Campaign for Internet Freedom – The right to write, SMS still banned in J&K

Campaign for Internet Freedom – The right to write, SMS still banned in J&K
Yash Khajuria	12/30/2011 9:15:08 PM
JAMMU, Dec 30: The passing year 2011 has witnessed an intense debate over the issue of social networking sites. The Minister for Telecom Kapil Sibbal had given the signals about Government censorship on some of the sites. However still ban of SMS services in Jammu and Kashmir, has not made the headlines of any major national media. Some people say that – “Good publicity is good, but bad publicity is better”. And we as social animals are purview to this fact more now than ever. It is so easy these days to generate a controversy and ride on the waves of media explosion that happens after that supplemented by the sharing of free information across Facebook and Twitter. The people of Jammu and Kashmir also expressed similar kind of sentiments. Though, their condition is miserable vis-a-vis ban on Short Message Service (SMS) on Pre-paid mobile service. It is been nearly one and half year since the SMS service for pre-paid subscribers was stopped. Since, Jammu and Kashmir is a conflict zone that's why no serious thought is being given to the demand of revoking this ban. Pre-paid subscribers are annoyed over this unnecessary and unwanted ban as they are not been able to wish their friends and dear one through SMS on festive occasions like, Christmas, Diwali, New Year etc. The people sincerely feel that Government is wise enough to know the timing of imposing ban and thereafter lifting the same. But, in reality the Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has forgotten that SMS services were banned. The Government has no reason to continue the ban despite that no plan has been formulated to lift the same. But, the innocent people have no option than to wait for Government decision. Youth Opinion:  It might be the pressure of his political life that our Chief Minister has forgot that the Short message Service has been barred from such a long time, He should think that the masses in Jammu are more supportive to his government throughout his tenure of being a Chief minister of the state as compare to the masses of valley.  We didn’t pelt a single stone on him and the situation is far differing from the valley in Jammu. Since the ban of this Service should be revoked at least in Jammu.  From: Chetan Sharma (Gandhi Nagar)  If you have to cut a tree you have to cut it from the root and not the stems should be cut, banning the SMS is not a solution of the problem. As once the stems re-grow it will become again a huge tree so the major cause of this conflict should be cured and not the messages should be banned. Why every time the innocent common mass has to suffer b’coz of these anti-social elements? And the most affected ones are the youths whose networking goes through SMS only.  Soop... I don’t agree with it and banning the SMS is not the only solution. That’s not fair at all really..!!!  From: Ritika Sharma (Kathua)  Right after the statement of the minister for telecom, Mr. Kapil Sibbal that these Social networking sites should be banned our Chief Minister reacted via- tweeter in favor of these sites.  If he doesn’t want to lose his favorite time pass, a medium to interact with his friends and follower then he should think a bit for the people to whom he is administrating that they only have this service to share their sentiments towards the friends.  From: Jatinder Singh (Jammu)  On the one side our Chief Minister is consistently advocating that the security system is improved now in the state therefore the Armed Forces Special Power Act (AFSPA) is to be removed from the state, but when it comes to the freedom of the of masses he reflects his side from the mirror.  If the situation is so improved now then what’s wrong in revoking this unwanted Ban from the state. This makes us feel to be in a prison then in the open.  From: Gaurav Sarma (Student M.Com)  Since I have my own Business regarding Consultancy and Networking, to make contact with my clients I have to use SMS because it costs least instead of making a call But Due to the Ban on SMS service Even despite of having Postpaid Connection I am unable to do that Coz 90 % of the Mobile Users in the State are Prepaid users.  So from the Business point of view this service should be restart.  From: Ankit Rampaul (Businessman, R. S. Pura)

What They Got, Only their Plight.

'THE TIMES OF INDIA'

 December, 28:

Of Hope and Hopeless 

What They Got, Only  their Plight. 

Yash Khajuria

Jammu : 

“That was a day Darkest than a dark Night”, ‘we were in our homes and were discussing of our future then suddenly it happened’ eyes of Brij Lal (93) were like a pond of tears while explaining the time of genocide with extreme plight”. 

Brij lal have 3 sons and 4 Daughters they don't have any Government Employee In their family 

"We choose this side of line at the time of partition but only discrimination has been rewarded to us by the successive Centre as well as State governments so far"- said Parmeshwari Devi (85). She is Widowed and have 5 sons and 4 Daughters. 

After being neglected by successive state governments for the last 63 years, the POK refugees are still surviving regardless as a result of overall apathy by the respective Governments Both in state and in centre.

Beyond the end of attraction these refugees are living under unhygienic conditions and are also deprived of basic facilities. Statements claiming promises for their rehabilitation and rights were being issued by various ministers from time to time but on ground nothing has happened so far. 

Pertinently, PoK refugees had already filed petition in the high court way back in 2002 demanding uniform policy for both Valley migrants and PoK refugees. But the petition is still pending, as a result of very cleverly planned delayed tactics. 

Rajeev Chuni, president, Save Our Soul (SOS) International an organization of PoK refugees, on the this issue revealing the pain and suffering of PoK refugees has said that the life of PoK refugees are like hell, they have left everything except the clothes they have worn in their native place at the time of genocide, most of them come under the Below Poverty Line (BPL) and their lives are going bad to worse day by day but the biggest distress ion for us is, right after we Choose this side of line at the time of partition only discrimination has been rewarded to us by all the Central as well as State governments so far. 

“Where On the one side valley migrants are provided with many types of incentives but on the other hand government has nothing to offer for PoK refugees, it is sheer injustice that government is allotting flats to Valley migrants as well as also giving them money for the repair of their damaged houses in the valley” he added. 

He alleged that valley migrants have everything for a luxurious life, they brings all their movable property with them and are getting every type of facilities, exemption from Income Tax whereas on the other hand PoK refuges who came in totally devastated condition are left on their destiny. 

Pt. Ashok Khajuria, Convenor, State Bhartiya Janta Party Sharanarthi Cell (SBJPSC) on this issue has said that at the state government has adopted a discriminatory behavior towards the PoK refugees; he stated that if we were a kashmiri spoken individual than our status and condition would had been different. 

On the amount 1.50 lakh of compensation which has been given by the state Government to these regfugee’s families he memorized that in 1971 after the death of prime minister then Indira Gandhi, Rajeev Ghandhi at prade stadium has announced an amount of Rs. 25000/- as a relief package towards the refugee families which could not be implemented than at which proportion the current Government is offering this amount as relief package. 

He said that this little amount as a relief package is a nasty joke for these refugees who had received nothing before from the Government of India as well as the state government. 

He said this little amount as a relief package is a nasty joke for refugees who had received nothing before from the Government of India as well as the state governments. This is a total Injustice, being a refugee and as convener of (SBJPSC) I would say that at least an amount of Rs. 50, 00,000/- as a relief package towards the displaced families could make difference in their Life style.

Police to book bovine smugglers under PSA

Lambast Over B-smuggling Police to book bovine smugglers under PSA
Yash Khajuria	Dec, 24 9:04:28 PM
JAMMU, Dec 24: Sending jitters to bovine smugglers, police has decided to book the people involved in it under Public Safety Act (PSA). Sources said that this step has been take keeping in view the increase in the cases of bovine smuggling in recent past, despite efforts put by the police to curb the menace. Sources said that despite vigil and tough measures, police has foiled seven bids of bovine smuggling rescuing 65 animals in Jammu region during past fortnight. Since the bovine smuggling is a lucrative business in the Kashmir valley due to consumption of their meat and as it’s the winter season it is supposed to be increased in near future, police has decided to use PSA to deter the smugglers. “It has been observed that bovines are smuggled from Jammu and neighboring areas of Punjab because they are available at much cheaper price and sold in the valley at higher rates”, said a source. SSP Jammu, Anand Jain, said that despite the fact that the police have reduced the smuggling of bovines, but it has not stopped completely. Though, we have recommended to the authorities for imposing Public Safety Act (PSA) on those found indulged in this hideous business. G.S. Charak State president, All India Kisaan Sabha (AIKS) has welcomed this move of Police to reduce bovine Smuggling. “Earlier, smuggling of Bovines was at its peak in the bishnah area, but as a result of the Police’s Special Drive against Bovine Smuggling in the Area under able Supervision of SP Hqtr Shailender Singh this trade has reduced at extent. We are very thankful to the Police and welcome for this proposal recommendation of PSA on bovine Smugglers” he said. Pertinently, as per law only the transportation of Bovine cattle is permitted out of district of the state. For this, the District Magistrate concerned grants permission after the request for transformation is verified by the authorized officer concerned. The permission is granted only for the relevant purpose like treatment or ploughing outside the District’s jurisdiction. Therefore, transportation of Cattles for the purpose of slaughtering is illegal, which could be stopped by imposing strict disciplines. Though, punishment like PSA may become an effective law to put brakes on bovine smuggling in the state. The police action has almost curbed this organised crime if the changing modus operandi of smugglers during August, September and October this year is any indication. The police registered a total of 25 cases, arrested 53 smugglers and rescued 230 bovine animals during these three months. A total of 47 cases were registered against 108 smugglers and 410 bovine rescued this year till date.

YASH KHAJURIA: “Debating for the promotion of Duggar Culture is a...

YASH KHAJURIA: “Debating for the promotion of Duggar Culture is a...: FOR ART'S SAKE Cinema: The new way to Dogri love Y ash K hajuria , J ammu “Debating for the promotion of Duggar Culture ...

“Debating for the promotion of Duggar Culture is a Fashion now, but implementing the same in their own Lifestyle is out of fashion”.

 FOR ART'S SAKE

Cinema: The new way to Dogri love

Yash Khajuria, Jammu

“Debating for the promotion of Duggar Culture is a Fashion now, but implementing the same in their own Lifestyle is out of fashion”.

Undoubtedly, Dogri language has a very old tradition of Oral literature and rich treasure, both in its content and in its form. Folk songs, Folk tales, Riddles etc. are the true representatives of rich Dogri culture.

Various attempts have been made by some renowned Dogri personalities to revive the Duggar culture but could not succeed due to lack of exposure and non-interest among the masses as well. As a result, the graph of Dogri literature and its followers declined to a great extent.

But after a long Chunk of 42 years, Since the Sahitya Academy Delhi recognized Dogri as Independent literary language, in 1969. Dogri Language made its path forward to the education and administration system with a never before effort.

That move has made an attempt for the Dogra’s to feel proud that now their native language was in the Education and administration system, can’t say why? But it’s a true that this effort was also not sufficient in promoting the Native Language of Dogra’s.

Observing that the time has been passed when someone liked to read literature and poetry in Dogri Language, this fact has exposed that there was a fault and absence of the required phenomenon in the promotion of the Duggar Culture, now the wind has begin to move in an appropriate direction with a desire to achieve the most it can.

As Stakeholders, who labored themselves consistently in the promotion of Duggar Culture has stepped in a direction where the Interest of the youth and common public is already frozen.

Yeah, I am talking about the Budding Film Industry in the states if Jammu & Kashmir, which have brought three Consecutive movies in the Native language of Dogra’s in the year 2010-2011.

This was a trend which was began with the First Feature Film in Dogri Language “GALLAN HOOYIAN BEETIYAN”  in 1966 in which Mr. Ram Kumar Abrol acted as lead Hero, who was also the Co-maker of the Film too.
After this beginning of a new era difficult to understand that why it has put brakes for a long.

But after a prolonged period the trend is appearing step ahead of its beginning, the past two years has witnessed the three successive films concerned with Duggar culture, the earlier was “MAA NAYI MILDI” a family emotional drama Film, which got average applaud by the audiences. May be the reason that the artists in the movie were more senior and beyond the age of youth’s attraction.
Then it came with a Movie “LAKEER” based on the Issue of INDO-PAK Partition and Genocide, largely hailed by the renowned personalities of the state Concerned with the promotion of Duggar Culture, but earning the youth’s Interest remained aside again.  

 On the other hand the latest movie “KUGGI MAAR DUARI” is endowed with proper treatment of youth attraction, the artists in the movie includes both the senior and the fresher’s, since it is the first Feature Film of three of the artists all of them are Playing lead character in the Movie.
With the perfect medium and treatment the language is been served especially to the youth. Hopefully, this may attracts the Dogra aspirants towards the roots of their native Culture and Language.

Line Of Wave

Since “KUGGI MAAR DUARI” was my first movie ever, I was completely unaware that what would be the salient features of its projection. But the thing that matter for my concern, I have learnt a lot by some renowned Artists, who are the Gems of Dogra heritage, basically it’s a loaded concept to attract the youth towards their inheritance (DUGGAR CULTURE).

I m feeling very proud to being a part of this concept and would be extremely gratified to those people who provided me such platform to represent myself that too in our own Culture. Thanks a lot the producers and Directors and All Crew members of the “KUGGI MAAR DUARI”   in the end a special thankz to Mr. Vidya Bhushan Ji for Being so  Supportive

        - Vinay k. Daggar.

            (Lead-Actor, Model)

It was a great experience for me to working with eminent most artists of the state, we learnt a lot while shoot of “KUGGI MAAR DUARI”   . Also the response of the audiences was awesome on the premier of the movie.

I think this type of movies should be promoted so that it will boost rest of the people who have appurtenant with the media and entertainment Industry to come forward and encourage our Culture Via- Silver Screen, b,coz it’s a most youth friendly medium and  will be beneficial to attract  youth towards our Culture.

        - Kiran Sharma

           (Actress)

Since after 'GALLAN HOOYEA BEETIAN' in 1966, it is the only Dogri feature film in Jammu, the two more films were came there in the Current year which is very Good and appreciable as far as the concern of encouraging our Duggar Culture. But from technical perspective those were not sufficient to attract audiences. Even I himself has have Acted in one of those movies. If we are concerned about our culture, then we have to put every possible effort in its preservation.Now a day’s not only youth but even nobody have the time to spend on writing literature or reading the same. Only some devoted people are sincerely working there for Dogri.So we thought that we should have to make an effort in a different way. As in the making of this movie we have used every hi-tech instrument to make our product the best among the rest.It was nice concept some troubles are always there to push you back but eventually we are satisfied the product we have presented.

       - Mr. VIdya Bhushan

         (Assistant Director-KMD)

    These types of movies are really a concern of appreciation, movies like this should have to be made at large, b’coz Cinema is the strongest available medium to teach and preach about Our Culture. In fact Government should have to be more supportive and relaxation at a possibility should be provided to those who are working for a great initiative. Best of luck to all those team behind the camera and in the move.

             -  Prof. Lalit Mangotra

            (President Dogri Sanstha)

DYSS rubishes claims

DYSS rubishes claims
Parents alleges violation of rules in selection trials for NSG
Yash Khajuria	Dec 22 2011
JAMMU, Dec 22: Noisy scenes were witnessed today at Skating Rink, Peerkho with parents of the skaters staged protest against the alleged mismanagement and violation of rules during the selection trials for the National School Games (NSG) slated to be held from 28th to 31st December at Delhi. They alleged that the officials deputed by the Department of Youth Services and Sports for the selection trials misbehaved with them. They added that two Physical Education Teachers (PETs) under whose supervision the trials were scheduled to start at 10.00 AM actually commenced at 3.00 PM. Parents further said the roller hockey players were told by the officials to go back again for selection trials the next day adding that they even threatened them to do whatever they want. The parents appealed to the Department of Youth Services and Sports to select the genuine team for the championship. Mohammad Ayaz Khan, District Youth Services and Sports Officer (DYSSO), Jammu while talking to TNI claimed that the selection trials were conducted in a fair manner. “It has become a common phenomenon now that everytime the department conducted selection trials in any discipline, parents of those players who were not selected resorted to protest”, said DYSSO Jammu. “The officials are competent enough to conduct the trials in a professional manner which they did it with perfection”, he added. He also stated, "since the players are really concerned about their selections and are more competitive in the present scenario, But the selection for any competition is directly proportional to their respective performance during the trails", the parents should also understand this fact.

YASH KHAJURIA: Traffic police issued Guidelines for Red Flashe...

To enforce the code of conduct for the usage of red flasher lights on the top of vehicles the traffic police Jammu has issued guidelines today for the common masses that whether who is authorized to travel in those special flashed light and tinted vehicles. YASH KHAJURIA: Traffic police issued Guidelines for Red Flashe...: Traffic police issued Guidelines for Red Flasher Light use Violators will be dealt under law Yash Khajuria Dec, 21, 2011 ...

Traffic police issued Guidelines for Red Flasher Light use

Traffic police issued Guidelines for Red Flasher Light use

Violators will be dealt under law
Yash Khajuria	Dec, 21, 2011
JAMMU, Dec 21: To enforce the code of conduct for the usage of red flasher lights on the top of vehicles the traffic police Jammu has issued guidelines today for the common masses that whether who is authorized to travel in those special flashed light and tinted vehicles. Since before the guidelines were overdue from the concerned department and were must awaited by them, now finally they brought this towards the common masses to ensure that the use of special status Vehicle could justify its values. It is pertinent to mention that mostly when there is no special movement of VIP’s and VVIP’s the vehicles equipped with the flasher light on top were frequently been used by their relatives and family members, an undisturbed luxury for them and ultimate hitch for the common masses. Even after time to time complains appropriated actions were not taken but showing their concern over the problem been faced by the common masses the Senior Superintendent of Police Traffic, Jammu has taken this action. Talking to TNI SSP Trafic, Jammu, Manmohan singh has said that we have surpassed the mandatory guidelines towards the common masses. Family member of VVIP’s takes benefit of the flasher light out there in the traffic butt as per guidelines if that person having VVIP status in not inside the vehicle it is the primary duty of the Driver to Remove the flasher light from the top of the vehicle since the Light are magnetic and are removable, even if they don’t remove the light they have to cover that light so that it could be identified that he (VVIP) is not inside the vehicle. Answering to the question that even students out there in the Jammu University often come in the vehicle with red light on the top but nobody stops them. He said that we are going to advice once everybody making foul of red light vehicle but on repetition there is Law and Order also exists.

Following the directions of the SSP Jammu Anand Jain, police under the supervision YASH KHAJURIA: Bishnah murder casePost mortem of murder accused ...

YASH KHAJURIA:
Bishnah murder casePost mortem of murder accused ...: Bishnah murder case Post mortem of murder accused conducted at GMC under supervision of SP (Headquaters) Yash Khajuria 12/18/2011 10:...

Bishnah murder case
Post mortem of murder accused conducted at GMC under supervision of SP (Headquaters)
Yash Khajuria
JAMMU, Dec 18: Uneasy calm continue to prevail at Bishnah, where killing of a civilian had led to clash between police and locals on Saturday night. Following the directions of the SSP Jammu Anand Jain, police under the supervision of SP (Headquarters) Shalinder Singh shifted the body of the victim to Government Medical College (GMC) for post mortem. The post mortem was conducted in presence of SP (Headquarters)Tension had gripped Bishnah after a civilian Mohan Lal was murdered and his three sons were injured by a group of bovine smugglers near their house at village. Agitated mob had attacked police station with stones and bricks causing it extensive damage. Police had to use teargassing and lathicharge to defuse the situation. Police sources and eyewitness account revealed that Tilak Raj and his associates including his brother Sham Lal and sons among others had laid a naka for Mohan Lal and his sons outside their house at village Chak Harnia in Bishnah on Saturday evening. When Mohan Lal and his sons were heading towards their house, the accused attacked them with sharp edged weapons killing Mohan Lal son of Chaman Lal on spot and causing injuries to his three sons Puran Chand, Kuldeep Kumar and Roop Lal. Later a police party led by SP (Headquarters) Shalindra Singh had reached the spot and had tried to pacify the agitation. “It was the presence of Shalindra Singh and his swift action that situation was brought under control. Otherwise there was total mayhem in the area. The officer has been working hard since past one year to eradicate the liquor and bovine mafia from the area”, said Sham Lal, a local. He said that since Shalindra Singh has taken over the charge of the area, there has been dip in the cases of bovine smuggling and illicit liquor. “He is a very tough officer and has taken many daring steps to eradicate the menace from the area”, said Ravi Kumar, another local. Soon after the incident, SSP Jammu Anand Jain had ordered suspension of SHO Bishnah Inspector Satish Kumar for de-reliction of duty and replaced him with Inspector Bharat Sharma. The people also claimed that police had reports of an impending group clash in Bishnah but they didn’t intervene timely to avert it. The police station was damaged extensively in the mob fury. Police resorted to lathicharge and lobbed teargas shells to disperse the crowd. There were reports that a couple of shots were also fired in the air but police didn’t confirm the firing. Police have, meanwhile, registered a case of murder against Tilak Raj, his brother Sham Lal, both sons of Mir Chand R/o Chak Harnia, two sons of Tilak Raj identified as Sonu and Anil Kumar and their five to seven unidentified associates at Bishnah police station.

.talking about the promotion of Dogri language is the latest fashion, But utilizing the same in our own lifestyle is out of fashion ...

Loved this Movie.its sad but also a truth that,

talking about the promotion of Dogri language is the latest fashion, But utilizing the same in our own lifestyle is out of fashion ...

Congrats to the Director Mr. N K Phull. for making such a sincere effort for the language among the youths of the states and Dogra aspirants..

Kuggi Maar Duaari Theat

Bishnah tense as one killed in clashYASH KHAJURIA: Bishnah tense as one killed in clash

YASH KHAJURIA: Bishnah tense as one killed in clash: Bishnah tense as one killed in clash SHO Suspended, 7 cops injured in stone pelting YASH KHAJURIA JAMMU, Dec 17: A person died in...

Bishnah tense as one killed in clash

Bishnah tense as one killed in clash

SHO Suspended, 7 cops injured in stone pelting

YASH KHAJURIA

JAMMU, Dec 17: A person died in a clash between two rival groups at Village Jindad, area under the jurisdiction of Police Station Bishnah. Sources disclosed that both the parties belong to the background such as they indulged in Bovine Smuggling and other criminal activity in the area.

Since police has kept check over the bovine smuggling and foiled the several bids of Bovine smuggling due to this both the groups were frustrated and passed many threats over each other. One of the groups has already informed to the police of the murder threat from the other one but it comes with a clash and the death of Mohan lal resident of the village Jindad, Bishnah.

After this incident relatives of the deceased came out on the road with the dead body of the and shouted against the police which did not shown any concern and not taking action even after knowing the sensitivity of the issue. Relatives pelted stones over police when reached at the spot in which 7 cops including SHO were injured. Situation has remained critical for more than 4 hours as the locals blocked the road and shown their anguish.

SSP Shailender Singh reached on the spot right after getting the information and taken the charge and calm peoples after which the situation became normal. SHO Satish kumar has been suspended as he failed to prevent the incident after getting informed earlier. In his place, Inspector Bharat Sharma has assumed the charge.

Presently, a number of quacks are practicing in the city and that too on the busy roads, yet hardly any actionYASH KHAJURIA: Quackery thrives in Jammu

YASH KHAJURIA: Quackery thrives in Jammu: Quackery thrives in Jammu Yash Khajuria 12/11/2011 8:27:30 PM JAMMU , Dec 11: Due to the lackadaisical attitude of the stat...

Quackery thrives in Jammu

Quackery thrives in Jammu

Yash Khajuria	12/11/2011 8:27:30 PM
JAMMU, Dec 11: Due to the lackadaisical attitude of the state government and nominal punishment for unregistered medical practitioners, the number of quacks is increasing in the winter capital with each passing day.  Presently, a number of quacks are practicing in the city and that too on the busy roads, yet hardly any action has been taken against them. These quacks promise to cure all kinds of diseases with an assurance that their “miracle” herbs would cure the ailment, a commitment which most of the times remains unfulfilled.  A large number of quacks can be found in various localities of the city. They not only befool naïve and gullible people but also violate the law.  Though the administration has launched a drive several times to check the growing menace, it dies with the passage of time, resulting in the mushrooming of the illegal practice.  The law refrains those (quacks) from doing so, but it seems that the shortage of staff has been proving a major hurdle before the authorities.  Doctors are also in the favour of stopping this illegal practice, which increases the risk of the disease. “Various organisations have approached the authorities asking them to find a solution to this problem, but the menace is growing as no permanent solution could be found as yet,” says a doctor.  He adds that the authorities should immediately take some harsh steps so that innocent patients could be saved from exploitation.  However, officials of the Health Department say they are doing their duty and the noose would be tightened around the quacks in a short period.  Deputy Director, Health Services, Jammu Dr TK Moza says, “The practice is illegal and the department is keen to curb it. We have already started a campaign against it on the television. In the next step, we will start conducting raids and penalise those found guilty.”  Dr Moza further says the people must also support the department. “Public should be aware of these quacks and if they come across any such person, they should inform us, we will surely take action against violators,” he adds

At a time when Government is making tall claims of reforming the power sector in the state and achieve revenue targets, different government departmen

YASH KHAJURIA:
POWER SECTOR: Govt deptt owe whopping Rs 605 cror...: POWER SECTOR: Govt deptt owe whopping Rs 605 crore to PDD Yash Khajuria 12/9/2011 10:07:29 PM JAMMU , Dec 9: At a time when...

POWER SECTOR: Govt deptt owe whopping Rs 605 crore to PDD

POWER SECTOR: Govt deptt owe whopping Rs 605 crore to PDD

Yash Khajuria 

12/9/2011 10:07:29 PM

JAMMU, Dec 9: At a time when Government is making tall claims of reforming the power sector in the state and achieve revenue targets, different government departments still owe whopping Rs 605 crore to the Power  Development Department (PDD). 

Officials said that this is the main hindrance in way of the Department to achieve its revenue targets. Sources said that most of the Government offices are using the electricity with impunity and despite repeated notices they have not responded to them. 

Sources said that government employees alone owe nearly Rs 28 crore to the department, putting question mark on the measures taken by the Omar Abdullah led government on reforming the electricity sector. It is pertinent to mention here that of the budget of Rs 5000 crore for the state, power sector consumes about Rs 2400 crore annually, while the revenue collection is just Rs 600-800 crore.

“Speeches are ok, but no sincere steps are being taken by the PDD to recover the money from the defaulters. It will take years before the pending arrears are cleared by the government”, said a senior officer from the PDD on condition of anonymity. 

When contacted, PDD Chief Engineer Mohammad Qasim said, “We have taken steps for recovery but it will take time. These are pending for last many years and departments are also cooperating”. 

He said that they have took up the matter with the Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah who have assured that he will ensure that arrears are cleared. 

Every year PDD has the target of nearly Rs 1500 crore as revenue, but they are able to recover just Rs 600 to Rs 800 crore annually, due to which state had to face the wrath of the Union Power Ministry, which has warned the J&K from time to time, to improve its revenue collection. 

"While people are being made to shell out fees even using harsh measures, no effort is being made to recover dues from the departments who have emerged as major defaulters", said a official. 

It is pertinent to mention here that Power sector is a major headache for the J&K, while its use is increasing every year, but state had to divert crores to keep the power supply stable. Another worry is the higher Transmission and Distribution losses, which has reached nearly 72 per cent from 40 per cent just five years ago. 

Government has recently said that they intend to install 1200 capacitors to keep check on the losses on the advice of experts committee, but so far the project has also not helped much to check the losses. 

For providing uninterrupted power supply state requires nearly 2500 MWs of power at present. The restricted demand of power was nearly 700 MW for Jammu region and 800 MW for Kashmir region, which comes out at 1500 MW, but revenue recovery is falling every year. 

As per the data industry sector was to pay Rs 55.01 crore, while domestic sector Rs 216.14 crore and the agriculture sector owed Rs 147.81 crore for electricity consumed.

Adm helpless as beggars spread across the City.

YASH KHAJURIA:
Begging menace assumes alarming dimensions in cit...: Begging menace assumes alarming dimensions in city Yash Khajuria 12/8/2011 10:07:35 PM JAMMU, Dec 08: Begging, the most common urb...

Begging menace assumes alarming dimensions in city

Yash Khajuria

12/8/2011 10:07:35 PM

JAMMU,Dec 08: Begging, the most common urban problem has taken alarming dimensions in Jammu city, with children as young as six years in shabby conditions roaming the market places. 

Though it is banned, but in absence of strong anti-begging law and juvenile homes, administration has turned blind eye towards the menace. 

Most of these unfortunate souls are from outside the state and are allegedly being forced into the ‘profession’ by begging mafia. Come Monday, Friday or Saturday, a large number of beggars can be found outside temples and mosques seeking Rupees one or two from the visitors. 
Other favourite destinations are bus stand and Raghunath temple, railway station, taxi stand, Jewel chowk and Kachi Chawani areas which remain abuzz with tourist pilgrims. 

“Beggars in Jammu are mostly from other parts of the country who are brought here under a well planned strategy not only to fleece but also to commit petty crimes- the government however seems to be sleeping over the issue” said Mohan Kuamr a sales man in Purani Mandi area. 
As per Ranjeet Sharma, who runs an NGO, since last few years begging has become a trade. 
He said that there is a big syndicate behind the begging menace who mostly target affluent class, tourists and foreigners. 
“ There is a Need to rehabilitate young girls and children who unfortunately have got trapped into this social evil due to one or the other reason”, 

Deputy Commissioner Sanjeev Verma said that the 
administration has taken several measures to deal with the menace like seeking help of police to break the circle, but still lot needs to be done. 
Verma, however, said that if the legal measures are initiated against the children, then there will be the problem of keeping them in custody as there are no juvenile homes. 
For being the city of temples, Jammu is a paradise for the beggars who mostly come from other states like Orrisa, Bihar, Rajasthan, and Gujarat along with their families, with the hope of getting good almshere. 
Empty spaces under the Flyovers, footpaths are the sweet homes of these people and even some have developed colonies in the areas close to the city.

J-K all set to host U/19 Cricket, Wu-Shu C’ship

56^th National School Games

J-K all set to host U/19 Cricket, Wu-Shu C’ship

Yash Khajuria

12/8/2011 11:38:05 AM

Jammu, Dec 07: After the successful hosting of sporting events of national repute in various disciplines, the  J and K state once again is braced up to host two events in the disciplines of cricket and wu-shu.   The School Games Federation of India (SGFI) has  allotted J and K to host Cricket U/19 Girls Tournament and Wu-Shu Championship in the 56^th National School Games (NSG).

   Both the tournaments will be played in Jammu from 15^th to 20^th December. Mohammad Ayaz Khan, District Youth Services and Sports Officer (DYSSO) Jammu while talking to TNI said the venues for conducting the cricket matches are being finalised.  “We are in the final stages of selecting the venues for cricket tournament”, said DYSSO Jammu adding “ he wu-shu championship will be held at Gymnasium Hall, University of Jammu”.

He further said that various committees have been  constituted for smooth conduct both tournaments.   “The department will leave no stone unturned to make the tournaments a great success”, said Ayaz Khan.He (DYSSO Jammu) also exuded confidence that State contingent will perform well in the championships.    “As hosts, the onus is on to excel in both championships and also to prove our worth at national level”, DYSSO added.

    When asked about the performance of the State contingent in the ongoing National School Games (NSG) in various disciplines across the country, DYSSO Jammu said “the State contingent is doing well in various disciplines and we are hopeful of another record medal haul”.