Kashmir
carpet industry reeling more due to cheating
than recession
From Aamir Khan
SRINAGAR,
June 21: While
the Kashmir carpet industry continues to suffer
owing to the global economic recession resulting
in low demand and competition from lower priced
rugs made in other Indian states, many a
businessman and exporters feel there are many
local factors as well responsible for the slump
in the sector.
Not maintaining
proper quality of the carpets, presence of cheats
who dupe their customers by selling semi-silken
and low-knot rugs as silken and high knotted
ones, and selling carpets at unreasonable prices
are the other reasons which have affected the
industry adversely outside the Kashmir valley and
abroad apart from the economic meltdown which has
had a bearing on almost every business across the
world.
Imtiyaz Ahmad,
whose Kashmiri handicraft business is spread in
various European countries, said many people
associated with the trade cheat their customers
abroad and foreign tourists who buy Kashmiri
carpets here or in other states.
"Sometimes
staple is sold as silk and low knotted carpets as
high knotted…this has given our industry a
bad name and it is important to maintain a high
quality so that our customers keep their trust in
us," he said.
Asserting that the
Kashmiri carpet can still give a tough
competition to the Persian carpet if high quality
is maintained and if people do not sell low
priced rugs as the expensive ones, Imtiyaz said
the carpets properly woven here can match the
quality of the precious Persian rugs and also
offer the same at comparatively lower prices in
global markets.
"Since we use
the same technique that is used in Iran, we can
offer the same high quality at lower prices
abroad. However, we need to maintain a high
quality and the businessmen have to be fair in
their dealings," he said.
Imtiyaz also said
the carpets which are made in other Indian states
are sometimes sold as Kashmiri carpets and that
too has affected their credibility.
Irfan Nabi, a
Kashmiri businessman based in Malaysia and the
Gulf who deals with carpets and other
handicrafts, said there is a need to introspect
before we blame external factors.
"Before
pointing a finger at outside carpets or extrinsic
factors, carpet industry and people dealing with
it have to look within because the problems arise
within and so are the solutions," he said.
Irfan also alleged
that some people associated with the sector
"bluff" their customers and said at
times carpets are not sold at competitive rates.
"Overpricing,
not making carpets at competitive market ranges,
bluffing buyers within and internationally is
bound to get the industry tainted," he said,
adding "over pricing is rampant and their
idea is to make the maximum profit while selling
a carpet or two rather than sustainable
development and the overall market growth."
Irfan said the
Persian carpets are in demand even during the
recession and they have not been as badly hit as
the Kashmiri carpet as they do not compromise
with quality.
"Or course,
the impact is there over Iranian carpets but they
are still in demand even in recession. But they
(Iranians) do not go for the kill and they have
maintained their high standards as they are
highly priced too," he said.
Vice
President given rousing welcome at Kargil
Excelsior Correspondent
KARGIL,
June 21: Vice
President Mohammad Hamid Ansari was given a
rousing welcome when he arrived at Kargil today.
He took stock of various developmental works
being executed in the district. Governor, N. N.
Vohra and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah
accompanied Ansari during the visit.
It is the
first-ever visit of any Vice President of the
country to Kargil district. After his arrival
here, Ansari met with various deputations of
religious, political and social organizations and
enquired about the development projects underway.
The deputations, which called on the Vice
President, included those of Members of the
Legislative Assembly and Ladakh Autonomous Hill
Development Council (LAHDC), Kargil, Islamia
School, Imam Khomeni Memorial Trust and Buddhist
Association, Kargil and leaders of various
political parties.
The deputations
presented their demands to the Vice President,
which included construction of a tunnel across
Zojila Hill, up-gradation of Kargil Airport,
initiation of air service for Kargil, opening of
Kargil-Skardu Road for transporation, transfer of
Karbathang land to civilian administration and
shifting of present firing range to another
place.
A deputation of
Sub division, Zanskar, led by Executive
Councillor, Punchok Tashy, also called on the
Vice-President and put forth their demands.
The Vice President
listened to the demands of the deputations and
assured that these would be look into.
Earlier, on his
arrival, the Vice President was given a warm
welcome by the Chief Executive Councillor, LAHDC,
Kargil, Kacho Ahmad Ali Khan, MP, Ghulam Hassan
Khan, Legislators, Qamar Ali Akhoon, Feroz Ahmad
Khan and Syed Ahmad, Divisional Commissioner,
Kashmir, Masaud Samoon, IGP, Kashmir, Dr. B.
Srinivas, Deputy Commissioner, Kargil, Satesh
Nehru, besides, various officers of the army and
civil administration. Local artistes also
welcomed the Vice President in their traditional
way at the airport.
Mr Ansari
addressed the soldiers outside the airport and
lauded their valour. He was escorted in a motor
cavalcade and brought to the Kargil Circuit
House. The road was adorned with colourful
banners and buntings and the students were waving
national flags on both sides of the road to
welcome the Vice President.
Two
killed in accidents
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU,
June 21: Two
persons were killed in road accidents while as
body of Pul Doda road accident victim was
recovered from Chenab today.
Police spokesman
said that one Jagat Ram, son of Basant Ram,
resident of Jagatpur in Kathua was hit by a truck
near Shahidi Chowk in the town here last night.
He was moving along the road when the mishap took
place. He reportedly died while being shifted to
hospital. The driver escaped from the spot.
In yet another
accident, one Suman Devi, wife of Bua Dass,
resident of Dinanagar (Pb) was killed near
Lakhanpur late this evening. She was traveling on
motorcycle with her brother-in-law, Devinder.
Their bike was hit
by a truck. While Suman died on the spot,
Devinder was removed to hospital with serious
injuries. His condition was stated to be out of
danger when reports last came in.
Meanwhile, body of
one Suram Singh, son of Chandu Lal of Rokali, who
was drowned in an accident on June 7 at Pul Doda,
was recovered from Chenab river at Chakri Nullah.
The body was,
later, handed over to family members for last
rites.
SKIMS
opens maternity service at Bemina hospital
Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR,
June 21: Sher-e-Kashmir
Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS), has
started maternity service at its Medical College
Complex, Bemina from today.
Informing this
here, Director, SKIMS, Dr. Abdul Hamid Zargar
said the Chief Minister had issued instructions
during the SKIMS Governing Body meeting on May
25, 2009 to start the Obstetrics &
Gynaecology Department at SKIMS Medical College
Bemina to cater to the needs of the people in the
area and its catchment.
Dr. Zargar said
labour-room and other services have been made
operational at the hospital and doctors in the
discipline of Obstetrics and Gynaecology have
been placed. He said the department will be
further strengthened shortly.
Jammuites
may get relief before rainy days
Govt releases Rs 30 cr for repair
of roads
By Gopal Sharma
JAMMU,
June 21: The
Jammuites are going to get a little relief before
the on set of rainy season as Government has
released Rs 30 crore for the repair of roads
which have been dug for laying sewerage pipes in
many parts of Jammu city.
Agencies like
Economic Reconstruction Agency (ERA), UEED and
NBCC have been engaged in various parts of Jammu
city for laying sewerage pipes and in the
construction of nallas. In the process several
roads including Ambphalla, B C Road, Rehari,
Talab Tilloo, Kanak Mandi, Prem Nagar, Gumat,
Gandhinagar besides many other localities have
been badly damaged. Unfortunately, the agencies
concerned failed to take up the restoration work
on the roads damaged during the process of laying
pipes, on time.
While the agencies
concerned raised the plea that no such provision
of funds in the project has been kept for the
repair of roads, the people of many city areas
were left to suffer for months together as no
repair work was taken up on these patches. Large
potholes have been created on the roads where
rain water accumulates and the vehicular traffic
experiences tough time. The residents are also
facing lot of problems in view of the delay being
caused in the repair of roads. Worst is the
condition in Ambphalla, Talab Tilloo and B C Road
areas.
Commissioner,
Jammu Municipal Corporation, Mubarik Singh when
contacted said that people of the temple city
will have little relief as Government has
released Rs 30 crore for the repair of roads
damaged during sewerage pipes laying activity in
city. He said though city needs more money for
the restoration work, yet the amount released
will be used for the repair of roads. The agency,
R&B will execute the restoration work and
hopefully, the job will be completed before the
onset of rains in most of the localities.
Responding to
another question, Mr Singh said the restoration
work in the lanes and by-lanes here may take some
more time as the sewerage pipes are yet to be
given lateral connections. This exercise is time
consuming. The people will have to bear this all
for seeking development in the city. Not only in
Jammu, this process is going on in many other
cities of the country, he maintained.
Mr Singh said that
Mayor JMC and he himself took up the issue
vigorously with the Government keeping in view
the sufferings of the people. Restoration work is
essential immediately after pipes are laid. The
agencies engaged on the job expressed their
inability to carry on restoration work. The State
Government realising the difficulties took a
decision in the cabinet and released some amount
for the JMC to take up the task. He said the work
in the lanes will be executed by the JMC and the
demand of funds has been projected with the
Government for the same.
Natrang
stages new play ‘Tere Jaisa Koi Kahaan’
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU,
June 21: A
new experimental Hindi play ‘Tere Jaisa Koi
Kahaan’ was presented here today at Natrang
Theatre Studio under its weekly theatre show
series.
The play was the
product of a theatre workshop conducted by a
student of National School of Drama, New Delhi,
Sunita Raina. All the participants were put to a
situation where they were encouraged to conceive,
write, design, direct and act in a performance.
Director Natrang
Balwant Thakur said, "this is unique and
amazing way of infusing creativity in an artist.
In such an instant process, one can find visible
results of an artist’s creative exploration,
grooming and artistic growth".
The play revolves
around the tragedy of a woman who represents the
majority of women today. Three stories, one each
of a girl, a bride and an old woman are woven
together in such a manner that it exhibits the
whole life sketch of the woman who at every stage
of life lives for others and hardly finds time to
live for her own self.
The artists who
participated in the play included Mohit Sharma,
Rohit Verma, Rahul Singh, Hemant Bholla, Tajasvi
Sharma, Pratibha Heer, Rajesh Mehta, Priya
Bhardwaj, Sona Mehar, Rajani Bhatti, Tamanna and
Vikas Verma.
The lights of the
play were designed and executed by Gaurav Jamwal
and the show coordinated by Mohd Yaseen and
Pankush Verma did the presentations.
After the play
Sunita Raina dwelt in detail about her training
process and exchanged views on the latest
developed techniques of actors training.
Polythene
Manufacturers, Traders Association
demands rehabilitation
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU,
June 21: Expressing
its deep anguish and concern over the manner in
which the authorities are enforcing the ban on
polythene bags, the J&K Polythene
Manufacturers and Traders Association, said this
has totally snatched the bread of the people
involved with this trade.
Talking to
reporters here, today spokesman of the
Association, Rakesh Gupta said the act banning
the manufacturing, sale and use of polythene bags
by State Legislature was passed in a haste as no
objections were invited from public, particularly
those who are involved in this trade.
Even no debate was
held in the State Legislature, although it took
two years to State Government to frame the rules
for implementing the ban.
He said by
enforcing the blanket ban on the manufacturing,
sale and use of polythene bags, the Government
has made our position worst than militants.
"Even the dreaded Pak militant Kasab who is
involved in last year’s attack on Hotel Taj
in Mumbai was provided a lawyer to fight his case
but it is an irony that we were deprived of any
opportunity to plead our case", he added.
He said the
Government should have taken the unit holders
into confidence before passing the act. "We
would have definitely cooperated with the
Government and were ready to shift to other trade
provided a rehabilitation package would have been
announced for us", he added.
Moreover, instead
of blanket ban, it would have been better to
enforce it in phased manner to provide time to
unit holders to shift to other trade, he said.
Gupta also
demanded that Government should allow the traders
and distributors of polythene bags to liquidate
the old stock as it has affected the bread and
butter of 50 manufacturing units of polythene
carry bags in Jammu alone providing livelihood to
20,000 people. Their livelihood has been snatched
in one go. Moreover, Rs 100 crore invested by the
unit holders is totally in jeopardy, he added.
Terming the ban a
discrimination with people of Jammu, he said all
the polythene manufacturing units were existing
in this region and not in Kashmir. Had it been so
the Government would not have come with such a
quick decision, he added.
Accepting
locus standi of Pakistan on Kashmir
dangerous: Chrungoo
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU,
June 21: A
seminar on handling Jammu & Kashmir: Contours
& Implications was organised by Panun Kashmir
(PK) at Press Club here, today.
The seminar was
presided over by Dr Ajay Chrungoo, chairman PK.
He deliberated upon the various aspects of
handling of J&K by the Government of India.
During the seminar a debate was also held on
Pakistani dimension and India’s response,
especially the Track-2 channels.
The others who
spoke on the occasion included, Prof Hari Om,
Prof Dipankar Sengupta, Ex DGP, M M Khajuria,
Prof Keshew and journalist, Sant Kumar Sharma.
Senior vice
president, PK, Shailendr Aima, moderated the
discussion while the vote of thanks was proposed
by Kuldeep Raina, general secretary, PK.
Dr Ajay Chrungoo
expressed concern over some impressions emanating
from different quarters in India and about some
sort of settlement between India and Pakistan
over J&K issue.
He opined
"linking of the resolution of the Jammu
& Kashmir issue with improvement in situation
in Pakistan and J&K is a dangerous formation.
Accepting the locus standi of Pakistan on Kashmir
tantamounts to failure of secular vision of
India. Such an approach provides the destructive
energy that would propel the Jehad perpetually in
Kashmir as well as in Pakistan. It would mean
succumbing to the communal blackmail," he
added.
Prof Hari Om said
for resolution of Kashmir issue first Pakistan
has to be resolved as it (Pakistan) continues to
be involved in terrorist activities. First it
intruded in Kargil, followed by attack on
Parliament and then attack in Mumbai. Pak needs
to be told in clear terms either behave or be
prepared for action, he added.
Opposing special
treatment and status for J&K, he said it
should be brought at par with other states of
country. He rejected the suggestions of some
opinion makers advocating self determination for
Kashmiris. This is nothing except the vote bank
politics and Muslim appeasement, he added.
He said under the
prevailing situation the reorganization of
J&K state has become imperative and it is the
only solution to all problems.
WWEA
flays PHE Minister for anti-employee stance
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU,
June 21: Water
Works (PHE) Employees Association of Jammu
province has criticised the Minister for PHE Taj
Mohi-ud-Din for his alleged anti-employees
policy.
Addressing a press
conference here today Som Nath, secretary PHE
Water Works Employees Association strongly
criticised the authorities concerned for turning
a deaf ear to the pending demands of the workers.
He condemned the
Minister for the new transfer policy and alleged
that Class IV workers are being put to harassment
and the order has been issued in violation of
Government order.
He pointed out
that most of the field staff in PHE department
working as Helper designation does not come under
SRO-43. They can not get service benefit of the
SRO as per Government rule. Many technical
employees have been kept in the cadre of Helper.
Their designation should be fixed as per their
nature of job. They should also be given pay
benefit of Essential Services. There is severe
shortage of staff at several stations and pumping
centres. Adequate staff be appointed to run new
water supply schemes.
The trade union
leader further demanded that uniform wage policy
be adopted for the workers of Kashmir and Jammu
regions. It is unfortunate that Jammu workers are
being provided just Rs 500 per day for the same
job for which Kashmiri workers are getting Rs
2100 per month which is great injustice. He
demanded Rs 150 per day for the daily rated and
consolidated workers.
Vijay Luthra,
president Non-gazetted Employees Association and
Pranav Shagotra, president CP Workers body also
spoke on the occasion.
Time
for honorable, dignified resolution
of
Kashmir issue: Mehbooba
Excelsior Correspondent
Srinagar,
June 21: Stressing for meaningful and
substantial measures to redress the grievances of
the general masses, People's Democratic Party
(PDP) President Mehbooba Mufti has said that
Jammu and Kashmir had suffered too long and it
was now time for an honorable and dignified
resolution of the problem.
Addressing a
public meeting at Wakoora in Ganderbal today to
carry forward the party campaign for revocation
of AFSPA and demilitarization of civilian areas,
Mehbooba said violence and political instability
in the State had caused deep scars and resulted
in countless tragedies. It was therefore
necessary for the leaders of South Asia to
display a higher degree of statesmanship to reach
out to the people here in pursuit of lasting
peace, she added.
Mehbooba said it
was the belief of her party that in order to
create an atmosphere conducive to resolution,
substantial measures to restore the confidence of
people in J&K were unavoidable. "And
nothing more meaningful could be thought of than
allowing people to live their life without the
intruding presence of security forces who are
empowered even to kill without any
accountability", she stressed.
Referring to the
party’s campaign against the draconian laws,
PDP president said it was a welcome sign that
even those who had initially ridiculed the demand
as "hollow slogans" had now fallen in
line. Even the Working Groups constituted by the
Prime Minister had endorsed the demand, she said
and added that it was now a political and moral
responsibility of the Prime Minister to implement
the recommendations.
Mehbooba said that
people of the State had emphatically rejected
violence as a means of their political struggle,
but that should not be taken as a license to push
the problem once again under the carpet. The
Union Government, she said, should respond to the
faith we reposed in democratic process through
substantial measures as the time for mere
promises and consideration had passed.
"Nothing short of revoking AFSPA and
demilitarization of civilian areas could signal
seriousness of Government’s intentions to
solve the problem once for all", she added.
Speaking on the
occasion, former Deputy Chief Minister and senior
party leader Muzaffar Hussain Baig said that his
party is committed to play a role of responsible
opposition but at the same time the issues
confronting to the general masses will be
highlighted and vigorously fought for. He said
that the campaign against the draconian laws and
withdrawal of troops lunched across the State is
gaining movement with the large participation of
the people.
Molvi Iftikar
Hussain Ansari, Mohammad Dillawar Mir, Aga Sayeed
Mehmood and Qazi Afzal spoke on the occasion.
3-day
Agri Science Congress from today
Excelsior Correspondent
Srinagar,
June 21 : "It
is the first time that Agriculture Science
Congress with a theme "Technological and
institutional innovation for Enhancing
Agriculture Income" is being held in Jammu
and Kashmir and will focus on several strategic
issues and identify critical bottlenecks, so as
to formulate recommendations concerning
technological and institutional innovations and
the role they will play in socio economic
transformation of the rural population".
This was stated by
Vice Chancellor, Sher-i-Kashmir Agricultural
University of Science and Technology, Prof. Anwar
Alam here today while briefing the media persons
about the programmes of the 3 days Agriculture
Science conference being held from June 22, 2009.
Director General
ICAR and president NAAS, Dr. Mangla Rai was also
present on the occasion. He said that this 9th
Agricultural Science Congress is being held in
this back ground that scientists, academicians,
research managers and policy makers can make a
significant contribution in this endeavour taken
for increasing production and productivity with
reduced unit cost of production.
He said nearly 600
delegates from all over the country are expected
to participate in the mega event and focussed
attention of Congress would be document
technological options which are cost saving and
income augmenting in different agro eco-regions
and socio economic environments, review the
emerging innovative institutional arrangements
and prepare an action plan that may accelerate
adoption of promising technologies besides
empowerment of farmers through institutional
arrangements Mr. Alam said that scientific
discussions and debates will facilitate
formulation of an action plan and road map
towards achieving growth in agriculture sector
and enhanced income and prosperity for our rural
populace.
14 teams
constituted for migratory livestock
Excelsior Correspondent
POONCH,
June 21: Sheep
Husbandry department Poonch has constituted 14
teams of its field staff to monitor and provide
first aid medicare to sheep flocks of private
breeders, who have migrated their livestock to
alpine pastures of Jammu province and Kashmir
valley, during the current summer. Besides, they
have to ensure health of Government rams issued
to sheep breeders.
These teams will
install their first aid camps at respective
places of duty from June 25 to August 10.
Sufficient stock of first aid and medicines has
been issued to all the teams. They have to
discharge veterinary services like dosing,
vaccination, dipping and other related treatment
to live stock, at high land pastures.
In case of
outbreak of epidemic among livestock, these teams
will have to inform the district Sheep Husbandry
officer immediately for taking remedial measures.
Meanwhile,
District Sheep Husbandry Officer, Poonch have
sought co-operation from his counterparts in
other districts of the State to co-ordinate with
the field staff deployed by him to monitor
healthcare of sheep in highland pastures, falling
in their territorial jurisdictions.
Open
Chandanwari track as soon as possible: SSH
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU,
June 21: Shiv
Sena Hindustan (SSH) has demanded that more
facilities be provided to Amarnath yatris and
traditional Chandanwari to holy cave track be
opened as soon as possible.
This demand was
made by SSH national chief, Pawan Gupta, while
talking to mediapersons here, today along with
Dimpy Kohli, state president of his Party.
He expressed
concern over denial of permission to yatris who
have made their registration via Baltal track to
stay in the Jammu Yatri Bhawan. This has forced
many pilgrims to return to their home states
without performing darshan at holy cave, he
added.
Mr Gupta said
these yatris be permitted to halt in Jammu Yatri
Bhawan and allowed to leave for the darshan of
holy cave via Baltal track.
Expressing concern
over the difficulties being faced by Amarnath
bound yatris, he said the pilgrims reaching Jammu
in the morning be allowed to enter the Yatri
Bhawan at the same time and they should not be
forced to stay outside under open sky upto 2 pm
in scorching heat.
He also criticised
the Shri Amarnath Shrine Board (SASB) for
charging Rs 25,000 from the social and
philanthrophist organizations coming from other
parts of the country for installing free langers
for Amarnath pilgrims and demanded that this
practice should be stopped immediately.
Criticizing the
People's Democratic Party (PDP) supremo, Mehbooba
Mufti for interfering in Amarnath yatra and
demanding its curtailment to 15 days only, Mr
Gupta warned her not to interfere in religious
affairs of Hindus.
"Health
cum Awareness Mela" at Hamirpur
Excelsior Correspondent
RAJOURI,
June 21: The
Bhimber Gali (BG) Brigade of Army today organized
a "Health cum Awareness Mela" at
Hamirpur, a remote area along the Line of Control
(LoC), here.
The camp was
inaugurated by Commander BG Brigade. The mela was
organized for the villagers of Ramluta, Bhurti,
Kanga, Dhargalhun, Chappardhara, Golota, Sasuta,
Dabbi forward, Basuni, Panjani, Sohala, Sandot,
Balakot and Dharati.
The camp covered
all aspects of the lives of the people, including
medical attention of people and animals,
immunization to children and advice on
agriculture and horticulture.
Army doctors along
with five specialists, including lady doctors,
and other medical staff from District Hospital
Rajouri provided treatment to the villagers. Free
treatment of animals was also provided by
veterinary doctors at the location.
A total of 300
men, 150 women and 200 children got benefited
from the camp. Also, 50 children were immunized
besides, 100 cattle were given medical care by
the veterinarians during the camp.
Girl
commits suicide; boydrowns
Excelsior Correspondent
Srinagar,
June 21: A
girl committed suicide, a woman died under
mysterious circumstances and a boy drowned in a
pond in separate incidents in Kashmir valley, a
police spokesman said here today.
A girl, Ruby Jan
daughter of Nazeer Ahmad, consumed some poisonous
substance at her home at Mohripora in Achabal
area of Anantnag district. She was shifted to
district hospital Anantnag where she died, the
spokesman said.
He said police has
registered a case in this regard.
One lady, namely
Kousar Jan Daughter of Mohmmad Maqbool Dar
resident of Aloosa Bandipora, was found dead
under suspicious conditions at Mughal Mohalla in
Chattabal area of the city, he said.
The spokesman said
Jan was putting up alone in the house falling
under police post Bagiyas and was reportedly
mentally unsound. Police has initiated proceeding
under section 174 CrPC to ascertain the cause of
death of the woman.
A teenaged drowned
in a pond at Chandigam in Lolab area of Kupwara
district while taking a bath in the waterbody,
the spokesman said.
He said Ishaq
Ahmad son of Khazir Mohammad Najar drowned while
taking bath in a pond. His body was fished out
and handed over to his legal heirs.
Police Station
Dooru recovered on an unidentified male dead body
at Botagund in upper forest reaches, falling
under the Jurisdiction of Police Station Dooru,
Anantnag district. Police has initiated
proceedings under section 174 CrPC in this
regard.
SIE and
DIET are more or less defunct, feel educationists
Innovation has no place in our
education system
By Devender Padha
JAMMU,
June 21: In
a State like ours, where there is an urgent need
to have innovations in the teaching methodology,
particularly at the middle school level, to
uplift the educational standard of the students,
strangely, there is no place in the existing
system for those persons who are ready to
volunteer themselves for the cause.
S S Dhani, 64, a
retired Superintending Engineer, is a live
example of this case. At his age, when most of
the people prefer to spend life with comfort and
ease, he is spending time in evolving different
ideas to simplify the Scientific and Mathematical
concepts for the sake of students especially
those who are poor in studies. But, ironically
our system only appreciates his innovative
teaching methodology but, hesitates in adoption
of the same.
Er Dhani had
evolved an innovative method to teach the
concepts of Science and Mathematics through
pictorial slides as he realized through his
experiences that most of the students basically
fail to understand the problems in these subjects
which lead to their failure in the examinations.
He even took the
classes in several remotely situated schools of
Doda and Rajouri districts where, he used the
pictorial slides with the help of projector to
teach the students and largely succeeded in his
attempt. Interestingly, the pass percentage in
those schools recorded a sudden jump in Matric
examinations.
After his
retirement from service, Er Dhani made several
presentations on "Teaching through Visual
Aids/ Colored OHPs" at institutions like
Central Institute of Education Technology (CIET),
universities, colleges, schools and even higher
ups of Education Department to attract their
attention towards his concept.
Ironically,
everybody admitted that teaching through
pictorial method could be of great use and
appreciated his endeavour but, none of them put
in efforts to institutionalize his ideas which
can actually bring revolution in the field of
Education.
Er Dhani has
prepared nearly 4000 pictorial slides/ visual
aids covering almost all the concepts of
Mathematics and Science of 9th and 10th standard
to help the students in understanding the subject
problems more comprehensively. Now, with the
revision in the curriculum of 9th and 10th
standard he is confronted with the task of
preparing new set of slides.
According to Er
Dhani, most of the students particularly, those
who are from poor and weaker sections; and
residing in the remote areas, possess the desired
level of intelligence to understand the
Mathematical and Scientific concepts but, they
fail to interpret the problems mentioned in
English. So, it’s important to teach them
pictorially.
"In our
State, where most of the students reside in
remote areas and have least educational
facilities, it’s imperative to have such
innovations in the teaching methodology. I
guarantee that if my method is adopted the
average pass percentage in middle class and
matric examination will cross the 80 percent mark
which is just 40 percent now," he quipped.
Interestingly, the
Education Department has full fledged
institutions in the shape of State Institute of
Education (SIE) and District Institute of
Education and Trainings (DIET) at provincial and
district levels respectively to train the
teachers on the latest methodology and techniques
of teaching but, most of the educationists feel
that these institutions are more or less defunct,
as a result of which Govt schools continue to
show poor results.
Leading
educationist Prof Lokesh Verma, who is HoD
Education, University of Jammu (JU), also feels
that our education system is far behind in terms
of enhancing the learning capacity of students
through effective teaching aids.
"It’s a
proven fact that teaching aids are useful in
making students more attentive. It also helps in
sequential teaching and with that the learning
capacity of students increases. But,
unfortunately due to several factors the desired
is not being done which is affecting the
education system," Prof Verma expressed.
Even, the great
Chinese philosopher Confucius had also emphasized
on the theory of innovative teaching that "I
hear and I forget; I see and I remember; I do and
I understand." As a result of which, China
has one of the strongest education systems in the
world.
Arora
accuses PDP of befooling people
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU,
June 21: Bharatiya
Janata Party (BJP) spokesman, Ramesh Arora today
accused the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)
leadership of befooling the people of Kashmir for
its political gains.
Reacting to the
speech of PDP supremo, Ms Mehbooba Mufti which
she made while addressing a workers rally here,
yesterday, Arora said the PDP chief was least
bothered for the genuine aspirations and burning
problems being faced by the people as her address
was confined to PDP’s old slogan of
demilitarization, joint currency and revocation
of Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA).
The BJP leader
asked that why Ms Mufti did not utter a single
word over the poverty, unemployment, inadequate
supply of ration, delay in regularisation of
daily wagers, water scarcity, increasing power
cuts, non payment of wages to the employees of
various departments, problems faced by
industrialists in Jammu region, dilapidated
condition of roads, lanes and drains, problems
faced by VDCs and inadequate health care
facilities etc.
Questioning Ms
Mufti’s interference in religious affairs of
Hindus, he said Mehbooba Mufti is no authority to
decide over the Swami Amarnath yatra period.
He said Mehbooba
is not concerned about the problems and
sufferings of common people and her only one
point agenda is to defame the security forces.
While every nationalist salutes the belt forces
and recognises their sacrifices, people like Ms
Mehbooba play politics over the sacrifices of
armed forces, he added.
Connect
Nandani, Seora villages
This is to bring
to the kind notice of the CM that Nandni and
Seora villages being situated just at a distance
of about 7 kilometers from General Bus Stand,
Jammu are without road connectivity even after
lapse of 61 years of Independence. This is an
isolated part of Jammu city and is located on the
right bank of the river Tawi near Training
Institute Revenue Department. At present there is
a population of about three thousand people
around these villages who are facing hardships
without having the facility of any road
connectivity for approach. As a result, these
people face multiple problems in these localities
due to non existence of any road and other
related developmental activities. Especially, the
school going children do not have easy access to
their schools which are situated apart from these
villages without having road connectivity.
Presently, mule tracks and foot paths are being
put to use by these villagers which become
extremely troublesome, especially during the
rainy seasons. Direct communication of these
villages with rest of the Jammu parts by means of
transport facility such as matador or any other
motorable means is a distant dream for this
neglected lot of population. Moreover, there is
no sanitary provision in these areas which
further aggravates the problems of the
inhabitants.
It is pertinent to
mention here that about two year ago Jammu
Development Authority (JDA) had invited
applications for the allotment of small sized
plots for Low Income Group over a stretch of land
located nearby Nandni and Seora villages. It has
been given to understand that in accordance with
the proposed plan laid out by the JDA authorities
there was an envisaged provision of a main road
about 30 feet wide which could connect Seora and
Nandni villages. Now, almost one and half year
have elapsed but no action has yet been initiated
in accordance with the envisaged plan for
allotment of small dimension plots to the Low
Income Group category of people. Instead the
encroachment are being made by the nomads in the
area who have constructed and raised unwanted
hutments over the entire Govt. land earmarked and
proposed for colony wherein provision of road
alignment is being proposed to provide
connectivity to the already existing villages.
In light of the
submission made above, it is earnestly requested
to the CM to personally intervene and issue
speaking instructions to the concerned
authorities for construction of road to provide
connectivity to the inhabitants of Nandni and
Seora villages.
H. L. Langeh
On behalf of
Nandni and Seora inhabitant
Advertise posts for RETs
There are many
schools in Reasi that are working without
adequate staff. There was no subject teachers,
particularly Science and Math available to teach
students. The students as such suffer. The CEO
Reasi has invited applications for Math, Science
subjects, but has neglected candidates of Arts
stream for reasons known to him.
It may be pointed
out here that all subjects taught in schools are
necessary. One subject can’t be neglected at
the cost of other. It is therefore requested to
the CEO is advertise posts for such subjects as
well. This will provide an opportunity to those
candidates as well who are presently unemployed.
Besides, it is requested that P/S Majarkund,
Baana, Hassote be upgraded to increase the
literacy rate in the area.
Sonu Kumar.
Mahore
About road berms, cambers
In road
engineering side berms, camber, grade, super
elevation, side drains and crib stones are as
important as the main road crust. Any road
without these things cannot survive even a single
rainy season. It seems that in recent times it
has lost that importance. Every thing has changed
why shouldn’t this.It is yet another victim
of negligence. It is also important that these
side berms and drains are properly maintained.
Not long ago there used to be coolies to look
after the berms and drains all along the roads.
They are found nowhere these days.
As for as
construction or maintenance of roads is concerned
it is entirely left to the mercy of contractor
and the road roller operator. There is absolutely
no technical supervision worth its name. Had it
been there the camber could not have taken the
reverse shape of a bowl, side berms could not
have become barrow pits or dumping sites for
dismantled material of buildings and garbage.
It is a clear case
of total negligence on the part of Departments
like roads and buildings, JMC, JDA and the like.
It has become virtually impossible to walk along
the road sides even for a small distance even in
dry weather, what will be the plight of
pedestrians during approaching rainy season, only
they may know.
It is therefore
requested to the concerned minister to issue
necessary instructions to the concerned officers
to follow the get guidelines, while constructing
roads.
The Trikuta Nagar
roads are also the victims of this carelessness.
Hope the authorities would look into this
problem.
N. K. Kaw
Secretary,
Residents Welfare
Society
Sector 6 Trikuta
Nagar.
Redress Sunderbani
grievances
Sunderbani has
been facing many problems, and these problems
were highlighted time and again before the
authorities, but the same have not been redressed
by the authorities sofar. The Joint Action
Committee once again raises these demands for
redressal through this medium. The demands
include:-
*A new District
with the Headquarters at Siot (Sunderbani) for
Sunderbani, Nowshera and Kalakote a common place
falling on the National Highway Jammu - Poonch to
be sanctioned.
*A Degree College
(Co-education) needs to be sanctioned for
Sunderbani tehsil. It was agreed to by the then
Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad in the public
rally held at Sunderbani on 19.04.2007.
*A separate
Sunderbani Assembly constituency needs to be
created, sanctioned for the development of
tehsils Sunderbani.
*The 30%
population of other five tehsils i.e. Akhnoor,
Reasi, Budhal, Kalakote and Nowshera also depends
on Sub District Hospital Sunderbani for Medical
facilities and the same needs to be upgraded as
Distt. Hospital. Besides a Blood Bank and a Truma
(Center) provided there.
In the light of
Wazir Commission report recommendations, some
area of Tehsil Akhnoor and teshil Reasi was to be
attached with the Sunderbani tehsil and the same
to be attached very soon.
Master Shamsher
Singh,
BD Sharma,
Mirza N. A.,
Chain Singh
(On behalf of
Joint Action Committee Sunderbani and Rajouri)
Remove signboard near
Nagrota
Sometime back a
signboard displaying ‘Srinagar’ was
installed at Nagrota bye-pass to divert traffic
coming from Jammu via Jagti route, as the main
road (National Highway) was undergoing some
repairs. Since then the signboard continues to be
there misleading drivers coming from other
states. After travelling some distance, these
drivers have to come back to be on the right
track, causing them great inconveniences, besides
loss of precious time. To avoid such confusion
among the drivers, it is requested to the
concerned agency to remove the board immediately.
Rahul Mahajan
Nagrota
Clean lanes, drains
The lanes and
drains in Chakkiwali Gali Old Janipur remain
blocked as no one cleans them. As such water
spills on to the roads causing inconvenience to
residents. The authorities were informed about
this, but no action has been taken so far. We
again request them to look into the matter and
redress the grievance.
Raj Kumar
Chakki Wali Gali,
Old Janipur.
Khajuria
Biradari elects new body un-opposed
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU,
June 21: The
office bearers for Khajuria Biradari (Shri Bawa
Ambo Samarak Committee) were declared unopposed
today on account of withdrawals by the opponents.
The members who
were elected unopposed included Ajit Khajuria as
president, Sudershan Khajuria and Yashpal
Khajuria as vice presidents, Anil Khajuria as
general secretary, Ajay Khajuria as joint
secretary, Sourabh Khajuria as organizing
secretary, Sudhakar Khajuria as Stock Keeper and
Bodh Raj Khajuria as treasurer.
This is the third
term of the committee which has been elected
un-opposed. All Biradari members have appreciated
the working of the committee and work done by it
for development of Devsthan.
It may be recalled
that election were slated to be held on June 28
but on account of withdrawals the new body was
announced unanimously.
VDPC
holds meet
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU,
June 21:
Vitasta Devsthan Prabandhak Committee (VDPC)
Veerinag in its Executive Committee meeting here,
today held under the chairmanship of H N Pandita
has denied that it was involved in the sale of
land belonging to the Vitasta Asthapan or Geeta
Bhawan Veerinag.
The meeting, while
reacting to various reported statements made by
some KP organizations in this regard, said the
Committee supports any probe in this regard. It
however clarified that after the constitution of
VDPC on October 29, 2006, one sale deed of walnut
produce for the year 2008-09 and some damaged and
fallen trees of Vitasta Ashram was made by it for
a sum of Rs 16000. The money thus received was
deposited in the account of VDPC, it added.
The meeting among
others was attended by Moti Lal Kaul, Mahraj
Krishan Raina, Bansi Lal Bhat all vice presidents
of the Committee, Tej Krishan Raina and R K Bhat.
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