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7/29/2019 Daily Paper February 3, 2013
1/8
STUdenT aGe
R E A D T H E N E E D
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 20138 Pages
Rs: 1.00
Jammu Edition
www.thestudentage.com
JKENG/2012/41612
Vol. 2 No: 31
IN BRIEFIN BRIEFPak teen activist MalalaYousufzai nominatedfor Nobel Peace Prize
NEW DELHI: Malala
Yousufzai, the Pakistani
schoolgirl-turned-icon of
Taliban resistance who was
shot at has been nominated
for this year's Nobel Peace
Prize. Fifteen-year-old Malala
was targeted for promoting
girls' education. Malala was
shot by Tehreek-e-Taliban
gunmen contd on page 2
Airtel launchesemergency alertservice for women
KOLKATA: Bharti Airtel
which introduced an emer-
gency alert service two
months ago in New Delhi
continued to sell the service
in eastern region among
female customers. "Out of
total customer base of around
19 million customer base in
the states of West Bengal and
Odisha, one-third would be
female. We expect subscrip-
tion for this service from
about 10 per cent from
female contd on page 2
Govt launches portalproviding informationabout exports, imports
NEW DELHI: TheCommerce Ministry has
launched a portal which will
provide detailed information
about the country's exports
and imports. The portal
aimed at expanding trade,
offers exporters and
importers a comprehensive
guidance for concluding
international trade transac-
tions successfully with a spe-
cific focus on SAARC,
ASEAN and top 25 trade des-
tinations. It provides user-
friendly access to relevant
information for import and
export contd on page 2
Ex PuducherryCM P.Shanmugam
passes away
NEW DELHI: Veteran
Congress leader and former
Puducherry Chief Minister
P.Shanmugam died at his res-
idence in Karaikal today. He
was 85 year. Party sources
said, he suffered a stroke and
fell down and under its
impact hitting his head
against the wall.
P.Shanmugam had been the
PCC President of Puducherry
for a period of nearly 20
years. He served as three
time Member of Parliament
also.
Malala's namesubmitted for Nobel
Peace prize 2013
RTE does not applyto nursery
admission: Tharoor
UPA regime okays weakanti-corruption Bill
Page 6 Editorial Page 7
NEWDELHI, FEB 2: In its effort to
make the country safer for women in
the wake of the Delhi gang-rape case,
the Cabinet on Friday approved an
ordinance amending the existing
criminal laws.
Sources said, backed by public
outcry to hang the gang-rape accused,
the Cabinet also approved death
penalty in the rarest of rare rape casescausing death or persistent vegetative
state. The ordinance will make the
existing laws more relevant and strin-
gent for checking crime against
women by including acid attacks,
trafficking, sexual harassment at
work places and stalking under the
sexual assault law, while it red
flagged marital rape.
According to a source, President
Pranab Mukherjee will soon sign the
ordinance, which reflects the recom-
mendation of the Justice J S Verma
committee report.
"Ordinance approved by the
Cabinet replaced the word 'rape' by
the technical term 'sexual assault' and
included stalking, acid attacks and
use of criminal force under the rele-
vant sections of the law. The Cabinet
discussed the Justice Verma
Committee report before approvingthe amendments. The ordinance will
entail the changes to be enacted in the
existing criminal laws by amending
the Indian Penal Code, Evidence Act
and Code of Criminal Procedure," the
source added.
Despite public outcry and political
parties like the Congress and BJP
favouring contd on page 2
NEW DELHI, FEB 2: A
fast-track court here here has
paved the way for the trial
from Tuesday of five men
accused of gang-raping a
young woman in a moving
bus Dec 16, 2012, by framingcharges against them.
Additional Sessions Judge
Yogendra Khanna Saturday
framed the charges of mur-
der, gang-rape and kidnap-
ping, among others, under
various sections of the Indian
Penal Code (IPC) against the
accused.
The five accused are Ram
Singh, a bus driver, and his
brother Mukesh, Pawan
Gupta, a fruit seller, Vinay
Sharma, a gym instructor,
and Akshay Thakur, a bus
cleaner. They are currently
lodged in Tihar Jail.
The other charges framed
against them are unnatural
offence, destruction of evi-
dence, attempt to murder,
causing hurt while commit-ting robbery, dacoity with
murder, and common intent.
The Juvenile Justice
Board declared the sixth
accused a minor last month,
and his case will be heard by
the board.
The pre-trial proceedings
in the case started Jan 21 at
the fast-track court whichwas set up for the case that
led to a nation-wide outrage
against crimes against
women.
The accused were formal-
ly charged by police in the
Saket court 18 days after they
gang-raped and tortured the
23-year-old physiotherapy
intern in a moving bus, caus-
ing multiple-organ failure
that led to her death. They
also assaulted her 28-year-
old male friend. Both were
thrown out of the bus after
around 40 minutes, naked,
bleeding and shivering. The
friend is the main witness in
the case. The chargesheet,
with annexures, ran into
thousands of pages and
included the victim's state-ment, details of the accused,
evidence and forensic
reports. contd on page 2
Cabinet approval of ordinance on toughrape law draws mixed response
'The ordinance approved by the
Union Cabinet on the basis ofthe Justice Verma Committee
report, will definitely create fear
among the criminal elements of
the society.'
Women and Child
Development Minister
Krishna Tirath
'The content of the ordinance is
doing injustice to the JusticeVerma recommendations because
it is highly selective in what it has
included in the ordinance. We don't
agree with this ordinance'.
Communist Party of India-
Marxist (CPI-M) leader
Brinda Karat
"It's a beginning made, but
it's a very long way to gobecause Justice Verma
(Committee's) recommen-
dations is a holistic correc-
tion'.
Former Indian Police Service
(IPS) officer and activist
Kiran Bedi
Women groups on Saturday
urged President Pranab
Mukherjee not to sign the
ordinance of Criminal Law amend-
ments passed by the Cabinet on
Friday. Human rights lawyer Vrinda
Grover said, "The ordinance is com-
plete betrayal of the people's faith."
She also questioned as to why the
ordinance remained silent on Armed
Forces Special Powers Act. "Justice
Verma Committee targeted the
impunity of family, policemen,
Army officers, and bureaucrats. But
the government went soft on that.
Why are the recommendations on
AFSPA not accepted. It's completely
scandalous what the government has
done."
She also said that women organi-
sations were alarmed to see the ordi-
nance as it ignored many recommen-
dations of the Justice Verma
Committee. "We are alarmed by the
ordinance content. We do not see any
recommendation of the Verma
Committee contd on page 2
Women groups reject ordinance,urge President not to sign it
Court framescharges against
gang-rape accusedTrial for murder to begin from Tuesday
NEW DELHI, FEB 2:
Prime Minister Manmohan
Singh Saturday said his gov-
ernment's flagship MGNRE-
GA scheme had accelerated
the pace of financial inclu-
sion in villages while
Congress chief Sonia Gandhi
said it could usher in a sec-
ond 'Green Revolution' but
corruption in the scheme had
to be checked.
Speaking at the Mahatma
Gandhi National Rural
Employment Guarantee Act
(MGNREGA) anniversary
function here, Manmohan
Singh said that over four
crore bank accounts have
been opened after the imple-
mentation of the scheme, and
many more have been started
in post offices.
"These accounts will also
help in the direct cash benefit
transfer scheme," the prime
minister said.
Gandhi, also the United
Progressive Alliance (UPA)
chairperson, stressed the
need to check complaints of
corruption and misuse of
money under MGNREGA.
Noting the scheme faces
challenges of greater inclu-
sion and creating durable
assets, she said there was
need to implement the
scheme effectively in Maoist-
affected areas and all steps
should be taken to provide
work under the scheme with-
in 15 days of demand having
been made.
She also called for timely
social audit under the
scheme.
The prime minister, in his
speech, asked the rural devel-
opment ministry to collabo-
rate with states to provide
technical assistance to pan-
chayats.
"It will help empower
Panchayati Raj Institutions,
improve participation of peo-
ple in development process
and allow proper formulation
of labour budget under the
local development plan," he
said. The prime minister said
construction of anganwadis
had been added to new works
under contd on page 2
MNREGA aids financial inclusion,second Green Revolution: PM, Sonia
P OONCH, F EBRUARY 0 2:
Reiterating the commitment of the gov-
ernment towards holistic development
of all the regions of the State with spe-
cial focus on border and hilly areas, the
Minister of State for Health, Mr. Shabir
Ahmed Khan has said that governments'
pro-people policies and exemplary ini-
tiatives have placed the State on the
track of peace and prosperity. He
affirmed that this rhythm would be car-
ried forward with a mission to ensure
all-round development of rural as well
as border people.
Addressing a public gathering at bor-
der town Mendhar today, the Minister
expressed confidence about the State
touching zenith of development and
progress in the coming years.
Referring to various revolutionary
initiatives taken by the government dur-
ing the past four years for bringing
accountability and transparency in the
administration to assure good gover-
nance besides empowering the people at
gross root level, the minister said that
Laws like Right to Information Act,
Public Service Guarantee Act, holding
of free and fair Panchayat elections are
land mark steps in improving gover-
nance structure in the state.
Highlighting the priorities under
health sector, the Minister said that all
such areas having difficult topography
would be provided health center facili-
ties. He said in this regard the govern-
ment has already moved a proposal to
the Centre for approval of funds.
The Minister said that under the flag-
ship programme of National Rural
Health Mission Rs.224. 24 crore is being
utilized for improvement and up-grada-
tion of health care facilities in the State.
Union Health Ministry has released Rs
52 crore to the State under NRHM, to
carry out the work on under execution
health projects in different districts he
added. contd on page 2
Govt would setup health centers indifficult topographical areas: Shabir
JAMMU, FEBRUARY 2 :
Mr. N. N. Vohra, Governor
Jammu and Kashmir, today
emphasized the need for
forging collaborative
arrangements among the uni-
versities, leading laboratories
and research institutions,
DRDO and the industry for
undertaking research in care-
fully identified areas for
enabling the time-bound
development of cells, mod-
ules and materials which will
pave the way for large scale
production of the required
semi-conductor products.
The Governor, as Chief
Guest, was addressing the
Valedictory Session of the 3-
day 2nd International
Symposium on
"Semiconductor Materials
and Devices (ISSMD-2)",
organized by the Department
of Physics and Electronics,
University of Jammu, in col-
laboration with the Society
for Semiconductor Devices,
New Delhi, at General
Zorawar Singh Auditorium
here this evening. The
Governor said that alongside
undertaking high-end
research projects there is
urgent need for developing
manufacturing skills and
observed that such endeav-
ours contd on page 2
International Symposiumat JU concludes
N. N. Vohra, Governor Jammu and Kashmir, addressing the Valedictory Session of the 3-day 2ndInternational Symposium on "Semiconductor Materials and Devices at Jammu University.
Thirty-five killedas militants
attack Pakistancheckpoint
ISLAMABAD , FEB 2:
Militants attacked an isolated
army checkpoint in
Pakistan's restive northwest
on Saturday, with at least 35
people killed in the initial
assault, subsequent crossfire
and a rocket attack on a
house, officials said.
The Pakistan Taliban
claimed responsibility, say-
ing the attack was in response
to a U.S. drone strike in
neighbouring North
Waziristan last month in
which two commanders were
killed.
The Pakistani military and
pro-government militias have
since 2009 regained territory
from the Pakistan Taliban,
who once controlled land a
few hours' drive from the
capital of Islamabad. The
militants attacked the post at
Lakki Marwat early on
Saturday. contd on page 2
NEW DELHI, FEB 2 :
Gearing up for assembly
elections in Rajasthan slated
for later this year, BJP
brought back former Chief
Minister Vasundhara Raje to
head the party in the state.
Announcing Raje's
appointment in the presence
of senior party leaders
Sushma Swaraj and Arun
Jai tley, BJP President
Rajnath Singh said party
leader Gulab Chand Kataria
will be the Leader of
Opposition in the state
assembly. He will take over
from Raje who quit the post.
Singh earlier held a meet-
ing with party leaders from
the state in a bid to put up a
united face of the faction-rid-
den party in Rajasthan ahead
of the contd on page 2
CHENNAI, FEB 2: Ending
a week-long suspense and
drama, Kamal Haasan's con-
troversial Tamil film
Vishwaroopam is finally
poised for release in the state
with some cuts after the actor
and Muslim groups opposed
to it reached a settlement dur-
ing the state-government bro-
kered talks here today.
Emerging after the
marathon talks lasting six
hours in the presence of
Home Secretary R Rajagopal
at the Secretariat, Haasan
said they have agreed to
remove certain audio por-
tions and hoped the govern-
ment would revoke the ban
imposed in the wake of
protests by some Muslim out-
fits which considered the film
offensive to their religion.
"We will immediately
arrange to announce the date
of release after consultations,
including with technical
team," the actor who pro-
duced the mega-budget Rs
100 crore film told reporters
ending nearly two-month
long uncertainty marked by
twists and turns over its
release.
Haasan said they would
withdraw their petition in the
Madras High Court challeng-
ing the two-week ban and
expressed hope that the gov-
ernment would revoke its
action that drew nation-wide
criticism for stifling freedom
of expression. Tamil Nadu
Muslim contd on page 2
Vasundhara brought back to head BJP in Rajasthan
Vishwaroopam row ends; Kamal,
Muslim groups reach accord
Page 1_Bali_Bali_Jan_14_New.qxd 2/3/2013 10:47 AM Page 1
7/29/2019 Daily Paper February 3, 2013
2/8
Pak teen activist ....at point blank range as she
travelled on a bus to school
on October 9, 2012. The
award will be announced in
early October, but the dead-
line for nominations expired
on Friday. Among other
reported nominees are jailed
Belarusian human rights
activist Ales Belyatski and
Russian Lyudmila
Alexeyeva.
Airtel launches ....
customer," Bharti Airtel
(Kolkata & WB) COO Vir
Inder Nath told reporters here
today. During an emergency,
Airtel mobile customers can
now send an alert thrice in 30
minutes with their geograph-
ic location to their closest 10
loved ones simultaneously
with just a call, Nath said
during demonstration of the
service.
Airtel which aims to pop-
ularise the service nation-
wide to help people in dis-
tress situation pointing at
recent atrocities on women,
with a subscription of Rs 30per month, fails to pinpoint
the location of the affected
person may be required dur-
ing such situation. The serv-
ice will only give geographi-
cal position based on a cellu-
lar tower location which usu-
ally serves about 500 metres
in radius and not exact loca-
tion unless any form of com-
munication is established
with the caller.
Govt launches ....
of different products in digi-
tal form. The link to the por-
tal has been provided through
department of commerce
website under 'What is New'
and 'Useful Links'.
MNREGA aids....
MGNREGA approved
last year.
"If resources under ICDS
(Integrated Child
Development Scheme) and
MGNREGA were used col-
lectively, it will significantly
improve services under
ICDS," he said.
He said amended rules
were being formally imple-
mented from Saturday and
stress had been laid on
improving planning, increas-
ing role of panchayats and
improving quality of assets.
Terming MGNERGA as
the biggest poverty allevia-
tion schemes in the world,
the prime minister said over
eight crore people had bene-
fited and Rs 1.3 lakh crore
had been spent on it.
He said schemes such as
MGNREGAreflect the stress
being laid by the government
on inclusive development.
"More than half of the
works have benefited the
scheduled castes and sched-
uled tribes and participation
of women has been around
47 percent. Of the money
going to women, more than
eighty percent is going to
their bank accounts. It is
helping them take economic
decisions," the prime minis-
ter said.
Recalling indirect benefits
of the scheme, he said it had
reduced forced migration of
people and improved crop
yield of small farmers.
In her speech, Gandhi laid
emphasis on empowerment
of panchayats and meeting
challenges in implementation
of the scheme.
She said people were, at
times, not aware of all the
benefits under the scheme,
and its potential to increase
agricultural production was
not being used fully.
"If modern agricultural
techniques are added, it can
lead to manifold increase in
production. MGNREGA can
play a role in realizing goal
of second green revolution,"
she said.
Gandhi said while women
participation was nearly
equal at national level, they
find it difficult "to come in
many states due to lack of
information or lack of facili-
ties."
She said there was need to
create durable assets under
the scheme.
"Often there are com-
plaints of corruption and mis-
use of money. There is need
to curb it. Social audit is nec-
essary and should be held
timely," Gandhi said.
MGNREGA aims a t
enhancing the livelihood
security of villagers by guar-
anteeing 100 days of wage-
employment in a financial
year to a rural household
whose adult members would
perform unskilled manual
work.
Cabinet approval ....
the noose for rapists,
Justice Verma Committee
report did not recommend
death penalty, saying thatwomen's groups were unani-
mously against it.
The Cabinet agreed with
suggestions of the committee
on punishment of 20 years in
rape cases and life imprison-
ment, which shall mean the
rest of the person's natural
life in gang-rape or rape that
caused grievous injury.
Women groups....
in the ordinance," Vrinda
Grover said. "The ordinance
is a trick to sideline Justice
Verma report," she added.
The opposition BJP and
Left too have joined the
activists in saying the ordi-
nance is not tough enough.
While the government claims
it has accepted most of rec-ommendations of the Justice
Verma Committee on punish-
ing sex offenders, it has not
included proposals like
changing rules for the armed
forces under the Armed
Forces Special Powers Act.
The ordinance has also left
out recognition of marital
rape as a crime.
"We've accepted almost
all the recommendations.
The Central Government is
committed to giving stringent
punishment to the culprits.
We've included acid attacks
and stalking in the definition
of sexual crimes against
women. We feel that this will
send out a strong message,"
Union Minister Krishna
Tirath said.
CPM leader Brinda Karat
said the government has
ignored the main recommen-
dations of the Justice Verma
Committee. "We do not
approve of this ordinance.
The ordinance has ignored
the main recommendations
of the Justice Verma
Committee. The ordinance is
an attempt to divert attention
from the main questions
being raised in the Justice
Verma Committee report,"
Karat said. Women groups
have also called the ordi-
nance a dilution of the Verma
panel recommendations.
Meanwhile, former IPS
officer and activist Kiran
Bedi welcomed the passing
of this ordinance calling it
the beginning of a long jour-
ney. "I think the people
demand a holistic response, it
is a very part law response.
Very well, it's a beginning
made, but it's still a long way
to go, as the Justice Verma
recommendations are a holis-
tic correction," Bedi said.
Court frames....
All the accused were
arrested between Dec 17-21,
2012.
The union cabinet Friday
approved an ordinance for
enhanced punishment in
cases of crimes against
women, including sexual
assault, acid attacks,
voyeurism and trafficking, as
suggested by the Justice J.S.
Verma Committee.
The government recom-
mended to President Pranab
Mukherjee that an ordinance
be issued.
The Verma Committee,
set up by the government
Dec 23, 2012 after the gang-
rape to review laws to pro-
vide speedier justice and
enhanced punishment in
cases of aggravated sexual
assault, submitted its report
Jan 23.
Thirty-five killed ....
A security official said 12
militants and 13 soldiers
were killed in the clash. Two
bodies had suicide bomb
belts on them.
"Cross-firing between
militants and security offi-
cials continued for four
hours," one source said.
The militants also target-
ed a house next to the campwith rockets, killing 10 mem-
bers of one family, including
three children, the official
said.
"Pakistan has been co-
operating with the U.S in its
drone strikes that killed our
two senior commanders,
Faisal Khan and Toofani, and
the attack on military camp
was the revenge of their
killing," the Taliban
spokesman said.
He said four suicide
bombers attacked the camp
and blew themselves up. He
said more than a dozen sol-
diers were killed.
Govt would ....
The Minister announced
release of Rs. 85 lakh for upgradation of health infra-
structure in Poonch district
under NRHM. He said out of
this released amount Rs 25
lakh are to be utilized for car-
rying out remaining works of
Sub District Hospital
Mendhar.
The Minister reaffirmed
that being the local represen-
tative equal development of
all the areas was his priority
and no injustice would be
done to any area of the dis-
trict on the developmental
front. He assured the people
that all their genuine devel-
opmental needs would be
carried out in a phased man-
ner. Mr. Shabir said that pri-
mary responsibility of the
public representatives is to
go to the people for identify-
ing and addressing problems
through Government agen-
cies. He asked people to
remain informed about their
rights and seek due share in
developmental process
launched by the Government
across the State.
The Minister said that
people have placed their
hope in public representa-
tives and asked the Panches
and Sarpanches to work sin-
cerely for the welfare and
development of the people.
Vishwaroopam row....
Munnetra Kazhagam rep-
resentative M H
Jawahirullah, MLA, said
Haasan has agreed for some
cuts in the film, portions of
which Muslims had deemed
to be offensive.
"The outcome of the
meeting is fruitful," he said
as the tri-partite meeting
came after Chief Minister
Jayalalithaa offered to facili-
tate it to pave the way for the
release of the film though she
had strongly justified the
ban.
The multi-lingual film,
originally slated for release
on January 11, has been
released and running smooth-
ly in other states including
Kerala with a 25 per cent
Muslim population, and
Andhra and Karnataka. Its
Hindi version "Vishwaroop"
hit theatres in north India
yesterday which, according
to Haasan, had evoked 'fan-
tastic' response.
Haasan, who made a brief
statement and refused to take
questions, thanked
Jayalalithaa for facilitating
the solution to the issue
which sparked a major con-
troversy.
"In the talks with my
Muslim brothers, I heard
their grievances and
explained technical prob-
lems. The censor board
would be informed," he said
on the mutually accepted
cuts.
The talks were to be held
yesterday but did not materi-
alise as the Muslim organisa-
tions insisted on the presence
of Haasan who was in
Mumbai for the release of the
film's Hindi version.
Aspy thriller set in the US
and Afghanistan with the plot
centring around terror, the
film hit the first roadblockafter tech-savvy actor's face-
off with exhibitors over his
insistence on releasing it on
Direct-to-Home platform a
day ahead of the theatre
release, forcing him to put it
off indefinitely.
Another hurdle came
when Muslim outfits
expressed apprehensions
over the content of the film
and sought a preview for
them, which the actor
obliged but failed to win their
nod leading to the govern-
ment's ban on grounds of law
and order problems.
Haasan took the battle to
the court challenging the ban
and got a relief with a single
judge allowing its release,
but it was shortlived as adivision bench on an appeal
by the government struck it
down.
The case is coming up on
February 6 for hearing before
the single judge to whom the
division bench reverted the
matter.
Anguished and hurt, a
"fed up" Haasan threatened
'self-exile' to move to a 'secu-
lar place' in the country
excluding Tamil Nadu, or
overseas as done by late
painter M F Hussain follow-
ing oppposition by right wing
groups to his nude paintings
of Hindu gods and goddess-
es. As Haasan spoke of 'cul-
tural terrorism' and poured
out his heart explaining
pledging of his entire proper-
ty to make the film, support
flowed for him from the film
industry in Tamil Nadu and
Bollywood as also the Centre
which questioned the state
government's ban after the
censor board's clearance.
Vasundhara brought....
elections. Besides the two
Leaders of the Opposition in
Parliament, others present at
the meeting with Rajnath
included Raje, Kataria and
outgoing party state president
Arun Chaturvedi.
"The party will work unit-
edly under the leadership of
Vasundhara Raje," Singh told
reporters. Raje is also expect-
ed to be BJP's chief ministe-
rial face, though a final deci-
sion in this regard will be
taken after the polls.
Soon after assuming her
new responsibility, Raje said
"BJP is a family. In this, not
just us but workers are also
there. This is a big family
and, as Gulab Chand Kataria
said, we will take it forward
with everybody. I want
assure everybody that in this
big family everybody has a
place and for this we all,
Gulabji will make the
Rajasthan BJP strong and
take it ahead. There are no
two views on that."
The announcement comes
as part of the party's efforts to
end dissidence in its state
unit. The tenure of the 200-
member current assembly in
Rajasthan ends on December
31, 2013.
International Symposium...
would materialize if the
industry is involved right
from the beginning of a proj-
ect. He added that there is
need for acquiring expertise
in various arenas for securing
rapid economic development
of the country. In this con-
text, he emphasized the need
for the development of semi-
conductors and the materials
from which these are to be
manufactured and empha-
sised that this would require
close collaboration between
physicists, chemists and
engineers in various fields,
among others.
In regard to harnessing
non-conventional energy
sources, particularly solar
energy, the Governor
observed that this can go a
long way in meeting the
colossal gap in the obtainingenergy availability but this
shall require developing
appropriate technology to
make the required products
cost effectives.
The Governor congratu-
lated the University of
Jammu for organizing this
Symposium on a highly rele-
vant subject and compliment-
ed the Society for
Semiconductor Devices,
New Delhi, for supporting
this laudable initiative.
The Governor was hon-
oured on this occasion by
presenting to him a memento
by Prof. M. P. S. Ishar, Vice
Chancellor, Jammu
University.
Prof. M. P. S. Ishar, Vice
Chancellor, JammuUniversity, speaking on the
occasion said that the
Symposium provided a very
good opportunity for the
young scientists to present
their research papers and
interact with the renowned
experts in the field.
Prof. Mushahid Husain,
Secretary, Society for
Semiconductor Devices,
New Delhi, dwelt on the
establishment, evolution,
growth and activities of the
Society. He also gave a
resume of the various confer-
ences organized by this
organization from time to
time and its future plan of
action. He thanked the
Governor for delivering the
Valedictory Address.
Dr. Sudarshan Kumar,
Director CFEES, DRDO,
Delhi, presented a global sce-
nario of the research being
conducted on semiconduc-
tors and in the arena of nan-
otechnology within and out-
side the country.
Prof. Naresh Padha,
Convener, ISSMD-2, pre-
sented the Symposium
Report. He said that 21 invit-
ed talks were delivered and
107 papers were presented
during the various working
sessions of the Symposium.
In her welcome address,
Prof. Anju Bhasin, Head,
Department of Physics and
Electronics, Jammu
University, gave details
about the aims and objects of
organizing this International
Symposium and the topics
discussed during the working
sessions. Er. Anik Gupta,
Scientist, University of
Jammu, presented a Vote of
Thanks. Among those pres-
ent on the occasion were Mr.
K. B. Aggarwal, Principal
Secretary, Higher Education,
delegates of the Symposium,
senior functionaries of the
Jammu University, Heads of
Departments, Faculty
Members, research scholars
and students.
STUDENT AGE
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 20132
Contd. from page 1...
Correction of Mother's NameI, Vikhyat Kashyap D.O.B: 12/04/2011, son of Naresh
Kumar, went to change the name of my mother from
Suhani to Pooja. If anyone has any objection on may
report the same at H.No. 821, Ward 37, Janipur
Colony, Jammu Mob: 9796602165 within a week.
SRINAGAR: If the deluge
of online threats and abuses
against Kashmir's first all-
girl band is anything to by, a
lot of people seem to be
opposed to youth in the val-
ley making music. This band
which has defied convention
is facing a challenge from
conservative sections of the
society.
The teenage girls who
came to limelight in late
December 2012 after their
performance at the annual
'Battle of the Bands' competi-
tion have received online
threats and absurd comments,
leaving their parents worried
and forcing the girls to keep a
low profile.
Though there are dozens
of bands currently playing
popular music of different
genres in the Valley, but this
being an all-girl band is fac-
ing problems.
The girls -vocalist-gui-
tarist Noma Nazir, drummerFarah Deeba and Guitarist
Aneeka Khalid (all students
of tenth standard) -formed
their rock band named
"Pragaash" (light) and won
the best performance award
in their first public appear-
ance.
"There has been a wicked
campaign against the girls
ever since they made their
maiden appearance in public
on December 26," owner of
Band Inn, a musical academy
where the girls are undergo-
ing training, said.
"Whenever a new thinghappens in a society especial-
ly related to music and fash-
ion, such things happen," he
said indicating that the girls
will not be cowed down by
the online threats and absurd
comments and will continue
to pursue their dream in
music. He said the band is
presently working on an
album. Criticism is nothing
new to Kashmiri women
singers who defied strong
opposition in the past as well
and made a name in the
music field.
Raj Begum, renownedKashmiri singer, even won
the national award.
First all-girl Kashmiriband faces online threats
Victim of mindset
Omar, activistsback all-girls
Kashmiri rockband
SRINAGAR: Activists, film-
makers and others today came
out in support of Kashmir's
first all-girls rock band, which
is facing online threats and
abuses, with Chief Minister
Omar Abdullah ordering a
police probe and hoping that
the talented teenagers will not
let themselves be silenced by
a "handful of morons".
The girls, vocalist-guitarist
Noma Nazir (16), drummerFarah Deeba and guitarist
Aneeka Khalid (both 15),
who defied convention to
form the rock band
"Pragaash" (darkness to
light), have stopped live
shows in the wake of the
online threats.
Activists and artistes
expressed outrage at the
online hate campaign against
the girls, all students of Class
X.
"It is completely shame-
ful...why is police silent
against these cyber crimi-
nals.... Police chief should
have initiated action against
them and it should be done
under the law of the land.
Enough is enough," filmmak-
er Shaykhh Mukhtar said.
Activist Humaira Khan
said "we are moving ahead,
but why aren't our mentalities.
We move ahead in real sense
only when we open our
minds." The first live per-
formance of Pragaash at
Srinagar's music festival
Battle of the Bands in
December had created ripples
in the Valley. But their eupho-
ria was short-lived as the girls
soon started receiving online
threats including to their lives
and absurd comments, leav-
ing their parents worried and
forcing them to keep a low
profile. The Chief Minister
said it was a matter of shame
that those who demand free-
dom of speech on social
media networks, use it to
threaten the girls. "The police
will examine the threats
issued and whether any provi-
sion of the law can be used to
book those making the threats
(to the rock band)," Mr
Abdullah said, adding "I hope
these talented young girls will
not let a handful of morons
silence them." "Shame on
those who claim freedom of
speech via social media and
then use that freedom to
threaten girls who have the
right to choose to sing," he
wrote on Twitter.
NEW DELHI: With India
and Japan in the process of
further cranking up their mil-
itary tiesacross the entire
spectrum, Army chief
General Bikram Singh will be
heading for Tokyo on a four-
day visit later this month.
"The strategic-military
partnership with Japan is
evolving to a new level.
General Singh, who will
leave on February 11, will
meet the Japanese defenceminister, military chiefs and
others to discuss ways to fur-
ther strengthen bilateral ties.
He will also visit some
defence establishments," said
an official.
The visit comes soon after
India and Japan, both wary of
the increasingly assertive
behaviour of China and the
rapid modernisation of its
People's Liberation Army,
held their first-ever maritime
dialogue on January 29.
Ranging from joint com-
bat exercises and coordinated
anti-piracy patrols to counter-
terrorism and service-to-serv-
ice exchanges, India and
Japan are implementing a
"action plan to advance secu-
rity cooperation".
The plan, which dwells
upon strategic and defence
cooperation as well as coordi-
nation in tackling terrorism,
piracy and proliferation, is
meant to reinforce the strate-
gic focus in the "global part-
nership" between India andJapan, say officials.
"India and Japan have
similar views on several glob-
al and regional issues like
extremism, terrorism and
WMD-proliferation.
The two are also keen to
ensure the safety of sea lanes
in the Indian Ocean Region
and Asia-Pacific because both
depend largely on maritime
traffic for their energy and
trade needs," said an official.
"In addition to regular
exercises being held between
the Indian and Japanese coast
guards, our naval warships
are also conducting coordi-
nated anti-piracy patrolling in
the Gulf of Aden. We also
have regular Navy-to-Navy
staff talks," he added.
Army chief to visit Japanto bolster military ties
SAMBA, FEBRUARY 02:
MLA Vijaypur, Surjit Singh
Salathia today inaugurated
three day district level exhibi-
tion cum sale of Khadi and
Village Industries products
organized by the J&K Khadi
and Village Industries Board
(KVIB)at Block
Development Office
Vijaypur. District
Development Commissioner,
Samba, Mubarak Singh,
District officers was present
on this occasion. Fifteen stalls
were set up by the department
to display the products manu-
factured by the KVIB units
which include Desert coolers,
Sewing machines, Shoes, Soft
toys, sanitary fittings, Masala
items etc. Experts from dif-
ferent fields were also present
to disseminate information
and to guide the youth for set-
ting up their own
enterprises\income generat-
ing units. Addressing the
gathering, Mr Salathia asked
the youth to avail optimum
benefits of the various
schemes. He called for a
change in the mind set of the
unemployed youth to become
job providers instead of job
seekers. He congratulated the
officers and staff of the KVIB
for bagging the National
award for implementing
Prime Minister's Employment
Generation Programme and
achieving 100% targets. He
directed the concerned offi-
cers to create massive aware-
ness about different State and
centrally sponsored schemes
and stressed upon the Panches
and Sarpanches to render
their services with utmost
zeal and dedication.
Salathia inauguratesKVIB exhibition
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3/8
STATESTUDENT AGE
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 20133
NEWS IN BOX
Omar reviews restoration ofPoonch transmission line
JAMMU, FEBRUARY 02: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah
today reviewed the status of restoration of Poonch power
transmission line at a high level meeting of PDD officers
here. The transmission line has been severely damaged by
the recent heavy snowfall in the area. Various towers have
got completely uprooted whileas many have been broken by
the snow storm.
Receiving detailed brief on the restoration work, the
Chief Minister asked the PDD department to put in added
efforts so that the transmission line is restored within the
shortest possible time. The meeting was attended by the
Principal Secretary Power Development Department,
Development Commissioner Power, various Chief Engineers
and other officers.
Principal Secretary Planning andDevelopment briefs Governor
JAMMU, FEBRUARY 2: Mr. B. R. Sharma, Principal
Secretary, Planning and Development, called on Mr. N. N.
Vohra, Governor, at Raj Bhavan here today.
During the meeting, the Principal Secretary, Planning and
Development, briefed the Governor about the to-date status
of implementation of major development projects and
schemes. The Governor also discussed issues relating to
monitoring the execution of various Centrally Sponsored
Schemes in the State with Mr. Sharma.
Two cops detained in connec-
tion with 'illegal' activitiesSRINAGAR: Two police constables were detained on
Friday for their alleged involvement in "illegal" activities,
police said here. "Constables Manzoor Ahmad and Ishfaq
Ahmad of Sadder police station were taken into custody after
police received complaints about their involvement in illegal
and anti-social activities," Senior Superintendent of Police,
Srinagar, Ashiq Bukhari said.
Police is looking for a self-styled social worker, hailing
from Channapora area of the city, as she is also alleged to be
involved in these activities, Bukhari said. Probes are on into
the complaints and the department will take due action if the
allegations are found to be correct, he said. However, the
SSP said that no case has been registered so far.
Relief for residents as nighttemp rise in Kashmir Valley
SRINAGAR: Residents of Kashmir got much needed relief
from the two-month long chilly weather as the night temper-
ature rose by several degrees and weatherman forecasting
light rainfall or snow over the next few hours.The minimum temperature in Srinagar, the summer capi-
tal of Jammu and Kashmir, rose by nearly five degrees to set-
tle at 3.1 degrees Celsius last night, an official of the MET
Department said. Qazigund gateway town in south Kashmir
also registered an upward movement of the mercury as night
temperature settled at 0.8 degrees Celsius, while nearby
Pahalgam health resort recorded a low of 0.2 degrees
Celsius. Gulmarg skiing resort in north Kashmir recorded a
low of minus 2.0 degrees Celsius, while Kupwara town
recorded night temperature of minus 0.6 degrees Celsius.
Meanwhile, Leh and Kargil towns in Ladakh region con-
tinued to reel under severe cold. While Kargil recorded a low
of minus 9.4 degrees Celsius, the mercury settled at minus
7.6 degrees Celsius in Leh town.
The weatherman has forecast light rainfall or snowfall
across the Kashmir Valley over the next 24 hours.
3 lakh patients get medical treatmentin district Hospital Handwara
HANDWARA, FEBRUARY 02: As many as 3 lakh out-
door and 2,500 indoor patients have been treated in District
Hospital Handwara during current financial year so far.
This information was given out in a review meeting of
Health department, chaired by Additional Deputy
Commissioner, here today. It was further informed in the
meeting that 6,300 major and minor operations have been
performed during the same period, besides 7,000 USG and
20,000 X-Ray conducted besides as many as 2,800 pregnant
ladies were provided medical treatment during the last nine
months. The Additional Deputy Commissioner stressed upon
the officers to maintain cleanliness sanitation in and around
the District Hospital and primary health centres besides
ensure healthcare facilities to the patients.
DHS inaugurates workshop on "The Interfaceof Psychiatry and Medicine" at Tangmarg
TANGMARG, FEBRUARY 02: As a part of Medical
Education Programme launched by the State Government, an
improvised workshop on ''The Interface of Psychiatry and
Medicine'' held at Regional Health and Family Welfare
Institute, Dhobiwan Tangmarg was organized by Director
Health Services Kashmir today. As many as 110 doctors
drawn from across the Valley, besides Psychiatrists and
experts from medical fraternity participated in the workshop.
Director, Health Services, Kashmir, Dr. Saleem-ur-
Rehman, while addressing the workshop said that on the sub-
ject of psychiatry and medicine, this programme has a great
significance of being first of its kind to benefit the masses in
respect of ensuring mental health to all groups of age in
Valley. He hoped that such workshops will be held in other
parts of the Valley so that the people living in remote and far
flung areas would also be benefited. The workshop was
informed that around 1,13,940 patients suffering from men-
tal health problem and 11,838 patients were treated for drug
addiction by the department besides 28 camps were organ-
ized for the purpose and 1051 doctors and 1301 paramedics
were imparted training on the s ubject.
JAMMU, FEBRUARY 02:
A deputation of Kashmiri
Pandit migrants from vari-
ous migrant camp and areas
Saturday morning called on
Chief Minister Omar
Abdullah here and dis-
cussed with him various
issues relating to the
migrants.
While expressing grati-
tude to Omar Abdullah for
his efforts resulting in
enhancement of migrant
relief, the delegation
emphasized the need for
raising the per month relief
of per family to Rs. 10,
000/. They requested the
Chief Minister to raise this
issue with the Central gov-
ernment.
The deputation also
talked about employment
package for migrants and
issues relating to return and
rehabilitation package.
The Chief Minister
assured the delegation that
he would take up the cash
relief issue with the Central
government. He said state
government is well versed
with the difficulties and sta-
tus of migrants and is taking
all measures to redress the
genuine grievances besides
accommodating the genuine
demands. The delegation
was led by Anil Dhar, A. K.
Hangloo, H. L. Pandit, Jatin
Bhat, S.L. Koul, Ravinder
Koul, Bushan Lal, Sanjay
Kumar and Babloo Ji.
SRINAGAR: Opposition
Peoples Democratic Party in
Jammu and Kashmir on
Saturday alleged that the rul-
ing National Conference has
"stifled" all opposition to
ensure a monopoly for itself.
The P DP p re si de nt
Mehbooba Mufti said people
of the state alone can bring
in a change in the system of
governance and their lives
through the process of pub-
lic accountability.
"Change will start with
the first vote cast in right
direction that could make all
political parties accountable
to people for whatever good
or bad they do," Mehbooba
said addressing a workers
rally at Pahalgam, 10
She claimed that the PDP
was an important instrument
in this process as it has pro-
vided the people with a cred-
ible alternative first time in
the state's history.
Mehbooba said the gov-
ernance has been made
hostage to vested interests of
a single party in the state,
that corrupted both the sys-
tem as well as those who ran
it without challenge.
"Democracy is meaning-
less without a competition
and for the last 65 years NC
stifled all opposition to
ensure a monopoly for
itself," she alleged.
This, she alleged, result-
ed in a situation in which the
people became mere pawns
in power game that ruling
NC manipulated for its ben-
efit. Mehbooba said people
must believe in their power
to change their destiny
through democratic means,
which is the first require-
ment in bringing in the
change.
"Unfortunately, we have
been led the wrong way, for
too long, which resulted in
immense loss and turmoil in
the past, because of the self-
ish policies of the NC," she
said.
JAMMU, FEBRUARY 02:Minister for Higher
Education, Mr. Mohammad
Akbar Lone today paid a
surprise visit to various col-
leges of Jammu. These
included Government
Gandhi Memorial Science
(GGMS) College, Canal
Road, Government College
for Women, Gandhi Nagar
and Government Moulana
Azad Memorial (MAM)
College Jammu. He took
stock of the functioning of
these institutions and facili-
ties available to the students.
The Minister also went
around classrooms of these
colleges interacted with stu-
dents and the teaching staff.
He called for ensuring punc-
tuality and full attendance ofstudents in classrooms.
At Gandhi Nagar
College, the Minister
inspected various blocks
including arts block, admin-
istrative block, lecture
rooms, moot court, career
council cell, library and lab-
oratories. He also inspected
first aid center of the col-
lege.
The College management
briefed the Minister about
the overall functioning and
issues confronting them. TheMinister directed the
Principal of the college to
submit the status report of
land of the college earlier
acquired by the Government
for construction of new fly-
over bridge.
During visit to Library,
the Minister was informed
that 55000 books are avail-
able in the library. Mr. Lone
directed for proper utilisa-
tion of library funds as per
requirements. He also
stressed for maintaining abook record register and
adequately training all per-
sons engaged on daily wage
basis working in the library.
While inspecting the lab-
oratories in these colleges,
the Minister stressed for
proper upkeep and mainte-
nance of these laboratories.
At GMAM College, the
Minister inspected various
sections included adminis-
trative block and Internal
Quality Assurance Cell
(IQAC). The concerned offi-cial briefed the Minister
about the activities conduct-
ed by IQAC.
While inspecting under
execution auditorium hall,
Mr. Lone directed the con-
cerned to complete it within
stipulated time frame. He
was informed that the con-
struction for chain link fenc-
ing at a cost of Rs. 3.62 lakh
will be started soon.
Interacting with the stu-
dents of these colleges, the
Minister impressed upon
them to strive hard to
achieve their desired goal
and bring laurels for the
State. He said Government
was committed in making
education within reach of all
segments of society includ-
ing youth in far-flung areas.
The Minister also
inspected hostel at GGM
Science College and took
stock of the meals and other
facilities provide to the stu-
dents. The students apprised
the Minister about various
issues for his intervention.Mr. Lone directed
the Director Colleges who
accompanied the Minister
during his visit to submit a
detailed report about the
construction of new infra-
structure in these colleges.
He also asked the concerned
principals to go ahead with
minor works.
JAMMU, FEBRUARY 02:
Minister for Housing,
Horticulture and Culture Mr.
Raman Bhalla has said that
State Government endeavors
to eradicate illiteracy from
every nook and corner of the
state by opening and upgrad-
ing scores of schools besides
equipping the Government
educational institutions with
better infrastructure and qual-
ified staff.
This was stated by the
Minister while addressing a
large gathering after laying
foundation stone for addition-
al accommodation block in
newly upgraded Government
High School, Qasim Nagar
under Rashtriya Madhyamic
Shiksha Abhiyan (RAMSA),
here today.
Commissioner Jammu
Municipal Corporation Mr.
Kuldeep Lal Khajuria besides
other senior officers of
School Education, Public
Health Engineering, Power
Development Department,
Roads and Buildings and
Urban Environmental
Engineering Department
accompanied the Minister.
Mr. Bhalla asked the exe-
cuting agency to complete the
project within three months
by constructing additional
rooms, office room, toilet
block, computer and labora-
tory room so that the classes
for next session students
batches could be started there.
He said Government is mak-
ing all efforts to reach out to
every part of the State by
opening new schools within
one-kilometer distance and
introducing several educa-
tional programmes to cover
all children. Mr. Bhalla asked
the parents to send their
wards to schools, colleges
and universities for their bet-
ter and secure. He asked the
teaching fraternity to put their
sincere efforts in providing
quality education to the stu-
dents. He said central
Government has introduced
RAMSA scheme for upgrad-
ing infrastructural facilities in
High and Higher secondary
schools. He said 69 schools
would be upgraded under
RAMSA across the state,
adding that Rs. 49.90 lakh
would be spent on construc-
tion of additional blocks for
computer and science labora-
tories, bathrooms etc in each
newly upgraded high and
higher secondary school.
Mr. Bhalla said that
Government is committed to
provide all infrastructural
facilities to the inhabitants of
Qasim Nagar like safe drink-
ing water, road connectivity,
electricity, education, health-
care, multipurpose communi-
ty hall besides better lanes
and drains. Responding to the
demand of locals, the
Minister announced Rs. 19
lakh for up gradation of link
road besides all internal lanes
and drains. He asked the exe-
cuting agency to complete the
works within prescribed time
frame. Regarding construc-
tion of slab over nallah near
Rabi Dass Sabha at Kalika
Colony, Mr. Bhalla asked
Commissioner Jammu
Municipal Corporation to
immediately start the work.
He also asked to prepare esti-
mate for construction of pub-
lic convenience near Rabi
Dass Sabha and submit the
same for funding so that the
project could be started at an
earliest for the convenience
of the visiting pilgrims.
Kashmiri Pandit delegationcalls on CM, Discuss migrant
issues and concerns
Without competition democracyis meaningless: Mehbooba
Workshop underNirmal Bharat Abhiyan
held at Baramulla
BARAMULLA, FEBRU-ARY 02: A day long Nirmal
Bharat Abhiyan workshop
was today held at Dak
Bungalow Baramulla under
the chairmanship of District
Development Commissioner
Baramulla, Ghulam Ahmad
Khawaja. The ADC
Baramulla and other officers
of the department were pres-
ent on the occasion. Speaking
on the occasion, the DDC
said that government has
introduced the new scheme
under which lavotary blocks
shall be constructed in each
Panchayat halqas. He
stressed the need for more
awareness about the schemes
so that people at large could
avail the benefits of the soci-
ety.
CD organizes aware-ness camp at Bun
UDHAMPUR, FEBRU-
ARY 02 : Civil Defence
organization in collaboration
with District Information
Centre, Udhampur organized
a one day awareness camp on
Civil Defence and Disaster
Management in Anand
Bhartiya Vidyalaya at village
Bun in Udhampur District on
Saturday.
Principal of the host
school, Mrs. Reetu Abrol was
the chief guest on the occa-
sion.
Deputy Controller, Civil
Defence. Dy SP Bodh Raj in
his welcome address gave a
detailed account of the work-
ing of his Organization in the
district and also asked the
volunteers to come forward
and take part in such aware-
ness camps to minimize loss
of lives and property in the
case of any eventuality.
While appreciating the
functioning of Civil Defence
Organization in Udhampur,
Mrs. Abrol said that move of
the organization is to organ-
ize awareness programmes in
rural areas of the district
would certainly go a long
way in creating awareness
among the common masses
about the disaster manage-
ment.
Master Trainer Mr.
Kuldeep delivered a lecture
on the topic of earthquake
and presentation taken
before, during and after the
earthquake and their impact
on human life. Deputy Chief
Warden, Advocate
Swantantar Dev Kotwal also
delivered lecture on various
facets of civil defence.
On the occasion a film
show was also organized by
the department.
Among other Wardens,
Trainers, staff members, local
people in large numbers and
students were also attended
the camp.
2 SMGSsecurity personnel
suspended
J AMMU , FEB RU ARY 0 2:
Principal, Government Medical
College, Jammu, Mr Aniece
Choudhary has directed the Medical
Superintendent SMGS Hospital
Jammu to place under suspension two
hospital security personnel in connec-
tion with the missing of new born
baby from SMGS Hospital.
A similar action has also been
sought by the police authorities
against the constable Police Post
SMGS Hospital. Principal, GMC has
directed Administrator Associated
Hospitals to conduct a detailed
enquiry into the matter with the assis-
tance of Medical Superintendent
SMGS and office incharge police post
SMGS Hospital and submit a report
within three days.
Lone pays surprise visits to various colleges in JammuDirects to ensure full attendance & punctuality
Minister for Higher Education, Mohammad Akbar Lone during surprise visit in college at Jammu.
Bhalla launches Rs. 68 lakh development projects at Qasmi Nagar
NEW DELHI, FEBRUARY 02:
Maintaining that MG NREGA has
acted as a tool for accelerating the
development of rural and far flung
areas besides providing employment
opportunities and stopping the dis-
tress migration, the Minister for Rural
Development and Panchayats, Mr. Ali
Mohammad Sagar said that the new
initiative of convergence of the
scheme with other activities would go
a long way in ensuring in its success-
ful implementation and socio-eco-
nomic transformation of the State.
The Minister was speaking at MG
NREGA Sammelan organized to
commemorate the 8th year of the
launching of the scheme at New
Delhi today, attended by the Union
Minister for Panchayati Raj, Mr.
Jairam Ramesh and Rural
Development Ministers of different
States.
Mr. Sagar said that the scheme has
become a household name in the
country side and the timely amend-
ments in the Act on the operational
guidelines based on the inputs from
the field, is a healthy step, which syn-
chronizes the implementation of this
Act with the realities at the ground
level. He said that the scheme has to a
great extent acted as a tool to curb
unemployment, disguised employ-
ment and provided employment
opportunity at the doorsteps besides
removing the regional disparities in
the socio-economic development.
While calling for the increase in
the wage rate from the existing one-
to Rs. 150/-, the Minister pleaded the
Union Government to come to the
rescue of the State by enhancing the
wage rate under MG NREGA in the
State. He said that the issue of includ-
ing the snow clearance as a permissi-
ble activity under the scheme may
also be extended to the State as it
shall be of a great help in providing
employment opportunities during the
winter months. Mr. Sagar also asked
for involving the job holders in other
programmes and schemes of different
departments maintaining that it would
expand the opportunity of unskilled
employment outside the domain of
MG NREGA.
This will definitely widen the
scope of the idea of enacting this
landmark act shall go a long way in
eradicating the unemployment. The
Minister said that like other parts of
the country, MG NREGA is becom-
ing a backbone of the socio-econom-
ic development in rural areas and
10.55 lakh families have been regis-
tered under the scheme constituting
about one half of the rural households
as per the recent census.
Sagar calls for increasing the wage rate of MG NREGA
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STATESTUDENT AGE
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 20134
SRINAGAR, FEBRUARY
02: Minister of State for
R&B, MED, Home and I&C,
Sajjad Ahmed Kichloo today
met Chief Engineer BEA-
CON TPS Rawat and dis-
cussed the status of BEACON
roads and projects in the
State.
During the meeting, the
Minister discussed in detail
the status of all ongoing proj-
ects in the State. He was given
a detailed presentation about
approach roads in either side
of Sopore bridge as well as 4
lanning of Parimpora road.
The Minister was also updat-
ed on the status of Singhpora-
Vailo tunnel, Sinthan-
Kishtwar Road, Batote-
Kishtwar and Kishtwar-
Galhaar-Sansari road. Chief
Engineer assured the Minister
that work on all BEACON
roads in the State have been
fast tracked. However, hemade pointed references to
some technical difficulties
being faced with certain
departments in execution of
the projects.
The Minister assured that
he will take up the issues
flagged by BEACON with
line departments and talk to
the Ministers' Incharge so that
hassle-free working atmos-
phere is created for smooth
functioning of the organiza-
tion. Kichloo said he will take
up issues pertaining to all
important roads being con-
structed by BEACON with
the Union Ministry so that the
projects are expedited on pri-
ority. "I will be visiting Delhi
shortly to discuss the issue of
fast tracking road and tunnel
projects especially
Singhpora-Vailo tunnel which
is a long pending demand of
the people in the State," he
added.
Earlier, the Minister laid
floral wreaths at Marytrs
Stambh at BEACON head-
quarters and paid tribute to
the engineers and officials
who laid down their lives dur-
ing execution of various BROprojects. The Chief Engineer,
in a review meeting of senior
officers of BEACON, briefed
the Minister about ongoing
projects and assured that all
these will be completed in
stipulated timelines.
JAMMU, FEBRUARY 2:
Calling upon teaching frater-
nity to devotedly attend to
duties, Deputy Chief
Minister Mr. Tara Chand
today said that teachers play
a very special role in society
and everybody looks up to
them with admiration.
Student- teacher share a
pious and special bond which
is carried throughout the life,
he added.
"Our tradition culture and
scriptures have also given
special respect to teachers
due the fact that they lead
students from darkness to the
light of knowledge and now
it is duty of every teacher to
come up to the expectation
by serving with devotion and
dedication," he urged.
Mr .Tara Chand was
addressing annual day cum
parents meet at the
Government Higher
Secondary School, Dori
Dager.
Cultural items and mast
past was presented by the stu-dents. Five adjacent schools
of the area also participated
in the celebrations.
Joint Director, State
Institute of Education, SDM
Akhnoor, CEO and other
officers as well as staff of the
schools attended the func-
tion.
Describing education as
priority sector, the Deputy
Chief Minister today said that
focused attention is being
paid to upgrade infrastructure
in the sector and to equip
education institutes with
most modern facilities,
adding that the government is
aware of the fact that the
department has dearth of staff
and efforts at the highest
level have been initiated tofill up the posts on priority.
"We are aware that rural
and far-flung areas are worst
sufferers of the shortage of
staff in schools and directions
have already been issued to
take up the matter at cabinet
level and constitute district
level boards to ensure fast
track filling of vacant posts
of teachers" he detailed.
He said a transparent and
vibrant transfer policy would
be put in place and those
employees who serve in hard
areas would be given prefer-
ence in next postings.
Serving rural and far-off
schools would be made
mandatory but those give one
academic year in such areas
would automatically get sub-sequent preferential posting,
he added.
He said posts have already
been referred to PSC for
selection and seniority lists of
teachers have also been final-
ized for promotion, posts
thus created would also been
filled on priority through
SSRB. Underscoring on pro-
moting transparency, the
Deputy Chief Minister said
that fool proof transparent
mechanism would be put in
place by utilizing IT in the
education department and
urged upon the authorities for
early submission of report of
the committee constituted to
inquire into the fake RET
appointments. Taking note of
continuing attachments, hesaid clear cut directions have
been issued to immediately
detach all the staff and any
officer found not relieving
the staff would face severe
action under the law.
Stressing on monitoring
student performance, Mr.
Tara Chand said bench mark
for judging the report card of
any government school is
result of the institution and
those schools where students
show brilliant results, suit-
able rewards would be given
to the teachers, adding that
those education institutes
where the performance is
below the standard con-
cerned would be dealt with
strong hands.
He said performancebased incentives would be
allowed and those principals
and teachers whose schools
under perform the staff
would be treated as dead
wood and action would be
initiated under relevant rules.
41 strandedpassengers airlifted
in Bandipora
BANDIPORA, FEBRU-
ARY 02: As many as 41
stranded passengers were air-
lifted from Bandipora to
Gurez and vice-versa today.
According to Tehsildar
Bandipora, 20 passengers
include one child were airlift-
ed from Bandipora to Dawar
while as 21 passengers airlift-
ed from Dawar to Bandipora.
Director Social Welfarereviews performance
UDHAMPUR, FEBRU-
ARY 02: Director, Social
Welfare Department Jammu,
M.H. Bhatti on Saturday con-
vened meeting of Officers of
Social Welfare Department to
review the schemes being
implemented by the depart-
ment at Udhampur.
The meeting was attended
by the Programme Officer
(ICDS Project) Udhampur,
District Social Welfare
Officer, Udhampur and all
the Child Development
Project Officers of District
Udhampur.During the meeting,
Director Social Welfare
undertook a detailed review
of the progress made under
the schemes like Post-Matric
and Pre-Matric Scholarships
to SC/OBC students, Widow,
Old Age and Disability
Pensions, working of Nari
Niketan and Bal Ashram etc.
Director also reviewed the
functioning of AWC's in
detail and the status of pro-
curement of Nutrition items
in the AWC's.
Strict instructions were
issued to the Officers con-
cerned for timely disburse-
ment of the honorarium to
AWW's and AWH's, Pension
and Scholarships and to mon-
itor the AWC's rigorously, inorder to ensure that they are
fully functional, so as to pro-
vide maximum benefits to the
beneficiaries.
Training programme,awareness camp at
Kotli Bala
UDHAMPUR, FEBRU-
ARY 02: Two days training
cum awareness camp was
organized for the farmers of
Chenani Block regarding
Kissan Credit Card at
Panchayat Ghar Kotli Bala of
Zone Samroli under
Agriculture Sub Divisional
Udhampur. About 50 num-
bers of farmers of different
village of the area took part
in the camp.
Speaking on the occasion,
on the importance of Kissan
Credit Card Agriculture
Extension Officer, Mr. Jyoti
Parkash advised the farmers
to use KCC judiciously by
purchasing good quality of
seeds, fertilizers, pesticides
and other farm machinery to
increase agriculture produc-
tion as well as to increase
economic status of the farm-
ers.
Highlighting the benefits
of KCC JAEO, Mr.
R.K.Pandoh said that it serve
as identity to farmers besides
providing crop insurance,
accidental insurance and
monetary support to them to
purchase quality inputs.
Expert, Mr. Chander
Mohan also apprised to the
farmers about various state
and centrally schemes for
uplifting of farming commu-
nity.
The farmers have also
been advised by the expert to
layout Mushroom, Apiculture
programme implemented
these programme in their area
for additional income.
Prominent among others
present on the occasion were
Sarpanches, Panches and
large numbers of farmers
were participated in the
camp.
JAMMU, FEBRUARY 2:
The Director General of
Police (DGP), Mr. Ashok
Prasad today had a detailed
review of the functioning of
Police Public Schools and
Police Parivar Fuel Pumps.
He stressed for making the
schools exemplary institu-
tions and the fuel pumps
source generating outlets.
A high level meeting of
Police Parivar was held at
Police Headquarters (PHQ)
here today. The meeting was
chaired by DGP, who is also
patron of Police Parivar and
was attended by Chairperson,
JK Police Wives Welfare
Association (PAWWA), Mrs.
Kiran Prasad and senior
police officers, besides lady
members of PAWWA.
The meeting was briefed
about the initiatives taken in
recent years with regard to up-
gradation of Police Public
Schools, Police Fuel Pumps
and functioning of newly
established schools at range
level. An over all view of the
achievements registered on
this account was taken with
directions to continue and fur-
ther improve the progress
with missionary zeal at all the
levels. The meeting had
threadbare discussion on
improving the functioning
and quality of education of
Police Public Schools. It was
told that effective steps have
been taken to equip the insti-
tutions with modern facilities
to achieve desired results. It
was also decided that facilities
in newly established schools
at range level would be
upgraded to run these schools
efficiently.
Dwelling on the objectives
of schools and parivar fuel
pumps, Mr. Prasad said police
public schools have been
established at the twin capital
cities with the aim to provide
quality education to the police
wards including the wards of
martyrs, besides sharing its
responsibility to make the
society better. He said that
encouraging results of these
schools inspired the organiza-
tion to spread the branches in
other ranges of the state. The
schools in the capital cities
have been upgraded to higher
secondary level, having suffi-
cient infrastructure and equip-
ment with all facilities of
modern education. The range
level schools are being
strengthened by providing
them all requirements includ-
ing well trained teaching staff.
Expressing satisfaction
over the functioning of these
institutions, Mr Prasad
stressed upon the manage-
ment to work with more dedi-
cation to make them exempla-
ry institutions. He said that
steps are being taken to affili-
ate police public schools with
CBSE, which could help the
students to acquaint them-
selves with the national level
syllabus and compete in high-
er level examinations. He
asked the administration to
fulfil all required formalities
in this regard and get the insti-
tutions registered at national
level. Referring to the sugges-
tions posed by lady members
and other senior officers with
regard to improvements of
police public school and Fuel
pumps, the DGP said that
need based vehicles for trans-
portation of students would be
procured for newly estab-
lished schools. He also
stressed to frame guidelines
for running hostel messes
making them more eco-
friendly and hygienic. The
meeting decided to constitute
committees to look into other
suggestions for bringing more
improvements in the working
of these institutions.
While discussing the mat-
ters related to the fuel pumps,
the DGP said that these sta-
tions needs to be made source
generating which could help
in providing assistance to the
families of martyrs. He said
that besides ensuring standard
quality of the fuel, audit of the
pumps should be made
mandatory making the work
transparent. He also asked to
acquire sufficient land for the
outlets to establish allied busi-
ness, making them more prof-
it earning.
Kichloo visits BEACONheadquarters, discusses
status of ongoing projects
Devotedly attend to duties: Dy CM to teachersGHSS Dori Dager celebrates annual day
Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Tara Chand along with others during cultural function at the Govt Higher Secondary School, Dori Dager.
DGP reviews functioning of PP Schools, Parivar Fuel Stations
Director General of Police (DGP), Ashok Prasad along with others reviewing functioning of PP Schools, Parivar Fuel Stations at Jammu.
CHINKAH (ARNAS), FEBU-
RARY 02: Holding cheap politick-
ing responsible for the backwardness
of Jammu and Kashmir, Minister for
Agriculture, Mr Ghulam Hassan Mir
today asked the people of the state to
take the benefits of huge economic
power that India is emerging.
The Minister was addressing a
mammoth public gathering at
Chinkah , Arnas today.Minister for PHE, Irrigation,
Flood Control, Mr. Sham Lal
Sharma, Minster of State for
Revenue and Rehabilitation, Mr
Ajiaz Ahmad khan, Member
Parliament, Mr. Lal Singh, MLC,
Sham Lal Bhagat, senior leader Mr
Kavil Singh also spoke on the occa-
sion.
Mir said over the past six decades
since India became independent, the
country has marched ahead on the
path of development and progress
while as the state could not keep up
with that pace of development due to
political mudslinging between vari-
ous sections and groups.
The Minister said a revolution
has taken place in infrastructure,
road connection, power, education
and health sector in the country and
there is economic boom prevailing in
the country. "Jammu and Kashmir is
yet to receive its share of benefits
which it could not owing to all these
reasons" he noted.
Mir made a fervent appeal to all
political classes in the state cutting
across party lines to come forward
and plead the case of the state in one
voice. "We have lost enough time in
doing politics" he said adding that
time has come when we should show
the people of the state particularly
the youth the way forward and make
them equitable partners in the growth
and progress of the country.
The Minister said that J&K faces
peculiar set of problems and it can-
not tide over them without the active
involvement and support from the
centre. He said that whole hearted
financial support from the centre has
helped the state in launching numer-
ous ambitious projects in different
sectors to upgrade the basic facilities
in J&K besides providing employ-
ment opportunities to skilled and
unskilled youth of the state.
Asking the people of the area to
give attention to agriculture activities
the Minister said that introduction of
latest Agri techniques, quality hybrid
seeds and farm mechanization has
helped the farmers to enhance their
production to many folds and thus
earn good returns. He said that the
agriculture department is providing
quality seeds; latest agri-techniques
and guidance to farmers on their
door step besides providing various
incentives to them on introduction of
farm machinery and other agricul-
ture inputs. Saying that the hilly belt
of the Reasi district has huge poten-
tial for organic farming, he urged
farmers to adopt organic farming for
which the government shall provide
incentives for three years besides
facilitating them in extending market
linkages for their produce. He said in
today's consumer market, organic
produce has huge market demand as
it is being considered safe.
In his address Minister for PHE,
Irrigation & FC, Mr sham Lal
Sharma said that coalition govern-
ment is making all out effort to
upgrade the basic facilities in all
regions with special focus on rural
areas. He said that a comprehensive
programme has already been formu-
lated for the development of J&K
which could help transform the socio
economic profile of the people.
The Minister asked the people to
strengthen the government led byChief Minister Omar Abdullah
adding that cooperation of people is
pivotal for implementing various
flagship programmes.
Minister of State for Revenue,
Rehabilitation, Mr Aijaz ahmad
khan, said that government is com-
mitted to address the grievances of
people particularly living in far off
areas on fast track basis.
He directed Deputy
Commissioner to implement the
public services Guarantee Act strict-
ly so that the people of this far off
area could avail benefits of all serv-
ices at the earliest. He also directed
to expedite land acquisition cases
coming under road connectivity net-
work in the area.
In his address MP, Mr. Lal Singh
said that peace is pre requisite for
development and asked people to
fully cooperate in successful imple-
mentation of welfare initiatives by
the government. He said that with
liberal funding of centre massive
development has been registered in
the state during last ten years.
Mir asks people to share benefits of country's huge economic potential ADDC Doda reviewsfunctioning of PRI's inKahara, Jangalwar
DODA, FEBRUARY 02- To
ensure implementation of
Panchayati Raj Act and
empowerment of Panchayati
Raj Institutions in the district,
Additional District
Development Commissioner
Doda, Mr. G.N Balwan who
is also the Nodal Officer
Panchayati Raj Institutions in
district, today convened ameeting of Block Level
Officers, Sarpanches and
Panches at Figsoo Jangalwar
to review the action taken
and achievements made by
the departments in empower-
ing PRI's in the District.
While speaking on the
occasion Mr. Balwan under-
lined the need to bridge the
gap between PRI's and differ-
ent departments in the district
for empowerment and devel-
opment of Panchayati Raj
Institutions. He directed the
Block Level Officers to fully
implement Government
Order in letter and spirit and
asked the officers to involve
and consult PRI's in the plan-
ning and implementation of
various schemes and pro-
grams, identification of bene-
ficiaries, supervision of
works, supervision of field
functionaries, Anganwadi
centres, flow of funds and
organizing awareness camps.
Minister for Agriculture, Mr Ghulam Hassan Mir along with other ministers addressing a mammoth public gathering atChinkah , Arnas.
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EDITORIALSTUDENT AGE
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 20135
UPA regime okays weakanti-corruption Bill
For long, the Congress-led UPA Government has been claiming
that it is committed to a strong and effective Lokpal. And for
long the Opposition and the social activists agitating for the
cause have been rubbishing the claim. Now, it is amply clear why all
of these people have been suspicious of the Government's motive. The
Union Cabinet's recent endorsement of certain amendments to the
Lokpal Bill, which vastly dilute the supremacy of the Lokpal, conclu-
sively demonstrates that the regime just does not want a strong, anti-
corruption watchdog.
The much-awaited Lokpal Bill was intended as the antidote to sys-
temic corruption, but in its present form it resembles a toothless tiger,
to say the least. For one, it does not make the Central Bureau of
Investigation or the Central Vigilance Commission independent bod-
ies. Though there are provisions for a prosecution wing of the CBI to
handle the Lokpal's probes, the body will invariably be answerable to
the Government - its appointing authority. Unless the investigating
agency is taken out of the Government's control, any tinkering with
the law would only be window-dressing. There have been frequent
allegations of the CBI being the ruling Congress-led dispensation's
'handmaiden', whose services have been liberally, even brazenl