Excelsior Sports Correspondent
SRINAGAR, June 11: Saying that upgradation of sports infrastructure and promotion of sports activities across the State is among top priorities of the Government, Minister for Housing, Horticulture and Youth Services and Sports, Raman Bhalla has said that Government has taken up several projects and programmes in hand to provide appropriate platform to the budding talent of the State, so that they are able to exhibit their skill and potential at national and international level sports events.
The Minister was speaking after inaugurating a Division/District Office Complex of Youth Services and Sports (YSS) at Gogjibagh here today.
Mr Bhalla also said that sports activities play pivotal role in shaping one’s personality.
He said Government has given focused attention to promote the sports activities and in this regard number of projects are being implemented all across the State.
Director General Youth Services and Sports, Navin Agarwal, Secretary YSS and Technical Education, Parvaiz Malik and Secretary J&K State Sports Council, Dalip Thussu were also present on the occasion.
While interacting with the officers, Mr Bhalla emphasized upon them to provide better and improved facilities to the youth besides encouraging them to participate in sports events for sound physical and mental health.
Mr Bhalla also visited the Youth Hostel Building and inspected its various blocks. He also inspected various rooms being used for accommodation of players participating in sports events.
On the occasion, Mr Bhalla directed the concerned authorities to take up the necessary renovation work of the hostel building in hand and asked them for face-lifting of the complex and its surroundings so that players do not face any kind of inconvenience during their stay in the hostel. He also directed the concerned authorities for providing better and improved facilities to the youth participating in sports activities.
Upgradation of sports infra Govt’s priority: Bhalla
Increase grassroots connect, rapport with people: Sagar
Excelsior Correspondent
Srinagar, June 11: National Conference General Secretary Ali Mohammad Sagar has asked the rank and file of National Conference to increase the grassroots connect and rapport with the people in line with NC’s tradition of grassroots politics.
The NC General Secretary chaired a meeting of NC District Presidents from all eight districts of Kashmir Province at NC Headquarters at Nawa-e-Subah Complex in Srinagar in the presence of NC Provincial President Nasir Aslam Wani and sought feedback about the status of mass outreach measures being taken in their respective districts.
Sagar also impressed on the District Presidents to ensure that the directives of Party President Dr. Farooq Abdullah and Party Working President Omar Abdullah are followed in letter and spirit at all levels of the organization in their respective areas.
Discussing the plans to consolidate the party support base across the valley with the District Presidents, he said there was a need to counter the misleading propaganda of opponents by relying on truth and facts. He said that NC workers and activists should blunt the lies of the opponents by presenting the achievements of the Omar Abdullah led Government before the people.
He asked the District Presidents to ensure that the office bearers and party workers in their respective districts remain available and accessible to address the grievances of the people at all given times.
NC General Secretary also directed the Provincial President to seek regular inputs from District Presidents about the progress of outreach initiatives in their respective areas and extend all possible organizational cooperation and support in ensuring a synergy of efforts between the Provincial Committee and the District Committees.
Also present in the meeting were Senior NC Leader and Minister for Social Welfare Sakina Itoo (who also holds charge of District President Kulgam), NC Senior Provincial Vice Presidents Syed Abdul Rashid and Mohammad Sayed Akhoon and NC Provincial Vice President Mushtaq Ahmed Guroo.
Industrial growth slumping in State since 2000
Mir Farhat
Srinagar, June 11: Industrial growth rate in the State has seen a steep slump from the last decade with an average rate of mere 3.74 percent which is far behind from the rest of the states that see 6.87 average growth rate annually, a Planning Commission of India’s report says.
Experts and stakeholders blame the successive Governments for “apathy” and less investment in the sector for the continuing slump in the industrial growth.
The PCI report paints a gloomy picture of the industrial growth rate between 2000 and 2003 which declined from 19.43 percent in year 2000-2001 to -4.23 percent in 2002, and went down further to -12.03 percent in 2003.
“The State saw a steady increase between 2003 and 2008 when it rose to 6.88 percent,” the report says, but after 2008 it has abruptly declined to 3.79 per cent in 2013-2014.
Economists say one of the many reasons for the declining industrial growth in the State is lack of overall public investment by the governments.
“Major reason for the slump in industrial growth is that Governments have not invested in capital expenditure,” says Haseeb Drabu, a renowned economist.
Drabu says the overall level of investment by the Governments is very small, especially in the last five years it has been declining because the Government has cut the expenditure to 20.95 per cent. He says the growth rate has also not been good at all at the national level.
Sameer Malik, a young Kashmiri financial specialist working in a Saudi firm, says the average 3.74 growth shows lack of employment creation in industry and less enthusiasm of the Government towards industry and failure to generate funds of its own.
Malik also blames the political crises for having drastic impact on industrial growth that is evident in years like 2010-2011 in which growth declined to -2.5 percent.
Former President Federation Chamber of Industries Kashmir FCIK Shakeel Qalander says due to Government’s apathy the state has been converted into a consumer state.
Tiwary, Uthappa named ‘A’ team captains for Australia tour
Mumbai, June 11:
Manoj Tiwary and Robin Uthappa have been named captains of India A’s four-day and one day squads, which will leave for a month-long tour of Australia to compete in first-class as well as limited overs matches.
While Tiwary will be skipper the side in the four day matches, Uthappa has been entrusted with the job of leading the side in the one day version. India will play two four-day matches against the James Faulkner-led Australia A in Queensland from July 6-9 and 13-16 respectively.
They will then play a quadrangular one day series involving Australia A, Australian High Performance Centre and South Africa A.
The team has all the players who have performed during the last domestic season as well as IPL-7.
The likes of K L Rahul, Karun Nair, Railways’ Anureet Singh, Services’ Rajat Paliwal have made it to the day’s team following good showings in Ranji Trophy while a few like Umesh Yadav, Amit Mishra will get a chance to showcase their skills before the five-match ODI series against England come calling.
Left-arm spinner Pragyan Ojha also gets a lifeline having been discarded from all formats in the senior team.
Youngsters like Unmukt Chand, Akshar Patel, Manan Vohra, Rishi Dhawan have all been selected for the one day version.
The only surprise was Kedar Jadhav – Ranji Trophy’s highest scorer was not selected in the longer version after having scored 1223 runs this season.
Uthappa has been deservingly rewarded for his performance in the IPL while Tiwary got the captaincy on the basis that he has been on A tours the maximum number of times in this current squad apart from boasting a good first-class average of 59.55 across 65 matches with 18 tons.
India A
Four Day squad: Manoj Tiwary(captain), KL Rahul, Jiwanjot Singh, Robin Uthappa, Ambati Rayudu, Karun Nair, Naman Ojha (wicketkeeper), Pragyan Ojha, Umesh Yadav, Dhawal Kulkarni, Anureet Singh, Rajat Paliwal, Amit Mishra, Sandeep Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah, Baba Aparajith
One Day series: Robin Uthappa(Captain), Unmukt Chand, Manish Pandey, Ambati Rayudu, Manoj Tiwary, Kedar Jadhav, Sanju Samson, Parvez Rasool, Akshar Patel, Dhawal Kulkarni, Rishi Dhawan, Mohit Sharma, Karn Sharma, Rahul Shukla, Manan Vohra, Jaydev Unadkat. (PTI)
Sacred Heart College of Education celebrates Annual Day
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, June 11: Annual Day-cum-Prize Distribution Function was held at Sacred Heart College of Education, Paloura, here today.
Rajni Bala, Chairperson of the College was the chief guest, while Managing Director of the College, Hari Singh Chib was the guest of honour on the occasion.
Dr K K Tiwari, Principal of the College readout the annual report, highlighting the prominent activities and achievements of the College during this academic year. The prize distribution function was also held in which the chief guest distributed prizes and certificates among the students who excelled in different co-curricular activities, which included Rangoli competition and sports events including kabbadi, kho-kho, chess, tug of war and badminton.
The winners of the tug of war included Arvind Sambyal, Jeevan Lal, Manmohan, Sunil Kumar and Nitesh Raina, while the winners of kho-kho included Sunil, Minkal, Vishal, Vimal and Nitesh.
The winner of chess competition was Sudhir Chauhan, while Arvind Sambyal got certificate in State Level Seminar.
Similarly Poonam Sakshi, Nisha Kalla and Rohail Khajuria got participation certificate in Inter-College Quiz Competition held at G C W Gandhi Nagar.
Rajni Bala, Hari Singh Chib and Dr K K Tiwari spoke on the occasion alongwith some staff members including Prof Jyoti Sharma, Prof Dev Chhaya, Prof Neha Sharma, Prof Kiran Manhas and Prof Sheetal Khajuria, who also shared their views.
The Programme was organized by Prof Sonika Anand and Prof Sheetal Khajuria.
Prof Raj Bakshi presented vote of thanks.
Secretary CAPD reviews functioning of deptt
Excelsior Correspondent
UDHAMPUR, June 11: Secretary to Govt, CA&PD Department, Baseer Ahmed Khan today convened a meeting to review the functioning of CA&PD Department in Udhampur and Reasi.
He said that Government is committed to provide quality and standard food grains to the consumers and stressed upon the officers to ensure proper monitoring and check on the quality of food grains.
Mr Khan stressed upon the officers to redouble their efforts for bringing more transparency in Public Distribution System so that the people do not suffer for want of food grains. For the purpose, he directed all ADs and TSOs to maintain a roaster for induction and distribution of ration.
The Secretary further asked the officers to implement the guidelines/ instructions in letter and spirit issued by the Government from time to time. He asked the Assistant Directors to make frequent tours of their jurisdiction and monitor the supply position in their areas upto the level of fair price shop.
The Secretary stressed upon all officers to render timely accounts of sale proceeds of food grains, sugar, remittances on account of sale proceeds of ration cards duly reconciled with the treasuries. It was also directed that those officers or officials in whose case outstanding/recoveries are pending on account of shortages of food grains be directed to deposit the same otherwise the recoveries will be effected under Arrears of Land Revenue Act.
The Secretary directed Joint Director CA&PD to periodically review and monitor the performance of districts of Jammu, Udhampur, Kathua, Reasi, Poonch and Rajouri on regular basis to evaluate the performance of each district so that necessary action is taken for smooth functioning of the department.
During tour to Udhampur, physical inspection of Trikuta Roller Floor Mill was also conducted and samples of whole meal atta was lifted on the spot for analysis and the staff and Assistant Director were directed to improve the quality of atta.
During the meeting, Director, CA&PD, Jammu, G.S Chib, presented an overall scenario of the Udhampur and Reasi districts with regard to availability and distribution of essential commodities and other allied issues.
Among others, Joint Director CA&PD, Jammu. Manmohan Singh, Chief Accounts Officer, CA&PD, Assistant Directors of Udhampur and Reasi, Tehsil Supply Officers, Representative of FCI and SRTC were also present in the meeting.
Wani reviews progress of projects
Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, June 11: Minister for Roads & Building, Abdul Majid Wani today asked the concerned agencies to ensure strict adherence to the timeframe set for the completion of the ongoing projects being executed under R&B and PMGSY.
The Minister was speaking at a high level meeting convened to review the progress of ongoing projects in Langate Constituency. MLA, Langate, Abdul Rashid Sheikh was also present in the meeting.
The Minister stressed for achieving set targets in time bound manner. He said that the concerned agencies should work in a coordinated manner, so that the bottlenecks, if any, impeding the project implementation are removed. He also called for taking into consultation the local MLA to sort-out the issues at local level.
Taking a detailed review of the financial and physical achievements of projects undertaken in R&B, PMGSY and allied sectors, Mr. Wani directed the district administration to constitute a committee to assess the position of structures for declaring them unsafe adjacent the under construction roads in Langate Constituency of Kupwara district.
The Minister directed the concerned officers to personally monitor the pace of work and warned of strict action against the officers, who fail to deliver on ground, adding that the proper monitoring and optimal use of the recourses will ensure timely completion of projects.
Directing for taking strict action against the defaulting contractors, the Minister asked for black listing of these contractors, so that the projects of vital importance do not suffer in future. He directed the concerned officers to personally visit the sites to monitor the progress on the projects.
Among others, Commissioner Secretary, R&B, Tanvir Jehan, Deputy Commissioner, Kupwara, Itrat Hussain Rafiqui, Managing Director, JK PCC Limited T R Bhagat, Chief Engineer, R&B, Kashmir Bimal Tikoo, Senior engineers of R&B, JK PCC Limited and PMGSY besides representatives from BEACON attended the meeting.
BSF jawan killed in road mishap
Excelsior Correspondent
SAMBA, June 11: A BSF jawan was killed, while three people were injured after a motor cycle on which the jawan was riding was hit by a van bearing number JK 21 4987 coming from opposite direction on Rakha road in border area of Samba district to night.
The BSF Jawan was identified as Sanjay Narko of Maharastra who was working with BSF Battalion 9 at Samba. His pillion rider whose identity cold not be known is serous. The injured were first taken to District Hospital Samba and the dead body was also kept in Hospital mortuary. It will be handed over to BSF after postmortem and completion of other formalities tomorrow. Another BSF Jawan who is also serious was shifted to GMC Jammu by the doctors from Samba Hospital. The two civilians who were also injured in the accident have been admitted in DH Samba.
A case has been registered in Police Post Rakh Abdali and investigation started.
6 bovines rescued, one held
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, June 11: Police rescued six bovine animals and arrested a smuggler from Badhu Rakh area, falling under the jurisdiction of Gangyal police station.
As per police sources, a police team from Gangyal police station laid a naka near Bandu Rakh and intercepted a Mahindra vehicle bearing registration number JK13C-8823.
During checking, police rescued 6 bovine animals and arrested the smuggler, who has been identified as Murad Ali, son of Hussain Ali of Miran Sahib.
A case under FIR number 75/14 under Section 188 RPC and 3 PCA Act has been registered at Gangyal police station and investigation started.
Police team headed by SI Mohammad Tufail made the arrest under the supervision of SDPO Harjeet Singh and SP South Rahul Malik.
Concluding ceremony of Environment Week held
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, June 11: Department of Environment and Remote Sensing organized a concluding ceremony of Environment Week 2014 at Balniketan Vidya Mandir, Amphalla, here today.
The Programme was held under the supervision of Neha Mehta, Environmental Soil Conservationist to create awareness among the students.
The orphan students of the Balniketan Vidya Mandir took part in the painting competition and expressed their views on the burning issues of environmental scenario through their beautiful paintings.
Ashwani Kumar Gupta, Conservator of Forests was the chief guest on the occasion, while Ravi Mangotra, Senior PEX Radio Kashmir Jammu was the guest of honour.
In Junior Group Painting Competition, Susheel Thakur (5th), Swarna (4th) and Raksha (4th) bagged first, second and third positions respectively, while Varun (1st) won the consolation prize.
In Senior Group, the first three positions went to Satish Kumar (10th), Jasvinder Manhas (7th) and Anjil Singh (9th) respectively, while the consolation prize was claimed by Vinay Verma (8th).
The chief guest and the guest of honour distributed trophies and certificates among the meritorious students on the occasion.
Sudesh Paul, Secretary Balniketan Vidya Mandir and Satish Mittal, Joint Secretary were also present on the occasion.