Cuttack, Feb 7:
Skipper Mithali Raj finally came good with an unbeaten century as Indian women beat arch-rivals Pakistan by six wickets in a seventh place play-off encounter in the ICC Women’s World Cup here today.
Already out of contention after being hammered by Sri Lanka, the ‘Women in Blue’ came up with a much improved performance as they first restricted Pakistan to 192 for seven in 50 overs and then reached the target in 46 overs at the Barabati Stadium.
Skipper Mithali, who had been in woefully out of form, helped herself back into form with an unbeaten 103 off 141 balls with the help of 13 boundaries and a six. The only regret she would have is that her best came when it mattered the least.
Mithali added 87 runs for the unbroken fifth-wicket stand with Reema Malhotra, who remained undefeated on 25. The Indian women were in a spot of bother at 108 for four but the Indian captain found an able ally in Malhotra as they comfortably won their last game of the tournament with consumate ease.
Mithali also enjoyed couple of useful stands of 43 and 49 with opener Thirush Kamini (26) and Harmanpreet Kaur (16).
Earlier, the decision to bat first after winning the toss didn’t quite work for Pakistan, who were saved to a large extent due to the contrasting half-centuries from Nain Abidi (58) and Nida Dar (68 not out).
The Indians bowlers, led by the economical pace duo of Jhulan Goswami (2/17) and Nagarajan Niranjana (3/35), kept it tight for most part of the 50 overs.
The hosts, who were knocked out of the event after being stunned by minnows Sri Lanka in a must-win group match, were off to a perfect start when they sent back the Pakistani openers with just 28 runs on the board in 11 overs.
But Abidi steadied the rocking boat by forging a small 32-run partnership with Bimah Maroof (15). Then came the crucial 80-run stand with Dar, which brought Pakistan back into the match.
Dar was the more aggressive of the two batters, striking seven fours in her 83-ball knock.
Abidi faced 113 balls and struck five fours before being out caught by Thirush Kamini off Goswami’s bowling. After the settled partnership was broken, Pakistan could not accelerate in the closing stages faced with a disciplined Indian attack.
For India, Ekta Bisht also chipped in with a wicket even though she was tad expensive, conceding 50 runs in her nine overs. (PTI)
Mithali hits ton as Indian eves sign off on a winning note
Planning Board faces delay as Govt searches members
Sanjeev Pargal
JAMMU, Feb 7: Much publicized Planning Board, which was proposed to be constituted by the State Government for equal distribution of funds in all three regions of the State and monitor expenditure of plan works in the districts, was yet to see light of the day even as the Government claimed that it would be constituted shortly. The Government planned to keep the Board autonomous.
Anticipating that Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, who had given up the portfolio of Planning Department during January 15 reshuffle of the Council of Ministry and portfolios, could face questions in upcoming budget session of the Legislature on the constitution of the Planning Board to remove “regional disparities’’ in allocation of funds, the Government has geared up the process to set up the Board but admitted that it could still take a lot of time.
Omar had during last budget session of the Legislature announced constitution of the Planning Board while speaking during debate on the grants of his Ministries, which included Planning Department, following uproar by the Opposition MLAs from Jammu alleging “regional disparities’’ in plan distribution.
The Planning Board was to be headed by the Chief Minister himself and had members, who would be the experts in Planning, Finance etc.
Official sources told the Excelsior that the Government was in the process of finding Planning and Finance experts for appointment as Members to the Board, which would be headed by Omar Abdullah in his capacity as the Chief Minister. Planning and Development Minister (presently veteran National Conference leader Ajay Sadhotra) would be Vice Chairperson of the Board.
Sources admitted that going by the process, the constitution of the Planning Board could take sometime though the Government wanted the Board to be set up well before the budget session of the Legislature, starting February 28.
According to sources, the Government has asked the Planning Department to identify Finance and Planning experts to serve as Members of the Board. They said the process could take sometime as a number of experts had to be examined and finally the Cabinet or the Chief Minister himself had to take a decision on the Members.
Sources pointed out that the Planning Board could have one member each from all three regions—Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh though such a provision was not mandatory. However, since often the voices of discrimination had risen from all three regions especially the backward pockets of the State, the Government would like to have Members of the Board from all three regions to ensure that the charges of discrimination, for which the Board was being constituted, were silenced.
Worthwhile to mention here that the State Finance Commission (SFC) set up by the State Government with a Member each from three regions had submitted its report nearly two years back in which allegations of discrimination in allocation of funds had been authenticated.
Three Interlocutors appointed by the Union Government—Dileep Padgaonkar, Prof Radha Kumar and MA Ansari—in their report to the Home Ministry have also noted disparities in allocation of funds for development to the three regions.
Sources said the constitution of the Planning Board was aimed at avoiding the allegations of discrimination in funds as the Board would be empowered to allocate the funds taking various factors into account including backwardness of the districts, requirements of new schemes etc.
“As the Planning Board would be an autonomous body, the Government hoped that it would do justice with all three regions especially bad pockets of the State to ensure equitable development of the three regions’’, sources said.
DC reviews implementation of FSSA
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Feb 7: Deputy Commissioner Jammu Sanjeev Verma convened a meeting of officers and reviewed the implementation of Food Safety and Standards Act (FSSA) in the district here today.
Deputy Commissioner directed the concerned officers for regular testing of imported food items and other eatables and to take stern action against those found indulging in adulteration. He directed for regularly collecting samples of food products, milk, imported food items, spices, manufactured by factories and industrial units.
Deputy Commissioner directed the Health Officer to conduct regular inspection drive and check the quality of eatables items besides cleanliness at various dhabas, hotels and kiosks and impose penalty to the violators of Food Safety Act.
He appealed to various stake holders in the profession to maintain cleanliness and hygiene at their business establishments and provide good and healthy food and eatable items to the consumers.
The meeting was attended by Additional Deputy Commissioner Sushma Chauhan, Deputy Commissioner Food Safety Lotika Khajuria, ACF (HQ) Sanjeev Kumar, Deputy Director Information (PR) Jyoti Slathia, Deputy Controller Legal Metrology Manoj Prabhakar, Health Officer Vinod Sharma, Designated Officer S. R. Sharma, other senior officers of various departments.
Despite acquiring independent status in 1973, DYSS yet to have its own rules
*Reorganization fails to remove stagnation
Rajesh Dhar
JAMMU, Feb 7: Ever since the inception of the Department of Youth Services and Sports (DYSS), it has been following the norms and procedures as admissible to the Department of Education, with regard to induction and promotion in various cadres. Unfortunately, the Department did not have its own rules and regulations to induct, control and regulate even though it had acquired the status of independent Directorate in the year 1973, after the reorganization of the Department of General Education.
However, what is surprising is the fact that the reorganization of the DYSS to make it broad based in the year 2008, has again failed to remove stagnation of the employees in it. Reason? The rules framed for the Department are still lying with the Public Service Commission (PSC) for final approval.
Sources said that the DYSS as per the past practice has been granting promotion of the employees in the District Officers Cadre through ‘stop gap’ arrangements to the senior most Physical Education Masters (PEMs), but they were not granted regularization in this cadre as they did not fulfill the conditions of eligibility as laid down in SRO-83 of 1992 (Gazetted Officers) as the DYSS did not possess any set norms. This SRO states that the personnel ought to be postgraduate in his subject for promotion to this cadre.
Sources added that two new cadres, besides others, were created during the recent reorganization of the DYSS, analogous to the Department of Education. The requisite number of Physical Education Masters and Physical Education Teachers, having Masters Degree in Physical Education or above got promoted to Lecturers Cadre vide Government Promotion Order No. 140-Edu (Tech) 2006 dated 13-11-2006 and Government Placement Order No.60-Edu (Tech) of 2008 dated 25-04-2008, later-on, Physical Education Masters having Bachelors Degree in Physical Education were placed as Zonal Physical Education Officers vide Government Order No. 71-Edu (Tech) 2008 dated 4-6-2008.
According to the reliable sources, Over 100 Officers of the DYSS so far have retired from it as Incharge District Officers or even Assistant Directors as Physical Education Masters only as the Department failed to regularize them in the Officers Cadre in absence of its own rules and regulations, to leave them in the lurch.
“We are not thinking about regularization or confirmation at this juncture as we know that it is not possible without the requisite rules, the clearance of which is expected soon. What is shocking is that the pay disparity of the Physical Education Lecturers and the Zonal Physical Education Officers is yet to be removed by the Government. When the Grade of Physical Education Teachers and Masters is analogous to that of the Teachers and Masters of the Education Department, then why Government has yet to remove the pay disparity or pay anomaly of the above mentioned officers,” said a Zonal Physical Education Officer (ZPEO), while showing concern and expressing anonymity.
Now, on the one hand, the Department of Education has regularized a huge number of Lecturers recently, the Lecturers and the ZPEOs of the Department of Youth Services and Sports (DYSS), on the other hand, are waiting in the wings for the removal of their pay anomaly not to talk of regularization or confirmation.
“The Department is hopeful that the Minister for Sports, Taj Mohi-ud-Din would take the issue seriously and solve the long pending problem of the employees,” said an executive member of the Physical Education Lecturers Forum.
Top Army officers briefing Governor N N Vohra on security scenario at Raj Bhawan on Thursday.
Top Army officers briefing Governor N N Vohra on security scenario at Raj Bhawan on Thursday.
Arrangements for Police Public Mela finalized
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Feb 7: Arrangements for day long Police Public Mela, being held in Jammu were finalized in a high level police officers meeting held at Armed Police Headquarters (APHQ), here this afternoon. The meeting was chaired by Additional Director General of Police (ADGP), Armed/Law & Order, K. Rajindra Kumar.
Addressing the meeting, Rajindra said that Police Public Mela would be inaugurated at 10 a.m. on February 24, 2013 and raffle draw for 5606 fabulous prizes would be held at 4 p.m. in the presence of public. He sought reports from the committees constituted for making required arrangements and stressed upon the organizers to make the event a success. He said that the event, being organized by Jammu and Kashmir Police Wives Welfare Association (PWWA) is one of the grand events of the organization in which all walks of life are participating. The Mela has assumed importance and has brought police and public closer.
Rajindra said that people’s large participation has encouraged the organization to conduct the event regularly in the twin capital cities in Srinagar and Jammu. Products of different regions of the State are put for sale for the general public at the stalls established by different units of the organization.
The ADGP while discussing the arrangements, stressed that all efforts should be made to ensue security in and around the venue. He also discussed other arrangements related to traffic, parking of vehicles and police bandubast. He said that raffle draw tickets should be made available at the venue also on Mela day. Sale of quality products on reasonable rates should be ensured and rate lists displayed at each stall, said the ADGP.
Among others, the meeting was attended by IGPs, Arun Kumar, A. G. Mir and Yoginder Koul, DIGs, T. Punchok, A. S. Bali, J. P. Singh, Johny William, R. P. Resutora, M. M. Sadiq and Shakeel Ahmed Beig, SSPs, Vijay Singh Sambyal, Nisar Ahmed, M. A. Untoo, Vijay Kumar and Mir Mohammad Choudhary, AIG (Welfare), PHQ, R. S. Samyal, all Commandants of Armed/IRP Battalions and Medical Superintendent, Police Hospital, Jammu, Dr. Poonam Mahajan and other police officers.
2800 players to participate in J&K police tournaments: Rajendra
Excelsior Sports Correspondent
JAMMU, Feb 7: About 2800 players will be participating in different events of sports tournaments to be hosted by the Jammu and Kashmir Police.
“Jammu and Kashmir Police is organising Inter-Battalion and Inter-Zonal Sports Tournaments-2013 at Jammu,” Additional Director General of Police (ADGP), Armed/Law and Order, K Rajendra Kumar said while chairing a high level meeting here this afternoon.
The ADGP said 2800 players will be participating in the Tournaments to be held from March 2 to 7 and April 2 to 6.
“Such events help to cultivate sports talent within the department and boosts the talented players to reshape their skills,” he said, adding that the events also provide an opportunity to sportspersons to get together and participate in different sports activities, strengthening their spirit of sportsmanship and discipline.
The ADGP said 1500 men and 300 women players would take part in different disciplines of six-day long Inter Battalion Tournament.
800 sportspersons including 200 women players are participating in the Inter Zone Tournament representing all wings of the organization.
He further said the players will be taking part in the disciplines including basketball, volley ball, football, hand ball, tug of war, boxing, wrestling, weightlifting, swimming, shooting, hockey and kabbadi.
“The events would be played on knock out basis as per the rules laid down by All India Police Sports Control Board,” Mr Rajendra said.
Among others the meeting was attended by IGPs Arun Kumar, AG Mir and Yoginder Koul; DIGs T Punchok, AS Bali, JP Singh, Johny Williams and RP Resutra; Deputy Director Youth Services and Sports, Ashok Kumar and Joint Secretary J&K State Sports Council, Sidharth Sharma.
Gulmarg emerging major Ski resort in world: Mir
Excelsior Sports Correspondent
GULMARG, Feb 7: Minister for Tourism, Ghulam Ahmad Mir, on Thursday inaugurated a state-of-the-art Ski lift, Ski rescue base and Ski heli port at the world famous ski-resort here. He also laid foundation of Tourist Information Center there.
While inaugurating the Ski Lift, Heli Port, 400 KVA Solar Plant at Gulmarg, the Tourism Minister said that the ski lift with other chairlifts enabled to develop Kongdoori as an international ski destination and pave the way for hosting international skiing events. He said the project would also give considerable boost to the winter tourism in the State and help generate additional economic activities for the people.
The Tourism Minister said that Tourism Department in collaboration with Winter Games of India is holding 4 day long National level Junior and sub junior skiing championship at Gulmarg commencing from February 11, 2013 to showcase its winter tourism potential. He said over 150 skiers of various States of the Country are participating in the event.
The Minister said the trained and skilled human resource of the State could take a lot of benefit from the adventure tourism industry. He said Government is adding adventure attractions for tourists at several destinations in the State. He said work on Mukdoom Sahib Rope way project is being completed during next fiscal.
Govt clears proposal for launch of Aquatic ecosystems plan
NEW DELHI, Feb 7:
Efforts for conservation of wetlands and water bodies today received a big boost with the government clearing a proposal for rolling out a new scheme for preservation of the country’s rich flora and fauna.
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs approved the Environment Ministry’s proposal for the launch of National Plan for Conservation of Aquatic Eco-systems (NPCA) by merging existing National Lake Conservation Plan and National Wetlands Conservation Programme.
The principal objective of the project is holistic conservation and restoration of the water quality of lakes and wetlands, besides improvement in biodiversity and ecosystem.
According to them, the scheme to be guided and governed under one umbrella scheme will also avoid duplication of efforts in enhancing water quality and conserving biodiversity.
The merged scheme will be operational during the 12th Plan Period at an estimated cost of Rs 900 crore on 70:30 cost sharing between the Central Government and respective state governments. It will be on 90:10 basis for North Eastern states.
The proposal was earlier placed before the CCEA in its meeting held March 1 last year. Then the Water Resources Ministry had raised some objections and the CCEA had directed the Environment Ministry to bring it back after addressing the concerns.
According to the government, the scheme would contribute to reduction of pollution loads and improvement in goods and services provided by these water bodies to stakeholders.
The new scheme is having conservation and management of lakes and wetlands in the country within its scope, to include inventory and information system on lakes and wetlands national level directive on criteria for lakes and wetlands, regulatory framework, capacity building at state government and local body levels, evaluation etc.
Wetlands are shallow water-bodies, transitional between terrestrial and aquatic systems, with high biodiversity and productivity. They play an important role in bio-geochemical cycles and have potential for wastewater treatment.
Lakes are relatively deep, perennial water bodies where substantial growth of macrophytes is undesirable. (PTI)
ICDS employees without salary
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Feb 7: A large number of employees of the ICDS Projects of State Social Welfare Department are without pay for the last three to five months.
These employees including large number of Anganwadi Workers, Helpers, Supervisors and other clerical support staff, in a representation to the concerned Minister have alleged that employees of many projects in Jammu region have not been paid their salary for the last five months. In some projects, they are unpaid for the last three months. With this their families and children are facing severe problems. They are even unable to pay the school fee of their children.
These aggrieved employees have sought the intervention of Social Welfare Minister in this concerned and demanded that their salary be paid in time.