Excelsior Correspondent
UDHAMPUR, June 11: A young housewife committed suicide by consuming some poisonous substance under mysterious circumstances at the house of her in laws at Barrian Ward number 5, Udhampur.
The deceased, identified as Rajani Devi (30) wife of Kuldep Kumar, committed suicide late last night. The family members took her to District Hospital Udhampur where doctors declared her as brought dead.
Cause behind the extreme step could not be ascertained while Police has registered a case in this connection for further investigation.
Housewife commits suicide
Chhewang calls on PM, demands UT status for Ladakh
Excelsior Correspondent
NEW DELHI, June 11: Member Parliament from Ladakh Thupstan Chhewang called on to Prime Minister, Narendra Modi here today and demanded Union Territory status for Ladakh region. He also submitting a memorandum to him along highlighting the demand other issues of the people of the region.
The memorandum said there is hope and optimism among the people that good days are round the corner after Mr Modi took over as Prime Minister. It said the inhabitants of Ladakh Constituency which is situated on the other side of mighty Himalayas, its inhabitants are keenly looking forward to Mr Modi’s guidance and support to fuifil their long-felt need and demand for development. Of course, they are closely watching the response to electoral promises made by the Party.
It said in recognition of popular sentiments in Ladakh BJP has promised it a Union territory status. “We should move in that direction. Till that is done, the Central Government should provide a special annual grant of Rs. 200 crore directly to the elected Autonomous Hill Councils in Leh and Kargil to discharge their responsibilities in addition to the funds they get through the State Government”. The Hill Councils do feel stifled in the present dispensation in which they are heavily dependent upon the State Government which more often than not has a lukewarm if not hostile attitude.
In the past Atal Bihari Vajpayee had as Prime Minister initiated action for setting up a Trans-Himalayan Development Authority for the country’s border areas from Leh to Arunachal Pradesh having nearly the same fragile eco-system. We should revive the idea and translate it into a reality.
It said a Central University should be established in Ladakh to reduce the financial and emotional strain on its young persons and their families. Presently thousands of young men and women of the region have to per force move out of their homes for studies in higher institutions of learning elsewhere in the country.
He demanded opening of Leh route for the Kailash-Mansarovar pilgrimage to boost tourism in the entire Ladakh and provide a less hazardous route to pilgrims.
The memorandum said the case for inclusion of the Bhoti language in the Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution has been pending for too long. It said Bhoti deserves this status as it is spoken over a large area spread from Leh to Tawang.
It demanded status of Deemed University for Central Institute of Buddhist Studies in Leh. Besides, the development of Ladakh should get priority for ushering in prosperity to end increasing unemployment. The region has quite a few distinct natural products: Pashmina Goats, wonder berry seabuckthorn, aromatic and herbal plants and apricot, to name a few. It is Leh’s Pashmina which has been made globally famous by Kashmiri artisans through their extraordinary embroidery skills. Seabuckthorn has been vastly explored and exploited for commercial purposes by China and Germany in particular. Aromatic and herbal plants are awaiting research. Apricot is popular but its uses are currently limited. The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and the Autonomous Hill Development Council of Leh have done some work in certain fields but a lot more needs to be done. A comprehensive plan for research and development as well as commercial use of these natural bounties should be formulated and executed. Besides, there is traditional handloom and cottage industry in Ladakh. It should be protected and modernised with the application of new techniques.
It said at present connectivity of Leh and Kargil with the rest of the country is poor. The entire region is cut off for seven months every year as road links are snapped because of heavy snowfall and there is no rail link. Leh has certain flights almost every day but the fares are too exorbitant. Kargil Airport needs to be expanded to facilitate civil air services involving landing of big planes. Presently it has no such facility and has to depend on army flights during winters when its road link from Srinagar is cut off. Till the Kargil airport is expanded the airlines companies should be directed to regularly fly small planes from Srinagar and Delhi to Kargil.
The memorandum also stressed on improving road networking in the region
It said Pakistani and Chinese incursions create sense of fear and insecurity in Drass ( Kargil) – one of the theatres of the 1999 war and Nubra and Changthang ( Leh District). These areas require a special package for economic development. The people of these areas should be actively involved in civilian employment -oriented activities undertaken by the Army in the region.
The memorandum demanded opening of Kargil-Skardu route as it has been done in the case of Srinagar-Muzaffarabad and Poonch-Rawalakote roads. It would help reunion of diivided families and encourage trade and tourism. It also demanded covring of Ladkah region with mobile networking.
2nd batch of Tawi Trekkers leaves for Dharamshalla
Excelsior Sports Correspondent
JAMMU, June 11: 2nd batch of Tawi Trekkers J&K comprising 45 students of Shiksha Niketan Senior Secondary School, Jeevan Nagar, Jammu left today for Dharamshala to participate in the ongoing Dharamshala Trekking programme. With this the total participation in the two trekking programmes being organized by the club in Moungri area of Udhampur district in J&K and Dhauladhar Himalaya in Himachal Pradesh has gone up to over 250.
The group led by two trained mountaineers Sonam Sidharth and Mrigank Kaushal, was flagged off from the school premises by Principal of the school Rameshwar Mengi. Four teachers of the school Arjun Singh, Sahil Slathia, Ashok Manhas and Anil Bajwa also accompanied the group.
Meanwhile, the next batch of Moungri trek comprising second group of Oriental Academy, Jammu shall leave for the venture tomorrow.
Traffic police goes Hi-Tech
Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, June 11: Traffic Police National Highway has introduced GPS tracking network to coordinate the deployment in a better and purposeful manner on day to day basis
The introduction of GPS technology will help in knowing the details of the duties carried out by the ground staff, the movement of the officers and response time taken to attend a public/traffic issue on National Highway.
This will make the officers more responsive and accountable. GPS tracking network among these vehicles will help the Traffic Hqrs. Ramban to coordinate the deployment in a better and purposeful manners on day to day basis. Further, it will help to reduce the inconvenience to the road users by way of jamming, breakdown and accidents.
Twenty vehicles of Traffic Police National Highway Ramban deployed with SSP Traffic NHW Ramban, DySPs, Traffic Ramban, Banihal, Doda-Ktr, Udhampur-Reasi, DTI Ramban, Banihal, Doda, Kishtwar, Udhampur, Katra, Sector Officer Ramban, Kud, Batote and even three Recovery Cranes have been fitted with “Hi-Tech GPS Tracking Devices” so that the exact location of these vehicles is traced in real time and they can be directed to address the trouble spots, jamming points, accident spots etc in a shortest possible time.
Upgradation of sports infra Govt’s priority: Bhalla
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.
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.