C A M P U S N O T E S
B Ed exams: Delay in result irks students
Ashwani Langeh
Inordinate delay in the declaration of result of B Ed examination (Regular) is proving irksome for the students. Though the duration of B Ed (regular) course being conducted by the University of Jammu is one year, yet this year the students in all probability would complete this degree course in two years, given this delay in the results of the examination held in the month of October, 2009.
Almost five months have passed but the result has not been announced yet.
The students, anxiously waiting for the declaration of the result, are distraught as given the delay they won't be able to apply for the posts of the teachers advertised by the Service Selection Recruitment Board (SSRB) recently. "We're suffering because of the callous attitude of the concerned authorities," they grumble.
Rohit, who is one among such aggrieved students, informs, "As per norms, the result should be declared within a period of 45 days to 2 months. Yet even after five months, there are no signs of declaration of the results. Further delay would mean wastage of precious time of students."
"In fact, the norms related to the declaration of results are violated every now and then. Results are not declared in time generally, be it the Post-Graduate course, Under Graduate or professional courses conducted under University of Jammu. Nowadays, the delay in the declaration of results has become a rule rather than an exception," he allegeshe allegesh.
This is notable that SSRB awards 20 marks to candidates having B Ed degrees while deciding on the merit, therefore the candidates having B Ed degrees stand better chances of selection.
It is notable here that B Ed degree through the distance mode in different universities is of 2 years.
There are about 76 private B Ed colleges in Jammu province with almost 20 thousand seats. Majority of the students, enrolled every year in these colleges, is from other states.
When asked about the reason for delay in the result, Controller Examinations, University of Jammu Prof. R.D. Sharma maintains, "There are about 1.5 lakhs of answer sheets which have to be evaluated. As most of the students are from other states having Hindi medium thus the answer sheets are evaluated in other states."
"Hopefully, the result will be declared this month monthly," states Prof. Sharma.
***
With the commencement of Kashmir Administrative Services (KAS) or Civil Services exams (mains) from March 15, 2010, the number of the students, who used to study in the Central Library, has come down drastically. Every year, hundreds of candidates from University of Jammu appear in the KAS exams.

2 thieves held in Udhampur
KT NEWS SERVICE
JAMMU, Mar 16: Police claimed to have arrested two thieves in Udhampur district and recovered the stolen property from their possession.
With the arrest the main accused, police today claimed to have worked out a theft case which took place in Latti of district Udhampur last month.
The accused has been identified as KhudaBaksh alias Tandi son of Nikku of Latti Dhuna Tehsil Ramnagar of district Udhampur.
Police reports said that the accused was wanted in case FIR number 03 of 2010 registered under section 457 and 380 RPC at Police Station Latti.
During the course of investigation some suspects were picked up for questioning and out of them one person confessed his crime. Police recovered golden jewellery and 16 woolen blankets besides cash Rs 3000 upon his disclosures.
Meanwhile, Police arrested vehicle thief and recovered one stolen motorcycle from his possession.
The accused has been identified as Ajmer Singh son Tara Singh of Damote Ramban.
The motorbike was stolen by the accused some days back from Eid Gah (Adarsh Colony) Udhampur.
The thefts were worked out under the supervision of DIG Udhampur Reasi range Gulzar Singh Slathia.

14 bovines seized from truck
KT NEWS SERVICE
JAMMU, Mar 16: Police claimed to have recovered 14 bovine animals from a truck at Jekhani area of Udhampur district last night.
Police reports said that, after developing an information regarding smuggling of bovine for Srinagar, Police party of Police Station Rehmbal (Udhampur) swung into action and intercepted a truck bearing registration number JK02F-6892 at Jekhani on Jammu-Srinagar National Highway under the jurisdiction of Police Station Udhampur last night.
During search of the vehicle 14 bovine were seized from it. The accused driver managed to flee away from the spot.
A case to this effect has been registered at Police Station Udhampur.
However, police is on foot to nab the absconding driver of the truck.

2 bootleggers held
KT NEWS SERVICE
JAMMU, Mar 16: Police claimed to have arrested two bootleggers in Udhampur and Reasi districts and recovered illicit liquor from their possession.
Police reports said that cops of Police Station Rehmbal established a special naka at Rehmbal. They intercepted a person and during frisking 36 pouches of J&K Excise containing 250 ml was recovered from his possession.
The accused has been identified Kala Ram son of Aziz Christian of Garhi.
The accused was arrested and case to this effect stands registered at Police Station Rehmbal.
Meanwhile, cops of Police Post Pouni of district Reasi arrested another bootlegger and recovered illicit liquor from his possession.
Police said that based on specific information police raided at village Sanger Morha Khori and arrested bootlegger identified as Krishan Singh son of Suram Singh of Sangar Morha Khori with 10 litres of illicit liquor.
A case to effect stands registered at Police Station Reasi.

GREF employee killed, 7 injured in a road mishaps
KT NEWS SERVICE
JAMMU, Mar 16: A GREF employee was killed while six persons were injured when a TATA Sumo in which they were travelling skidded off the road and rolled down at Kanchi Morh in district Rajouri, this evening.
Police said that one person was killed while six others suffered injuries when a TATA Sumo in which they were met with an accident at Kanchi Morh in district Rajouri, this evening.
The ill-fated vehicle was on its way from Rajouri to Bakori Kandi when the mishap occurred.
On receipt of the information, police rushed to the spot and started rescue operation. The occupants of the vehicle were evacuated and rushed to hospital where one person was declared as brought dead.
The deceased has been identified as Nathu Singh posted with 162 Workshop GREF, Budhal.
However, the injured were identified as Mohammad Javid son of Adbul Karim of Dharam, Sunil Kumar son of Bal Krishan of Peeri, Rangbaz son of Mohammad Iqbal of Dharhal, Mohammad Iqbal son of Mohammad Aslam of Dharhal, Mohammad Yousuf son of Kal of Budhal and Mohammad Arif son of Mohammad Sharief of Dhanore.
Meanwhile, reports from Poonch said that a motorcyclist was injured after being hit by a TATA Sumo at TCP Mendhar.
The injured identified as Javed Iqbal, son of Kalu Khan of Bhatidhar was hospitalized.
Police said that the victim was on his motorbike bearing registration number JK02X-6232 from Mankot to Mendhar while TATA Sumo bearing registration number JK12-1663 was on way from Mendhar to Mankot when mishap took place.
Police has taken cognizance.

GREF cement embezzlement racket unearthed, one held
KT NEWS SERVICE
JAMMU, Mar 16: With the arrest of a man and seizure of 100 bags of cement of GREF, police claimed to have unearthed embezzlement racket being run in Ramban district in connivance with GREF authorities.
The cement was sold by the GREF authorities illegally to a local, this evening when police conducted raid and seized it.
The accused has been identified as Mohammad Hanief son of Mohammad Sharief Qureshi of Maitra Ramban was detained on the spot.
A case has been registered against the accused in Police Station Ramban and investigations are on.

3 bootleggers held
KT NEWS SERVICE
JAMMU, Mar 16: Police claimed to have arrested three bootleggers and recovered illicit liquor from their possession.
Police reports said that cops established a special naka at Rehmbal. They intercepted a person and during frisking 36 pouches of J&K Excise containing 250 ml was recovered from his possession.
The accused has been identified Kala Ram son of Aziz Christian of Garhi.
The accused was arrested and case to this effect stands registered at Police Station Rehmbal.
In another incident, police claimed to have arrested a bootlegger Rajiv, son of Mohan Lal of Killian Di Khui Akhnoor and recovered 38 pouches of country made liquor from his possession.
Meanwhile, cops of Police Post Pouni of district Reasi arrested another bootlegger and recovered illicit liquor from his possession.
Police said that based on specific information police raided at village Sanger Morha Khori and arrested bootlegger identified as Krishan Singh son of Suram Singh of Sangar Morha Khori with 10 litres of illicit liquor.
A case to effect stands registered at Police Station Reasi.

Minor dies in blaze
KT NEWS SERVICE
JAMMU, Mar 16: A three-year-old baby was burnt alive while other family members managed to flee when their hut caught fire in Samba district here early today.
Police said, a grass Hut of Gujjars caught fire in Vijaypur belt, and a minor baby was charred to death. The flames were later doused, police added.
Her identity was not yet ascertained.
Police has taken cognizance.

Car lifter nabbed with stolen vehicle
KT NEWS SERVICE
JAMMU, Mar 16: District Special Branch (DSB) of police today claimed to have arrested a vehicle lifter from Jewel Chowk area and recovered a stolen car from his possession.
The accused has been identified as Shabir Ahmed Bhat, son of Mohammad Akram Bhat of Golpura Anantnag.
Official reports said that based on specific information, DSB sleuths laid a naka at Jewel Chowk and intercepted a Versa car bearing registration number PB1CB-7299.
During the course of investigation the driver revealed that he had stolen the vehicle from Punjab and was on way to Srinagar.
Police arrested the thief and seized the car. He was later handed over to Police Station Bus Stand for further investigations.

Infant found from temple, dies
KT NEWS SERVICE
POONCH, Mar 16: Police claimed to have recovered a newly born baby from Shiv temple here this morning. The baby, however, died later in the hospital.
Police said that some devotees who visited the temple in wee hours to pay their obeisance on the occasion of First Navratra today, noticed a male infant lying in the stairs of the Shiv temple. They immediately informed police.
Cops shifted the baby to hospital where she was provided treatment by the doctors. However, some locals of both communities approached police for adopting the abandoned baby. But unfortunately the baby died in the evening.
Police has registered a case in this connection and launched a hunt to trace and arrest the mother of unclaimed baby.

Cross LoC trade
Rs 4.21 cr worth tradable goods exchanged
KT NEWS SERVICE
POONCH, Mar 16: Continuing with Confidence Building Measures (CBMs), traders of Poonch and Pakistan Administered Kashmir (PAK) today exchanged 50 trucks loaded with tradable goods valuing Rs 4, 21, 23, 000 here today.
Official sources said that 25 trucks loaded with tradable goods worth Rs 1, 21, 60, 000 were dispatched to the other side of LoC via Poonch-Rawlakot road today. The tradable goods sent across included coconut kernel, red chillies, brown cardamom and coriander.
Twenty five trucks loaded with goods worth Rs 2, 99, 63, 000 were imported from the other side of LoC. The imported goods included Dal Mungi and Garment products.
The LoC opened at 12.35 pm and it was closed at 12.50 pm while it again opened at 5 pm and closed at 5.30 pm, sources said.

Autorikshaw catches fire, driver safe
KT NEWS SERVICE
JAMMU, Mar 16: An Auto driver had narrow escape when the engine of his Autorikshaw caught fire while moving at Residency road, this evening.
Showing presence of mind, the driver immediately jumped out of the vehicle and started dousing the blaze. He was assisted by some local shopkeepers and cops, who rushed to the spot, and the fire was brought under control.
An Autorikshaw bearing registration number JK02P-8753 suddenly caught fire while moving at Residency road. The Autodriver-cum-owner of the vehicle Sanjeev Sharma son of Hem Raj Sharma resident of Bahu Fort told to KTNS that he was driving the vehicle from Residency road to Bahu Fort when the engine suddenly caught fire due to short circuit in the wires. The engine of this new model Autorikshaw installed on the back side of the auto caught blaze. Within minutes the Autorikshaw was in flames but the driver immediately stopped the vehicle and with the help of locals managed to control the fire.
Sanjeev said that when the incident occurred he was alone in the vehicle and was in search of customers. He estimated the loss of Rs. 8000 in the vehicle.
Police later shifted the autorikshaw to Police Post Residency road and the reason behind the fire was being investigated when last report came in.

Nav-Samvat celebrations
Savita Bakshi mesmerises with Sitar recital
KT NEWS SERVICE
JAMMU, Mar 16 : Well known Sitar exponent of the state, Savita Bakshi performed before audience at Abhinav theatre Jammu first time after she has been elevated to the post of additional secretary, Jammu and Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture and Languages (JKAACL) Jammu.
She performed during the cultural programme organised by Sanskar Bharti, Jammu.
Manoj Kumar Dwivedi, District Development Commissioner, Jammu was the chief guest on the occasion while Pandit Onkar Nath Raina, noted sitarist presided over the function. Bankey Lal All India Sangthan Mantri of Sanskar Bharti was the guest of honour.
At the very outset Savita Bakshi mesmerised the audience by her experimental 'fusion' sitar recital. Fusion juxtaposed the elements of folk, classical and western music. It was group performance that putforth the unity in diversity of Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh. She was accompanied by Rajesh Kumar and Vijay Kumar on Tabla. Promising Kathak dancer Veerasha Angural won great admiration of the audience. In her dance item a lively description of 'Thath', 'Tukde', 'Udhaan', 'Paran', 'Premlu' and 'Tatkar' was there. It was the composition of noted Kathak dancer of the state Guru Narayan Prasad where Ramesh Parwana was the vocalist while Padam Nath was on tabla.
Budding artists from Nateshwar Nritya Vidyalaya and Sur Taal organisation presented colourful musical programme. Programme was organised to celebrate New-Samvat-2067 (Indian New Year) on the first Navratra today. The objective of the programme was to make the people aware about most scientific aspects of Indian New Year which has historical background and global significance too.
Proceedings were conducted by Archana Koushal and Kapil Anirudh and Ajay Bharati presented vote of thanks.

NCC to launch website today
KT NEWS SERVICE
JAMMU, Mar 16: NCC Group Headquarter Srinagar is going to launch NCC website (www.nccjandk.co.in) tomorrow.
Brigadier Anil Gupta, Director General J&K (DDG J&K) will launch the website.
In a release, Brigadier Gupta informed that through this website the students, parents and educationists will now be able to drive maximum benefits from the NCC and it will be beneficial to those who wants to know 'How NCC can help you'.
The website will bridge the gap between student cadets, institutional heads and ANOs. Through this website NCC has made a noble attempt to create a technological union of Jammu Kashmir and Leh region.
The launch of the website would kindled an informative technological avenue for the youth force of the nation and especially for the youth of the State of J&K for whom it will certainly be a rapid leap to different dimension of time to attain quick information and relay a realistic feedback for career advancement. Through this website NCC Directorate J&K attempts to bring transparency in its activities, Gupta added.

Medical camp organised at Doda
KT NEWS SERVICE
DODA, Mar 16: A medical camp cum Sadbhavana mela was organised at Goha area of Doda district by 10 RR (RAJPUT) to provide medical facilities to remote villages in the region.
As per press release, Brigadier SS Hasabnis, Commander 4 Sect RR Suigarh inaugurated the medical camp.
Medical camp cum Sadbhavana Mela was organised in co-operation with the District administration. A six members team of doctors from Field Ambulance, Batote, Dr Zia, Med Specialist, District Hospital, Doda, Dr Rehman, Dr Abdul Rashid, PHC, Goha, Dr Saba, Gynecologist, PHC, Assar, Anupa Devi, Nurse, PHC, Assar and two Health care workers from District Hospital, Doda and Assar were present to provide much needed specialised medical cover especially to ladies and elderly people residing in the far flung area.
In addition to the camp, a mela was also conducted which had entertainment stalls, eatery and cultural program by J&K Cultural Academy, Doda. The events attracted huge gathering which was addressed by the Col VS Chauhan, CO 10 RR (RAJPUT).
This is the first time that mela like this is being organized in Goha. The mela also include a medical awareness and information on job opportunities and method of joining the Army. The mela culminated with a lucky draw with many attractive prizes for the winners.

Tributes paid to Ghulam Rasool Nazki
KT NEWS SERVICE
JAMMU, Mar 16: To commemorate the 100th birth anniversary of reputed Kashmiri poet late Ghulam Rasool Nazki, the Jammu and Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture and Languages (JKAACL) organised a function at KL Saigal Hall, today.
The highlight of the programme was the performance of noted singers Deepali Watal and Jeevan Sharma who sang some beautiful songs as a tribute to the legendary poet of Kashmir.
Earlier welcoming the guests Additional Secretary Central, Shamima Akhtar highlighted the qualities of the late poet and said that he was a gifted man. "It is so seldom that the men like late Nazki are born," Shamima remarked about the late poet.
In his presidential address, Pritpal Singh Betab recollected his conversations with the legendary poet.
"Nazki was a poet of repute and we all must appreciate his genius," he said, adding, "as a mark of respect to the late poet the Writers' Club Jammu would also organise a function in his honour soon."
Echoing Betab, HoD Urdu department, Jammu University, Shohab Inayat Malik said that his department would also conduct a programme on the celebrated poet.
"Such was his life and works that it would be an honour if more programmes in his memory are organized," he added.
Those, who spoke on the occasion, included former HoD Urdu, Jammu University, Dr Zahoor-ud-Din, noted journalist Shujat Bukhari, well known critic G R Hasrat, Ayaz Rasool Nazki and Director General Accounts and Treasures, Wali Mohammed Aseer Kishtwari.
Coinciding with the function, a Kashmiri book entitled "Muzaffarabadus Manz Akh Pachch" written by Ayaz Rasool Nazki, son of late poet was also released. Commenting on the book Shohab said that it was a must read.
"It is a good travelogue and people would undoubtedly appreciate it," Elahi said.
The proceedings of the programme were conducted by Liaqat Jafri while Additional Secretary Central Shamima Akhtar welcomed the guests. Editor English, Abid Ahmad presented the vote of thanks.

Naz, Kuldeep accorded rousing reception at Mendhar
KT NEWS SERVICE
MENDHAR, Mar 16: In order to welcome Bashir Ahmed Naz Vice Chairman advisory Board for the development of Gujjar and Bakarwal J&K, a big rally was organised at Mendhar.
A large number of people including party workers and senior leaders of Congress and National Conference participated. The speakers thanked the coalition government for appointing Bashir Ahmed Naz as vice Chairman Gujjar and Bakarwal Development Board. They also highlighted various being problems faced by the community in the remote and border areas of Mendhar and other parts of district Poonch.
The people also welcomed Kuldeep Raj Verma vice Chairman OBC Development Board. Speaking on the occasion B A Naz thanked the Congress president Sonia Gandhi and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah for entrusting him such an important assignment for development of poor and needy section of the society. He assured to take all steps to develop basic infrastructure for betterment of poor people of the section. Naz claimed that the coalition government was doing its best for the welfare of weaker sections of the society.
Reacting on stone pelting incident at Surankote on March 13 on his cavalcade, he judicial inquiry into the matter so that the culprits could be brought to book.
He appreciated the role of civil administration for smooth conduct of public rally at Mendhar.
Additional District Development Commissioner Poonch A H Shah, SDM Mendhar M A Choudhary, SDPO Mendhar Vivek Gupta and other civil and police officer besides Zaffar Ullah Azad, Lal Mohammed Saber, Majeed Ahmed Khan, Aslam Choudhary, Salam Din, Shokit and Rajinder Singh were present on the occasion.

Devotees celebrate Navratra amid tight security in Jammu
KT NEWS SERVICE
JAMMU, Mar 16 :Thousands of devotees thronged the world famous Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine situated in Trikuta Hills of Reasi district to pay obeisance on the first day of the Navratra festival today.
"Though heavy rush of pilgristarted last night thousands of devotees reached Katra early morning to trek 13-km long track to Vaishno Devi," an official spokesman told .
He said besides visitors from within the state, many others reached Katra to pay obeisance at the shrine.
"As per records, till noon, over 10,000 pilgri visited the holy shrine and the figure is increasing." he added.
"Adequate troops have been deployed in Katra and other places of religious importance to ensure peaceful Navratra celebrations," a senior police official said, adding that security forces were on high alert to ensure safety of people.
Meanwhile in this Winter Capital, the famous Kali Temple (Bahu Fort) recorded large number of pilgriqueued up to have darshan of a deity known as 'Bawe wali mata'.
The Bahu Fort temple has a great importance among the people of this city while large number of devotees from remote and bordering area also visit to pay obeisance.
With the on set of Navratra, fruits' prices have witnessed 25-40 per cent rise in market. Prices of most common consumed Bananas have jumped from Rs 30 a dozen to Rs 50 while oranges and grapes have witnessed minimum hike of Rs 20 from Rs 35-40 and Rs 40 respectively, Bhola Ram, a fruit retailer, informed.
This increase in the rates of fruits has, however, made the festivity a costlier affair for common people. "We will keep fast only on the first and the last Navratra because of skyrocketing prices of fruits and other consumable ite during the festival," Sudesh Kumari said, asserting this disturbs of household budget for a month.
Criticising the state government for being ignorant to this public concern, postgraduate student Vandana Sharma said there should have been administrative check on the market. "At least Consumer Affairs and Public Distribution (CAPD) department of the state should have announced the rate list of fruits and other consumable iteif the department cannot have its own outlets of grocery, milk and fruit shops for people, " she said, citing the chain system of Mother Dairy shops in the national capital territory of Delhi.

Educational, motivational tour for Mendhar elders
KT NEWS SERVICE
MENDHAR, Mar 16: As a part of Operation Sadbhavana,16 Corps organized an educational cum motivational tour for the elders of Mendhar to Pune and Mumbai. Barasingha Battalion is conducting the tour, under the aegis of Krishna Ghati Brigade.
The elders selected for the tour form a heterogeneous composition. During the tour, the adults will be visiting Tri Service Training Institute of National Defence Academy at Khadakwasla, Princely Palace Of Peshwas called Shaniwar Wada, historical Kelkar museum, Lal Mahal and Aga Khan Palace in Pune. They will also be shown Raj Bhavan of Maharashtra, Elephanta caves, Prince of Wales Museum, Jahangir Art gallery, Haji Ali dargah, Gateway Of India, , Nehru Planetarium, Marine Drive and Naval Dockyard in Mumbai.
Colonel Subodh Kumar, Officiating Commander Krishna Ghati Brigade flagged off the tour on March 15, 2010 from Mendhar town amid the presence of Choudhary Zaffar Ullah Azad general secretary INC, M A Choudhary, SDM, Mendhar besides a large number of government officers.
The guest of honour during interaction with the adults asked them to spread the message of peace and harmony to the places they visit.

"Parchhamen Di Lo" released
KT NEWS SERVICE
JAMMU, Mar16: A Dogri Book entitled "Parchhamen Di Lo" which is a collection of poetry written by eminent poet Dhian Singh was released today in a function organized at KL Sehgal Hall.
The function was organized by Duggar Manch and Progressive Writer's Association (PWA) which was presided over by veteran Dogri writer and Sahitya Akademi awardee Yash Sharma besides Narsingh Dev Jamwal was chief guest.
Yash Sharma released the book and highlighted the contributions of Dhian Singh to enrich the dogri language, literature and its culture.
Narsingh Dev Jamwal appreciated the style of poetic idiom adopted by Dhian Singh and his remarkable achievements in the field of literature and culture. While addressing Jamwal maintained that apart from literary, contribution Dhian Singh contributed a lot to revive the faded cultural activity of Duggar Rutt-Rahde. Mohan Singh president Duggar Manch and PWA while appreciating the efforts of author maintained that book was a remarkable collection of poems of a progressive writer who complied his most of the poems using new symbols and idioms closer to the society. He opined that Dhian Singh's poetry will encourage the coming generations of Dogri poets.
Darshan Singh presented a paper focusing on the poetry of the writer. Dhian Singh author of the book recited some of his poems in his unique style. Shiv Dev Singh Sushil, secretary PWA and Sahitya Akademi awardee thanked the audience present in the function.

Children theatre workshop begins
KT NEWS SERVICE
JAMMU, Mar 16: Natraj Natya Kunj today inaugurated a children theatre workshop at Studio Ranglok Bakshi Nagar. Abdul Gani Naseem Chairman National Panchayat for Educational welfare and development society was chief guest and Jugal Kishore Gupta was guest of honour. Sangeet Natak Akademi New Delhi had provided funds to organize such type of workshops in rural sector particularly in border area of Jammu region.
Several experts of theatre and folk dances including Kumar A Bharti, Dr. Sudhir Mahajan , Sham Raina, Sat pal Sharma, Romit Sawhney, Dr.Jasmeet Kour and other experts of theatre will give training to the students in the workshop. They will also be taught about theatre techniques such as make up, sound effects and stage crafts by different experts of respective fields. According to a press release the theatre workshop would cater to the needs of children of rural areas. Natraj Natya Kunj has decided to organize 15 days workshop at New Public Brilliat High School Kotli Gala Bana, RS Pura and at Rangpur Moulana. A Bharti maintained that the scheduled workshop would make the youth aware about the significance of national integration.

BJP asks workers to gear up for civic polls
KT NEWS SERVICE
JAMMU, Mar 16: The leader of the BJP Legislature Party, Prof. Chaman Lal Gupta has described the alliance of NC-Congress for ensuing elections to the Local Bodies and that of the Panchayats as a danger signal for the democratic values.
He has impressed upon the people in general and the activists of the BJP in particular, to gear up to frustrate the pernicious designs of the two dynastic parties.
Addressing a meeting of the party activists, thus playing Chaman alleged that these dispensations never allowed the democratic functioning in this part of the country by taking advantage of the most controversial Article 370 of the Indian Constitution granting a separate status to Jammu and Kashmir.
"This obstacle in the way of free flow of Indian Constitution to this state has resulted in playing fraud with the democratic process right from 1951, and moreso, in the functioning of basic structures democracy including the local bodies, Panchayats, cooperatives and other such institutions," he added that these basic democracies were never allowed to function and the elections to these bodies were never held at due time, not to say of their empowerment like other parts of the country.
The BJP leader, in this regard, also referred to amendments in the Indian Constitution about two decades ago so as to empower the Panchayats and Local Bodies but these amendments have not been extended to this state even after the assurance by the Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh at a gathering at Udhampur on 'April 13, 2007, and later on a reference in this regard in his address to the Joint Session of the state Legislature by the Governor, N N. Vohra on February 25, 2009.
"But the leaders of the NC-Congress coalition has done nothing so far in this regard and they are dragging their feet by claiming that their civic laws are better with an obvious design to keep this state at a distance from rest of the country under nefarious considerations, thus playing foul with the whole democratic process," he alleged.
Chaman also observed that the evil designs of this coalition, rather collusion, are exposed as they did not hold the elections in time and so far they have not made proper voter lists.

Minister for better road connectivity to people
KT NEWS SERVICE
JAMMU Mar 16: At least three major Bridges have been completed on various roads in various parts of South Kashmir Anantnag District of Kashmir Valley, which would be opened for public transport soon.
This Information was given at a review meeting of R&B Department, held under the Chairmanship of Minister for Roads and Buildings, GM Saroori here today.
The minister while reviewing the ongoing construction works under R&B Sector urged the officers of the department to expedite the developmental works undertaken to provide better road connectivity to the people of the state. He said that a Dak-Bunglow at Ahalan Gadole will be constructed to facilitate the tourists as well as local population of the area.
The minister was informed that three bridges including Dharen-Mantipora constructed at an estimated cost of Rs 4.70 crore, Kapran-Ringmandu Bridge at Rs 3.34 crore and Kashipora Bridge at Rs 3.13 crore have been constructed within the stipulated time-frame.
It was also given out in the meeting that 50 km road length in Qazigund town will be blacktopped soon. While referring to Methan-Nowgam road, the Minister asked for expediting the construction of the road and take up the matter with the UEED for speeding up the construction of the drain. He also informed that Kandni-Nagbhatni road has been sanctioned under PMGSY scheme, is at the tendering process. However, the same road was de-sanctioned under NABARD and the bridge has been shifted to Hasti avoid sub-merging due to the construction of the dam.

Public service benchmark of govt functioning: CM
KT NEWS SERVICE
JAMMU, Mar 16: Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah Tuesday said that public service has been underlined as benchmark of the government functioning and close rapport with people an essential ingredient to receive regular feedbacks of development process.
"I have made constant public contact as an essential aspect of my schedule to get first hand appraisal of works and people's difficulties", he added.
Talking to as many as 53 deputations from all over the state which called on him in a marathon public interaction session here today, the Chief Minister said that his government has given new dimension to the work culture by involving people in the implementation and monitoring of works.
"Transparency and accountability have been flagged the important concerns and people's right to know everything about every scheme has been strengthened to ensure that transparency rules the roost", he said and assured equitable and balanced development of all the areas during the tenure of his government.
Omar said that the holistic approach in formulation of plans and launch of projects has been adopted to reach to the people across the state and fast track the development of remote and backward areas. "While attention is focused on the upgradation and improvement of five basic sectors of roads, education, health, water and power supply, the sectors of agriculture, horticulture, industry, animal rearing etc are receiving equal thrust", he said.

Omar highlights multi-facetted role of police
IKT NEWS SERVICE
JAMMU, Mar 16 :Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah Monday highlighted the multi-facetted role of Jammu and Kashmir Police and said that besides normal policing, maintenance of law and order and combating militancy, State Police nurtures sports and cultural activities in the state.
Addressing a function after inaugurating Rs.3.15 crore Police Auditorium at Gulshan Ground here, the Chief Minister underscored the importance of amicable relations between people and police adding that public friendly police is the need of the hour.
Omar said that Jammu and Kashmir Police has undergone a tremendous metamorphosis and is emerging as a professional and trained force. "There has been remarkable development in Police force including modernization, training and infrastructural development", he said adding that every effort should be made to make the Jammu and Kashmir Police as a model force in the country.
Omar also welcomed the decision of Jammu and Kashmir Police to keep the Auditorium available to others for holding cultural events, seminars and workshops. He said by this decision the Jammuities will be having yet another facility of this type in the city for these activities. He also suggested the Police Department to workout commercial aspect of the auditorium for its proper maintenance.
Speaking on the occasion, the Director General of Police, Kuldeep Khoda said that the Auditorium would not only act as an entertainment centre but an important venue for organizing seminars and workshops on diverse issues and challenges faced by the Police in the current times.
Khoda said that creation of infrastructure is one of the priorities of Jammu and Kashmir Police and in the year 2009 several buildings, barracks, police offices, police posts and residential complexes have been constructed across the state. He said a state-of-art Information Technology Centre giving connectivity to PHQ in Jammu and Srinagar with Zones, Ranes and District Police Headquarters has been made functional.

Governor pays obeisance at Vaishno Devi on first
KT NEWS SERVICE
KATRA, Mar 16 : The Governor, N N. Vohra, visited Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine today on the commencement of the Holy Navratras and performed Pratham darshan at the Sanctum Sanctorum.
The First Lady, Usha Vohra, accompanied the Governor during the visit.
The Governor, while paying obeisance at the Holy Cave Shrine, prayed for communal harmony, brotherhood, peace, progress and prosperity in the State. He also participated in the 9-day long Chhat Chandi Maha Yagya, which commenced at Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine from today.
The Governor took stock of the facilities made available for the pilgrims and issued instructions to his Principal Secretary and the Chief Executive Officer of the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB), Raj Kumar Goyal, who also accompanied him during the visit, for initiating timely action in respect of plantation of fast growing species of ornamental and flowering trees, shrubs and creepers, all along the track, compatible with the local soil and climatic conditions, to continuously improve the ambience of the track and its surroundings. He also called for planting trees to check soil erosion on sustainable basis and stressed the need for propagating locally available wild flowering plants along the track to make it beautiful and environment friendly.

Bhalla asks officers to provide better services to people
KT NEWS SERVICE
JAMMU, Mar 16: -Minister for Revenue, Relief and Rehabilitation, Raman Bhalla has impressed upon the officers and field agencies of the Revenue Department to work with coordination and dedication to come up to the expectations of the general masses.
The Minister was speaking after distributing ration cards among Above Poverty Line families of Sunjwan and Chatta villages during an open darbar at Sunjwan, here today.
Bhalla said that Revenue Department has been pivotal in providing better services to the people adding that all efforts are being taken to address the issues without delay. He said that strict instructions have been issued to officers and field functionaries to make survey of 100% drought hit areas so that the relief could be provided to the affectees of the State. He said that Union Government has approved Rs. 71 crore for this purpose, assuringthe people that the Coalition Government was committed to provide transparent, accountable and assessable administration adding that laxity would not be tolerated.
Responding to the local demands, he said that Government is making all out efforts to open new depots in rural as well as far-flung areas of the State so that the rationing facilities are being made available to the people at their doorsteps. He said that ration scale fixed by the government upto 4 members is 20 kg atta and 10 kg rice besides upto 5 members 30 kg atta and 10 kg rice for APL families. He directed the Consumer Affairs and Public Distribution Departmental officers to gear up their sincere efforts and complete the survey of BPL families in their respective areas at an earliest.
Regarding construction of 4 kilometer long Bathinidi-Bermeeni road, the Minister said that Rs. 2.35 crore have been approved for its construction and tenders have been invited, adding that after completing other codal formalities, the work on the road would be started.
Earlier, the Minister inspected the ongoing construction works of Community Hall at Chatta, coming up at a cost of Rs. 12 lakh. He asked the concerned engineers to complete it within stipulated time frame.

Shamima for active participation of women in development activities
KT NEWS SERVICE
JAMMU, Mar 16: Chairperson, J&K State Commission for Women, Shamima Firdous has urged women folk to participate actively in implementation of State's Developmental and Welfare Schemes.
Shamima was addressing one day Women's convention at Bandipora today organised by J&K State Women Commission. She said that a bill is being placed on the table of J&K Legislative Assembly shortly about empowering women to authorise them to take decisions, by virtue of which special quota for women's participation in democratic institutions. She said that the setting up of Women's Commission is part of these efforts of the Government.
Firdousa said that women shall be provided with the opportunities to facilitate their participation in Panchayat and Municipal Committee for which Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah is committed. She said that the Government has initiated a mega programme of rehabilitation of widows and destitute women.The convention was also addressed by former MLA, Ghulam Rassol Naz.