

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Feb 12: The renovated building of Academic Staff College (ASC), University of Jammu (JU) was inaugurated by Vice Chancellor Prof. Amitabh Mattoo in a function, here today.

He also inaugurated the newly established computer laboratory of the college. The laboratory, which has been established in the General Zorawar Singh Auditorium Complex, has 24 computers with LAN connectivity. It would be used by teachers, who will attend refresher courses, and also by the university teachers.

Speaking on the occasion, the VC appreciated ASC for providing quality training to teachers and academic administrators. A memento was also presented to Prof. Mattoo by Director ASC, Dr. P S Pathania on being nominated for prestigious Padam Shri award. Assistant Director, Ranjit Kalra was also present on the occasion.

Those who attended the function included Prof. B P S Sehgal, Prof. G S Sambyal, Dr. Minakshi Kilam, Prof. Desh Bandhu, Prof. Lokesh Verma, Dr. D L Choudhary heads of various departments and others.