Over 11 lakh kanals of State land under possession of land mafia

 Over 11 lakh kanals of State land under possession of land mafia 

Politicians, bureaucrats and police officials among encroachers

Yash KhajuriaJAMMU, April 27: The strong nexus of influential politicians, top government officials, traders and land mafia continues to haunt the State Government as the huge chunk of its land was still under their illegal possession at various places across Jammu province and the latter has failed to take action against encroachers. 

As per the information provided by the government, as much as 11, 06,499 kanalsand even more of its land stands encroached by the land sharks in the Jammu province only.

Only three districts Jammu, Kathua and Samba have a total of 1,62,666 kanals ofland under illegal occupation, whereas in Districts Udhampur, Rajouri and Ramban 5,53,115 kanals of land was under encroachment out of which 3,92,035 kanals of encroached land falls under Rajouri district only.

District wise the encroachment figure stood at Reasi with 1,07,010 kanals, Kishtwar with 74,266 kanals, Poonch 64,135 Kanals, Kathua 28,535 Kanals, Udhampur 69,915 kanals, Samba 97,113 kanals, Rajouri 3,92,035 kanals, Ramban 91,163 kanals and Doda 1,10,649 kanals. Though, there are no reports of non statesubjects establishing colonies over the state land. 

Meanwhile, the occupants of state land have applied under Roshni scheme. 

Government claimed that concerned revenue field agencies have initiated eviction proceedings against such occupants whose application have been rejected by the concerned District price fixation committees constituted under the J&K state land / vesting of ownership to the occupants act.

Only the un-authorised occupants of the retrieved JDA land have been evicted as reported by the Divisional commissioner, Jammu. Since thousands of nomadic gujjars and bakkerwals are the part of the population of the state, says government reply.

Official sources said that hundreds of kanals of land on Jammu-Akhnoor road have been grabbed candidly by the politicians belonging to the ruling coalition partners, but no step is being taken against them despite several complaints.

The nexus is growing day by day with no check on influential persons by any anti-corruption body as they were either linked mostly to the ruling parties or enjoyed patronage of politicians and police.

Even some police officials posted in Samba, Kathua have helped the politicians of ruling congress-NC government in grabbing and have been given prestigious postings by the government. 

“The Revenue officials are quick to oblige the Ministers by converting title of theland on the names provided by them. Not only the Minister but also a number of his favourites including police and Revenue officials have also taken the advantage of poor anti-corruption mechanism”, said a source.

Former Tehsildar, Jammu, Bashir Patwari had not only been given out of turn promotion but also the prize posting of Jammu tehsil by a Cabinet Minister in lieu of a huge sum, sources said, adding when the officers get postings by paying a huge amount, they start indulging in encroachments and other kind of undesirable activities to plunder the State exchequer.

Sources said the General Administration Department (GAD) was sitting over grant of prosecution sanction to the Vigilance Organisation against a number of officials leading to delay in presentation of challans against them.

According to sources, such was the strong nexus among politicians, police, Revenue officials and land mafia that all of them had grown from rags to riches in just few years.
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Rampant use of heavy vehicles, machinery near wildlife area despite ban

Rampant use of heavy vehicles, machinery near wildlife area despite ban

Yash Khajuria
JAMMU, Jan 28: Despite ban on use of heavy machineries and other equipments near the wildlife area in the outskirts of Jammu to prevent noise pollution and maintaining eco friendly atmosphere, the illegal mining practice is on full swing near wildlife area at Sidhra.

Pertinently, the use of heavy machinery is strictly banned at the areas adjoining to the wildlife stretch. Despite this, the Geology and Mining Department violates the ban using heavy machines and other infrastructure including heavy vehicles for mining practices.

Sources disclosed that State Government had cited a number of objections on heavy machineries and the trucks for the mining and transportation of the material from the sites. “The Geology and Mining department and the agencies are planning to halt the mining as all the objections cited by the Wildlife Protection Department are true and the departments have no answer to them, they added.

Moreover, the ban was imposed by District Magistrate Jammu on the extraction of sand and gravel from river beds but the illegal practice is continuous due to nexus between powerful mining mafia and officials of the department.

Owing to this, state exchequer is bearing the loss in crores of rupees every month as the Geology and Mining Department was authorized to receive royalty on extraction of major as well as minor minerals in the state at the rates fixed by the Government as per scheduled SRO 85.

When contacted, Rajeshwar Singh, District Level Officer, Geology and Mining department, said they had received a copy from the state government regarding the ban on use of heavy machinery and equipments for the mining near the wildlife region at Sidhra and the department was preparing to answer the copy.

He denied any sort of illegal mining in the region by the mafia and said that mining was going on within the guidelines and under the tendered area.

When contacted, Conservator Wild Life General, Asif M Sagar, said the use of heavy machinery and heavy vehicles was adversely affecting the wildlife in the region and now they were defining the eco-sensitive zones of various wildlife regions after which they serve a notice to the concerned department and would also take help from the pollution control board.

According to Additional Deputy Commissioner, Ravi Shanker Sharma, it was mainly the task of Geology and Mining Department and their job was only to check whether any structure was endangering or any issue regarding the revenue. “We have asked the concerned SHO’s and Tehsildars to check the mining sites under their jurisdictions though we have constituted no special squad to keep eye on mining mafia” he added.

Mukhtar Ahmed, Mining Engineer Geology and Mining Department told that they had mostly issued royalty contracts to different contractors who pay in advance to the department. There are many sites where department itself charges the royalty due to non-availability of contractor and illegal mining is prevalent at those sites, he admitted.

No check over adulteration, quality of food items sold in market

Authorities dishonoring directions of High Court

No check over adulteration, quality of food items sold in market

Yash Khajuria
JAMMU, Jan 27: Courtesy to the overall lethargic approach of the Municipal Corporations, the general health of the people is on risk as the hygiene and quality of the food items been sold in markets is not being checked periodically. Even the direction of High Court is also not being honoured.

As per the recent PIL in J&K high Court regarding implementation of Food Safety Standards Act 2006, and 2011, the court had directed MCs to collect samples of all the eatables from all the shops/ factories on weekly basis and get those tested. The authorities have not even bothered to brace themselves up in the wake of reported Swine Flu cases.

The condition of slaughter houses is very unhygienic. As per data, almost 4 tonnes of mutton was being consumed in Jammu and Kashmir annually whereas alone Kashmir valley consuming 2.5 tonnes of mutton annually. Everyday thousand of sheep were slaughtered to meet food requirements. Despite this the region is without hygienic modern slaughter house. Many butchers continue to slaughter sheep at their own places, thus infections were always a threat.

“With no check on quality of non-vegetarian items whether it is disease free or not, it increases the possibilities of diseases as critical as cancer. If cancer or infected increased body mass can develop in human body, it certainly can develop in any living being. Most of the diseases and numbers of Cancers, these days are directly or indirectly related with unhygienic and unchecked food”, said Dr Dharminder, a Cardiologist serving in Medical College Jammu.

According to sources, to meet the requirement of the customers slaughters house owners feed supplements to the animals, which include highly adulterated feeds.
“Most of the milkmen mix packed milk to meet the demand, at the same time the milk sold in market is also without any checks. It should be made mandatory to get the milk at an organized sector and has to be tested before it goes to open market, whether it is from shop or from milkmen”, Said RTI activist Raman Sharma.

When contacted, Vinod Sharma, Health officer Jammu Municipal Corporation, said that they had appointed four food safety officer in Jammu for inspection at various food establishments to check the quality of food items being sold in the city. They collect minimum of two samples weekly for the lab test, he added.

When asked about the hygiene in the slaughter houses, he replied that they were not penalizing any of the slaughter house in this regard since as per the orders of Central Government, all the slaughter houses were directed to come up with the hygiene and quality of food which is to be sold to the consumers till 4 Feb 2013 and most of the slaughter houses are turned quite hygienic in the corporation area.

29 banquet halls without parking spaces, unafraid of action

DEFYING RULES

29 banquet halls without parking spaces, unafraid of action

Yashkhajuria
JAMMU, Jan 22: Despite repeated warning, 29 banquet halls continue to defy rules and have failed to create parking space for hosting marriage and other functions since 2010, when the HIgh Court has given them time to follow proper norms.

There are nearly 114 banquet halls in Jammu, mostly used for marriage and other social functions, but most of them does not have required infrastructure, particularly the parking area and fire fighting equipment.

Under SRO-64 dated February 2010 and amended in the new master plan, for construction of new halls, a minimum of 16 kanals of land is required, which should cover 30 per cent of the total area. Under the master plan minimum of Floor Area Ratio (FAR) should be kept for the parking and hall should be well ventilated, having space for 100 cars.

Most of the banquet halls have faced closure notices from Jammu Municipal Corporation (JMC) in the past and they had submitted before the High Court that parking space would be created, after which court has granted them time.

As per the norms every banquet hall is required to create space for 100 vehicles but most of them even constructed by Jammu Municipal Corporation (JMC), Jammu Development Authority (JDA) and Jammu and Kashmir State Road Transport Corporation are not following the norms.

“In defiance of the norms, more than two dozen community halls continue to run illegally, with necessary parking space and safety standards and they have been ignoring the repeated warnings”, said a official.

District administration has been warning these banquet halls owners not to organize events, function of any kind for which they have not have the required license and facilities, but these warnings are being ignored repeatedly.

When contacted Commissioner JMC, K.L Khajuria said, “Final warning has been issued to these halls owners and Corporation will again approach to High Court so that action could be taken against them”.

JKHA orders suspension to coach

JKHA orders suspension to coach

Seeks initial findings of the investigation

Yash Khajuria

JAMMU, Jan 15: Facing embarrassment after the alleged molestation of female hockey player by a coach of U-20 women hockey team from Jammu and Kashmir, Angad Singh, J&K Hockey Association (JKHA) has issued suspension orders against its coach.

A day after the report carried out by media, talking to TNI, Balwinder Singh, president JKHA said, “We are trying to communicate with the officials at Hyderabad to get the exact information because he (Coach) holds a good character as far as I know and is very dedicated to sport”.

Singh said that they are waiting for the final report from the Andra Pradesh. “Association is an elected body so we cannot terminate any official until he is found guilty of allegation put on him. We have decided to keep him under suspension till we get the final reports of this episode”, Singh said.

“I have dispatched a letter to the Director General of Police Hyderabad requesting to share the initial findings of the investigation and if it goes against our Coach we will not waste a minute to take stern action against our coach”, the JKHA president said.

The coach of the Jammu and Kashmir Under-20 women's hockey team was arrested from the Delhi-bound Andhra Pradesh Express at Ramagundam in Karimnagar district yesterday by the Andhra Pradesh police for allegedly molesting some players of Punjab based on a complaint filed by some members of the Punjab hockey team. They alleged that the coach tried to molest them on a train while they were on their way to Hyderabad to participate in the ongoing U-20 National Women’s Hockey Tournament.

The coach has been charged under Sections 354 and 506 of the IPC for trying to outrage the modesty of a girl and criminal intimidation.

Pertinent to mention here that Angad Singh along with the J&K team had arrived in the city to participate in the tournament which began on January 10. The team, however, was knocked out of the tournament on Friday.

Internal politics, sports Council without sponsors

Internal politics, sports Council without sponsors

Yash Khajuria
JAMMU, Jan 14: Due to the political interference and internal bickering within Jammu and Kashmir Sports Council, it is not getting any sponsors for its sports events hosted by it. 

Financial crunch in the Sports Council is well-known and they have decided to meet some renowned businessmen of the state to get sponsorship for the Senior National Badminton Championship held in Srinagar last year.

Showcasing their banners during the championship rather than helping us financially," an office-bearer of the J&K Badminton Association said. 

“To conduct a national championship, you need a big budget because top shuttlers of the country are taking part in it and it was obvious that the prize money is also big. The Sports Council had promised us to release the grant after the championship but we are yet to receive the same," he claimed. 

“Even if a sponsor agrees to sponsor the championship, the amount he offered us is not sufficient to buy prizes and trophies," office-bearer said. 

"The Veteran National Table Tennis Championship organised by the J&K Table Tennis Association few years back was a nightmare for us," another office-bearer of the association said. 

"We know that it was difficult for the Sports Council to provide the grant before the championship. The association had decided to find a sponsor for the championship but in the end, we have to arrange from our own pocket to host the championship," he said. 

“As far as cricket is concerned, everybody is ready to provide sponsorship for the event because of the popularity of the game across the country. Big corporate houses do not hesitate to donate in lakhs but when it comes to other disciplines, they are not very keen to come forward," he said. 

Meanwhile, Mohammad Afzal Malik, Administrative Officer, J&K State Sports Council, said, “As far as getting sponsorship to host any championship in the state is concerned, there is a draught-like situation.” 

“Unlike Punjab, corporate houses are not eager to sponsor any national championship. The Sports Council gets a limited budget to give it to the associations to conduct championships and that is why associations are looking for elusive sponsors," Afzal said.

FEDERATION CUP 2013

FEDERATION CUP 2013

JKFA Seeks Govt. help to host football tourney in August. 

Yash Khajuria 
JAMMU, Jan 10: After the All India Football Federation (AIFF) has accepted the proposal of J&K Football Association (JKFA) thereby giving its nod to host the prestigious Federation Cup in August 2013, the association has now decided to approach the State Government in a bid to get its necessary approval for conducting the event.

According to sources, AIFF President Praful Patel during the recently held meeting at New Delhi on December 20, had verbally assured JKFA president, Thakur Zamir Ahmed that the federation would allot the coveted the tournament to J&K provided the concerned authorities back home would also show their keenness to host it.

Sources added that after the successful hosting of Santosh Trophy national football championship in 2008, JKFA had submitted a proposal before AIFF to hostFederation Cup in the State. Sources said the football association in its proposal had briefed the apex football body about the infrastructure they possess to conduct the tournament in a smooth manner.

AIFF President, Praful Patel has assured JKFA verbally to allot the prestigious championship to J&K and a lot depends on the State Government to whom we are going to meet soon to discuss the modalities besides getting green signal to host the championship, he added.

Much ambitious to this event Thakur Zamir Ahemed president JKFA said that indeed we did not get the officially allotmentof this event yet by the AIFF but as per the process is on we are hopefull that we will be able to conduct this event very successfully.

The last time J&K had hosted Federation Cup was way back in 1986 at Srinagar and we are waiting for a long time to push our case forward before AIFF to host it again. “With the kind of infrastructure we have, I am hopeful that the State Government would not let us down and give its necessary nod to host the coveted championship after 26 years”, JKFA President claimed.

“Conduct of any national championship in the State will not only help in improving the image of sports but more importantly, the budding footballers will get an excellent opportunity to interact with the star players representing various prestigious football clubs of the country”, Thakur said.

“The matches in the Federation Cup will be played at Bakshi Stadium and Polo ground. Though, the infrastructure for hosting national level tournaments at present is satisfactory with some renovation work is to be done at Polo Ground but once we got the allotment we will complete all needed work with the help of sports council. We are optimistic about getting further support from the authorities to improve it further for overall betterment of this famous game”, he maintained.

Getting LPG Cylinder a herculean task for common man

Getting LPG Cylinder a herculean task for common man

Yash Khajuria
JAMMU, Jan 09: Inspite of completing all prescribed formalities and verifications, the availability of cooking gas (LPG) cylinders still seems to be distant dream as more than four months has passed but nothing concrete has come out so far to address the genuine problem of common masses.

Though the oil companies has started the home delivery service in some parts of the Jammu city but still a major chunk of population of Jammu is being deprived of this service.

Concerned Consumer Affairs and Public Distribution and Transport CAPD authorities on the other hand keeping abreast entire controversy saying that they were completely unaware of this scheme and are acting as just facilitator.

Authorities also maintained that that their job is to check the misuse of domestic LPG cylinders meant for household use only and could not take any step to streamline the home delivery of LPG cylinders as this service it was not associated with the concerned department and is a product of agreement between the dealers and oil companies.

It may be mention here that the oil companies in Jammu had blocked about 1.25 lakh consumers due to non- verification of LPG connections in view of the policy to cap the number of subsidized cylinders and assured of streamline home delivery of the LPG cylinders after completion of all formalities and verification.

 But almost four months has lapsed and except some areas of the city the home delivery of the LPG cylinders has not been arranged. People living outside the city, rural areas and different outskirts of Jammu are the most sufferers as they still have to travel a long distance and to stand in queue for refill of their LPG cylinders despite going through a tough and lengthy verification process.

 Sources said not only this, the LPG cylinders are denied at outlets as well, as the offices of the distributors are too small to handle the chaotic consumers on daily and they even have not installed the external booths for the verification process so the consumers who have verified connection can receive the gas delivery, which has poured the unnecessary rush at the distributors offices and the people with verified connection have to wait for long hours and even they back with empty cylinders.

 Meanwhile, when contacted, Director CAPD Jammu, Parvez Ahmed Malik said very distressingly “City Ma Badi Mushkil Se Available Krayi Hai”, “We hardly arranged it in the city area” and could not say anything about the rural and other areas.

 He stated that they were not associated with the home delivery of LPG cylinders in any manner and their job to control the misuse of domestic cylinders as this scheme has been formulated on the basis of agreement between dealers and oil companies.

 He also gave a wary statement over the matter by saying that it is very apprehensive and lengthy process as firstly the consumers needs to visit the dealer shop for the booking of cylinders and then he/she will receive it if the service available in the respective area.

 “I don’t know whether the oil companies have prepared their road map for the home deliver as they have not disclosed it with us and if anybody lodges complaint with us regarding the home delivery service, we could not do anything except forwarding it to the oil companies” he added.

 Qamar Ali Akhoon- minister for Consumer Affairs and Public Distribution (CAPD) for his comment could not be contacted despite several attempts.

JKCA on jubilant mood as Kashmiri Cricketer makes it to INDIA ‘A’

JKCA on jubilant mood as Kashmiri Cricketer makes it to  INDIA  ‘A’

Yash Khajuria         1/2/2013 7:48:06 PM
 JAMMU, Jan 02: After medium pacer Surinder Singh Bagal, all rounder Parvez Rasool has become the only second J&K cricketer and first Kashmiri lad to make it to India-A team. He is been included in the 14-member squad that will take on England in a warm-up game at Delhi on January 6. 

Talking to TNI, Ranjit Kalra, chairman of JKCA Media Committee said, “Parvez Rasool’s inclusion in the India-A squad has been superb opening to the new year. It is a very proud moment for JKCA”. He, on the behalf of the JKCA president Dr. Farooq Abdullah and all the members besides cricketers of the state, congratulated the young Kashmiri lad. 

Pertinent to mention here that, more than a decade have been past when any of the state cricketer had have represented for national level from Jammu and Kashmir state the only name before Rasool was Surinder singh Badal who played against Australia as a member of BCCI Board presidents' eleven long ago in 90's and now after a long wait Parvez Rasool has attained this honor to register his name in the elite of the players who have marked their berth at the national podium from state J&K.  

Manzoor Wazir, Treasurer JKCA, said “Young spearhead of JK Cricket Team, Rasool has remained among the disciplined cricketers of the team and is an excellent player with charismatic talent both with bat and bowl as he proved in the current Ranji Season by claiming 33 wickets and generating almost 600 runs”. His selection in the India (A) is an honour for JKCA, he added. 

The other members of the squad for the one day match to be played at the Palam Cricket Ground Delhi included, Abhinav Mukund (C), Murali Vijay, Robin Bist, Kedar Jadhav, Ashok Menaria, Rohit Motwani (Wk), Jalaj Saxena, Akshay Darekar, Ishwar Pandey, S Sreesanth, Rishi Dhawan, Paras Dogra and Mohit Sharma.

Pertinently, the previous year remained a nightmare for JKCA with bagful of controversies. In first half of the year multi crore scam surfaced whereas, in the end of year the Kashmiri cricketers revolted over selection issue.

Traffic signals lose steam in just four months.

Traffic signals lose steam in just four months.

Commuters face inconvenience at many intersections

Yash Khajuria             12/28/2012 7:25:43 PM
JAMMU, Dec 28: Within four month of installation, the traffic signals at several points in the winter capital city have turned non-functional causing chaos among the commuters. Sources disclosed that inferiority had been adopted in planning and there was complete lack of coordination among various agencies. As a result of which the traffic signals have developed mal-functioning. 

Commuters face a harrowing time as vital circles in city were grid locked due to non-functioning of traffic lights. Traffic Police said the signals were made non-functional on an ‘experimental basis’ to assess the flow of traffic on these Circles. 

In the run-up to the exercise of relocating traffic signals to busy chowks from ‘redundant places’, traffic lights at Panama Chowk, Ambphalla, Panjthirthi and Paloura rotaries were made non-functional for past two days, resulting in chaos and frequent traffic snarls.
“Some lights were not working at the busy rotaries. There was complete chaos at Panama Chowk in the afternoon where long traffic jam was witnessed due to non-functioning of the traffic signal. Even traffic policemen were conspicuous by their absence that had made the situation more complicated,” said a Local of area. 

Muneer Ahmad Khan, Inspector General of Police (Traffic), J&K, however, said some traffic signals had been made non-functional on an ‘experimental basis’ to assess and get an update about the flow of traffic on these rotaries. 

“There are some places where there is no or less use of traffic signals. We are assessing the traffic scenario on these rotaries and will make recommendations to the government to bring some changes in the existing system so that traffic signals are installed on such places where there is an immediate need for them,” the IGP said. 

He said the department was facing problems in regulating and streamlining the traffic because of the non-installation of traffic signals at some points. “The Roads & Building department and Jammu Municipal Corporation have also started marking of roads, preparing zebra crossing bands and lane arrows at several places to further streamline the system,” Khan said. 

The Traffic Lights in Jammu were likely to give up soon by the time of their Installation. Despite been highlighted in the news papers that the ‘planning Committee for baffling reason had ignored some of the busiest locations of the city from its ‘priority points’ at the time of installation of traffic signals in the first phase. 

The 30 city intersections where traffic signals were installed on a priority basis in the first phase include, Satwari Chowk, Main Stop, Gole Market, Green Belt Gandhi Nagar, Chattri Point Gandhi Nagar, Bikram Chowk, Jewel Chowk, KC Crossing, Shakuntla Crossing, Medical College Crossing, Ambphalla Chowk, Canal Head Crossing, Bakshi Nagar Pulli, Talab Tillo Chowk, BSF Paloura Crossing, Library Chowk, Vigilance Rotary, Parade Chowk, Rameshwar Temple, Shalamar Chowk, Indira Chowk, Vivekanand Chowk, Saheedi Chowk, Panama Chowk, Janipur Main Chowk, Janipur-Roop Nagar Crossing, High Court Turning, Kunjwani Chowk, Narwal Chowk and Bathandi By-pass road. 

Indeed the minister of State for Home, Nasir Aslam Wani had also chaired a high-level meeting and constituted a new committee comprising JMC Commissioner, DIG Traffic, Jammu, Deputy Commissioner and officials from the R&B and the PDD to coordinate and remove impediments in the smooth regulation of traffic.

Jammu to soon have vital facelift in sports infrastructure

Jammu to soon have vital facelift in sports infrastructure

Yash Khajuria                   12/25/2012 7:08:00 PM

JAMMU, Dec 25: In a boost for the sports infrastructure the J&K State Sports Council has approved a project to give a facelift to the KK Hakhu Astro Turf Stadium, build a skating rink and a kabaddi playfield. This, besides a state-of-the-art multi-purpose sports complex to be built at MA Stadium soon. 

According to the sources, “with all important documents pertaining to the project have already been submitted to the state government for final approval, the modalities for the ambitious multi-purpose sports complex project are in the final phase”. “The process of inviting tenders from various firms to allot the construction has also been completed, he added. 

Indeed they said that it was decided to upgrade the existing infrastructure for important disciplines in a phased manner in the previous meeting of the Standing Committee of the J&K State Sports Council, held under the chairmanship of Sports Minister, R S Chib. 

Mohammad Afzal Malik, Administrative Officer, J&K State Sports Council, said, “Financial powers which have been vested with Secretary, Sports Council, give us the authority to spend up to Rs 2 crore.” 

“The Pavilion Block at KK Hakhu Stadium will be constructed at the cost of Rs 20-30 lacs. Similarly, a skating rink would be constructed at the same place at the cost of Rs 40-50 lacs while Rs 30 lacs has been earmarked for construction of international Kabaddi play field,” Afzal added. 

“As far as approval to start construction work is concerned, the project is estimated to cost between Rs 6 to 8 crore which is beyond the financial powers of Secretary, Sports Council. A decision in this regard is to be taken by the state government and we are hopeful that something positive would come out soon,” he said. 

The Union Sports Ministry, under its ambitious National Sports Development Fund (NSDF) scheme had sanctioned a special financial package to the tune of Rs 6 crore for construction of a state-of-the-art multi-purpose sports complex. The complex once completed will cater to the disciplines of Gymnastics, Wu-Shu, Squash, Wrestling etc.

JU to soon have Olympic size Swimming pool, Tennis Courts.

 JU to soon have Olympic size Swimming pool, Tennis Courts.

Yash Khajuria                                                 12/21/2012 7:33:32 PM
JAMMU, Dec 21: In a significant move to promote sports and provide a platform to budding talent of students, Jammu University will soon have its own international level swimming pool, Basket ball and Lawn tennis Courts to host various national and Inter varsity level tourneys in future. 

Sources have said that JU administration is all set to introduce state of the art infrastructure for the scholars within the university premises. New infrastructure include an Olympic size swimming pool (50 meters) with Diving facilities, Basket ball Court, and two Lawn Tennis Courts for the students. 

Sources said that the architects and experts recently gave a demonstration of the infrastructure to the Vice Chancellor of Jammu University and the other Committee members. 

It is pertinent to mention here that soon after his joining, MP Singh Ishar, Vice - Chancellor Jammu University had made stress on raising new sports infrastructures in Jammu University. 

“Officials from the planning committee have said infrastructure is to set up in the space adjacent to the sites of Zorawar Singh auditorium and gymnasium hall”, sources said. 

A senior officer within JU said that tendering process for the project is in final process and JU works department will draw tenders. 

In absence of basic infrastructure for the training of the sportspersons, Directorate of Sports and Physical Education had not sent its teams for competing in Inter-Varsity competitions in many disciplines for which the director sports and physical education had also faced criticism.
Director sports and physical education Prof Dhyan Singh Bhau had claimed that in the lapse of the infrastructure the teams were not trained enough to compete at the least level championships and it was better to not even field a team instead of fielding weak teams for participation in Inter-Varsity and any other national level competitions. 

When contacted to the Vice Chancellor of Jammu University Mohan pal singh Ishar while confirming the development he said that proposal has came for the said project and we are scheduled in the same process. “The University administration is committed to provide the best infrastructure to scholars” he added. 

“There is a set procedure for the selection of teams for the tournaments and we are stick to it. The recent cancellation of participation of some teams in their respected disciplines is one such example of that. The preparation of teams was not up to the mark and bad performance of the team creates a bad image of the university” he said. 

However it will take time to come up with such infrastructure but, As soon as we will have our own infrastructure for the training and grooming of the raw talent we are expected to have promising outcomes especially in certain disciplines, he added.

After Long wait: DPC in sports council in 45 days.

 After Long wait: DPC in sports council in 45 days.

Yash Khajuria                                                                    12/18/2012 7:20:09 PM

JAMMU, Dec 18: The long wait to end stagnation in J&K Sports Council could soon end as Departmental Promotion Committee (DPC) meeting is likely to be conducted in next 45 days. 

According to the sources, Secretary, Council, Dalip Thusoo taking a serious note of this prolonged delay had issued instructions to move the file from Sports Council office before the Minister for Youth Services and Sports, R S Chib for further development in taking necessary action. 

The officer cadre of Sports Council while welcoming the initiative taken by the Secretary, said that although, it has been delayed too long but it is the good gesture by the Secretary, State sports council who seems to be concerned to mitigate the miseries of Sports Council employees”, said one of the officers of State Sports Council. 

“Everybody in the Sports Council is performing duties in a thorough professional manner and it is our right to get timely promotion for the efforts we put in to hone skills of budding sportspersons of the State”, he added. “Apart from promotion issue, there are some other important matters pertaining to the employees which are also required to be taken up during the forthcoming DPC meeting”, said another officer. 

Earlier, resentment was brewing up among the officials of Council working at various positions who have not been promoted due to alleged inordinate delay in the conduct of DPC. 

The issue was also taken up during the last Standing Committee meeting of Sports Council held under the chairmanship of Sports Minister, R S Chib which was attended by former Secretary, State Sports Council, Kiran Wattal. 

Sources added that during Manoj Pant’s tenure as Secretary Sports Council in 2003 when a State Sports Council Order No 438 of 2003 dated 10-7-2003 was issued regarding transfers, postings and adjustments, the officers posted as I/C were transferred without being elevated as I/C Managers who then expressed strong resentment claiming that during Sheikh Fazal’s stint as Secretary Sports Council in 2000, six Grade-II coaches in different disciplines were elevated to the post of Incharge (I/C) Managers. 

Meanwhile, when contacted to the office of the State Sports Council, Administrative officer, Mohd. Afsal Mailik while confirming the development has said that the council have fixed Dec 20 the date for the submission of Administrative Performance Report (APR) and after the said date all the documents would be scrutinized and there after within the consideration of the Secretary state sports council and other staff members the date for DPC will be publish in the Public notice in the prominent Newspapers of the State.

Traffic Police silent on Playing High pitched music in matadoors

Traffic Police silent on Playing High pitched music in matadoors

Yash Khajuria                                          12/14/2012 8:49:08 PM

JAMMU, Dec 14: One side the traffic police to aware to the masses are erecting innumerous sign boards within the city which unanimously depicts for the obedience of Traffic rules, But on the other side despite been listed as taboo the usage of sound systems in the public transports is in its full swing under the nose of traffic authorities.

It is pertinent to mention here that as per the traffic Rules in Jammu and Kashmir the use of any sound systems is prohibited in the passenger vehicles and is punishable under article R 305/177 but by mean of collusion normally termed as (Entry) paid by drivers to the traffic police the prohibition is being violated in the mini buses, buses and other passengers vehicles dauntlessly.

The mini bus and bus drivers use sound systems at high base which creates noise pollution and also threat for the lives of passengers as many of the times accidents occurred due to diversion of driver concentration towards the music instead of driving.

Also they use to play vulgar songs in their vehicles which are an open violation of human rights as the women traveling in the same vehicle fells unsafe and become red faced with shame and inferiority complex.

Most of these mini bus and bus operators play the songs during the school/college going time in the morning and during their closing time at day when most of the vehicles are jam-packed with the girl students. They even don’t hesitate to play vulgar songs during these hours which is equal to the eve teasing on both legal and moral grounds.

A long ago traffic police had tightened his noose over this menace and used to crush the tape recorder recovered from the vehicle which had really mitigated this menace upto a great extent but now the in connivance between the drivers and traffic police has amplified this.

One can easily notice the matador operators using tape recorders fearlessly on almost all the local routes i.e Shastri Nagar, Trikuta Nagar, Bari Brahmana.

Shelli Surya, a MBBS Scholar expresses, “the use of stereo in the mini busses have became common now a days’ despite of the fact that the number of accidents are increased on large in past few months specially in the hilly highway but the rampant violation is on since it had been scheduled taboo with provision of punishment under traffic rules.

Traffic officials who always remains in search of traffic rules violators, surprisingly becomes duff and dumb to this brazen violation of traffic norm which now have became a menace, she quipped.

Sonia Bakshi one of the university student said that the recreational use of sound Systems in the mini busses is ok at some extent but at some cases for most of the girls traveling in the mini buses have became embarrassing as the songs being played in the vehicles are vulgar and upto some extent abusive too.

She further said that the mushrooming of adult and abusive singers like Honey Singh has made the traveling of girls in the passenger’s vehicles more difficult as the drivers deliberately use to play the songs of these singers without any shame and fear of traffic police.

M.A Stadium: Worst nightmare for the sports persons in Jammu

M.A Stadium: Worst nightmare for the sports persons in Jammu

Yash Khajuria

JAMMU, Dec 13:  With playing courts in shabby condition, non-functional fountains, broken benches, basic infrastructure almost missing, this is the condition of M.A Stadium, which offers sportspersons space to train themselves for national and international events.

If not to talk about the sportspersons what else could be worsening to that, with full of filth and foul smell where one cannot stand for even a while, the authorities are unable to provide proper urinals and toilets for the visitors, including the lower rank officials.

Though it is drawing huge rush of newcomers as well as regular sportspersons who are cursing the authorities at the helm of affairs, these days. Since, the heads of the organizations and a few senior officers have attached bathrooms; they are least bothered about the common visitors to the arena.

There is no place for the parents of the players to sit in the stadium. Benches are broken, grass almost missing where a person could at least sit for a while. Basketball court in dilapidated condition has its own tale of woes, as no player can practice there. The flood light Kabaddi Stadium have the same theory, , kho-kho court missing and all of the above the only swimming pool without water and closed for all since long.

"It seems that nobody is there to take care of the main sports venue in this winter capital of the State, which has hosted many national tournaments", said one among the parent of a sportspersons who accompanies his son to the stadium.

Commenting on the pathetic condition of the Stadium, a veteran sportsperson said pleading anonymity that all this is due to Kashmir centric mindset of the leaders and bureaucrats who have always ignored Jammu for the reasons best known to them.

He said that this is the reason that State has failed to produce players to win medals at national level, despite plenty of talent in the area.

A large number of youngsters come to the skating rink and the parents of almost all youngsters are worried. Moreover, the parents or the players have no proper place to sit whether it’s the hot weather conditions under the blistering Sun in summers or the freezing cold in winters.

He needs to rise to the occasion immediately. He must pay surprise visits to the sports venues like the M A Stadium in order to ascertain how sports affairs are being (mis)managed right under his nose." This was stated by a renowned sportsperson of Jammu wishing not to be named.

Sources revealed that the indoor managers of the stadium are only provided meager amount for the maintenance and construction work of the stadium. Other miscellaneous expenses have to be made by a long process.

Katra rail link brings worry for traders, hoteliers in Jammu

Katra rail link brings worry for traders, hoteliers in Jammu

Yash Khajuria

JAMMU, Dec 05: The completion of the much awaited Katra Railway Station which is scheduled to be commissioned on March 2013 will bring cheer for commuters, but transporters and hoteliers of Jammu fears that it would adversely affect their business.

The Jammu Tawi Railway Station which is the key transit spot for the commuters coming from the rest of the India via rail Link is providing the business for the local transporters and hoteliers besides the tiny traders who generate their bread and butter by their respective business only bythe large exchange of the tourists.

But the million dollar question is what will be the future of Jammu after the train gets operational.

Where on the one side Chief Public Relation Officer, Northern Railway Neeraj Sharma informed that the 25.2 km rail link which is being constructed since 2004 would be operational by March next year will provide a direct link for the commuters to connect with the base camp of Mata Vaishnodevi shrine in Trikuta hills, and around 14 passenger trains would run on the Udhampur-Katra route which is expected to meet the heavy influx of passengers.

On the other hand the government is falling short in sprouting possible business for the local traders on the offset of deficit by this direct Rail link.

 In this context senior vice-president- Transporters Welfare Association Jammu, Anil Chopra says, “Undoubtedly, the development is needed for the overall development of the state but at the same time the government has to be concerned about those who will be jobless after this rail link becomes operational”.

We already had demanded to the tourism authorities to develop some side scenes within the vicinity of district Jammu so that the tourist could get attracted to this side of the state which is already falling short as far as the tourist spots. But It seems the government is more concerned about the promotion of tourism in Kashmir province because whenever a financial package is announced by the authorities to boost tourism in the state, a major chunk of it goes to the Valley,” he said.

Many projects able to compensate the business for the Jammuties which includes the artificial Lake project at Tawi, Cable Car Project and project of Developing Border tourism are the tale of just announcements as the deadlines are extending one by one.

Ceasefire violations on IB could delay opening of Suchetgarh border for tourism

Ceasefire violations on IB could delay opening of Suchetgarh border for tourism

Yash Khajuria   

JAMMU, Dec 6: The repeated incidents of ceasefire violation from the other side of the LoC and International Border in recent years have delayed the much hyped Border Tourism Project at Suchetgarh sector, and there are indications that government may put this ambitious project on hold.

Under the project approved by Central Government a park over 150 kanals would be established near the border post and the entry gate which has divided the two nations since the bitter winter war in 1947 when part of state was occupied by Pakistan.

Plan included construction of tourist facilitation centre, land scaping and development of terrace garden with fountains and development of walkway to oversee international border. Apart from this tourist watch tower, war memorial with photo gallery of martyrs of the area, and an amphi-theatre would be constructed at the site.

According The first phase of the Rs 5 crore project is being implemented by Tourism Department and Border Security Force (BSF) to give atheistic look to the border outpost and its surrounding, which till partition of the sub-continent was an important link between Jammu and Sialkote city of Pakistan.

However Director Tourism Robin Singh Mehta said that the project work was on full swing at site and was almost 80 percent complete but the Border Security Force didn't grant permission to set some of the infrastructures including towers at the Border Out Post due to security reasons, the permission for which was sought by the tourism authorities.

Meanwhile, PRO Defence said "This is a matter related to higher authorities that's why the permission not being granted. If the tourism authorities are up to develop the infrastructure for the tourism attraction similar to the one at Wagha Border then, there is a need of NoC from the Pakistan side."

However, DIG BSF Jammu Frontier J S Oberoi said that he was not having any information regarding the permission sought by the tourism authorities for the aforesaid project.

The centrally sponsored project to develop Suchetgarh and Shrine of Baba Chamyal on International Border with Pakistan as major tourist attraction will be completed by the end of year 2013.

Officials said that development of various places of tourist attraction taken under the project “Development of Border Area Tourism Circuit Jammu’ and sanctioned by Ministry of Tourism, Government of India is likely to be thrown open for visitors by 2014, making it one of the important attraction in the city.

Govt. to rein on fake sports associations in J&K, not allowed to play in sports events

They have become money minting machines

Govt. to rein on fake sports associations in J&K, not allowed to play in sports events

Yash Khajuria
JAMMU, Dec 02: As the mushrooming of ‘fake sports association’ have becoming a money minting machines to get a share of the central and state funds for the expansion of the sports in Jammu and Kashmir, J&K Sports Council has gone tough on these association and is denying them to send their players at national games.

Sources said that though some of the association having close links with the some politicians are trying to pressurize the officials, but keeping in view the allegations of huge corruption in these bodies, government has decided to go tough against them.

Recently some of the associations just for getting affiliation from state or National sporting councils were pressuring the Jammu University (JU) to get berths for their teams in the Inter-Varsity competitions.

“They want just participating certificates and have no love for promoting talent. This way they are able to pounce on the funds while the promotion of sports is shown only on papers”, said a source.

According to sources, the Directorate of Sports and Physical Education, JU had decided not to send its unprepared teams for competing in Inter-Varsity competitions claiming that bad performance of the team creates a bad image of the university. Sources added that in a bid to gain advantage, some individuals had approached the department and asked them to allow their teams for participation in Inter-Varsity championships.

Prof Dhian S Bhau, Director, Directorate of Sports and Physical Education while confirming the development told that JU has a set pattern of selection of team in which participation of the colleges is must, but some individuals have approached JU with a pre-listed team and demanded to dispatch those on the behalf of JU, now the big question is that who knows those listed players are the actual students of any college or a Truck Driver we have a set phenomenon to represent the team for JU and we accountable for every misdeed within this matter. Though, JU will never allow such individuals to get success in their objectives at any cost.

He said being responsible for every action and inaction in sports it was better to not field a team instead of fielding weak teams for participation in Inter-Varsity and any other national level competitions.

“Our policy is very clear and we will stick to it. Cancellation of participation of women Handball team is one such example of that. The preparation of women team was not up to the mark”, Prof Bhau said.

“Recently a person approached the department for seeking its permission to depute the team for participation. When I asked him on what basis I shall allow the team to participate he told me that the players are sure to win medals”, Director claimed.

“Matter is not whether the team win medals or not but there is a set procedure which a department is to follow”, Prof Bhau added. “The department is conducting Inter-College competitions every year to select the teams for Inter-Varsity competitions in various disciplines on the basis of their performance. We are accountable to all the affiliated colleges who are fielding their teams in these competitions and how it could be possible that we select the players for any competition whom we do not know which college they are representing”, Director sports maintained.

“Whatever is the motive of these individuals but as far as we are concerned, the department will never ever allow such persons to dictate terms. It is better not to send half prepared team for participation rather than selecting a fake team”, Prof Bhau said.

Farooq orders inquiry into Ranji team selection

JKCA treasurer resignation row

Farooq orders inquiry into Ranji team selection

Yash Khajuria
JAMMU, Dec 01: In an immediate reaction to the resignation offered by Manzoor Wazir, Treasurer, Jammu Kashmir Cricket Association (JKCA), late last evening, the JKCA president, Dr Farooq Abdullah has intervened into the matter has ordered inquiry into the Ranji team selection row.

Wazir had dispatched his resignation to Abdullah stating therein that he made every possible effort to ease things out between JKCA and the Kashmiri players over the issue of team selection and captaincy, but all went in vain, owing to which he was resigning from the post of treasurer.

Sensing gravity of the matter, JKCA president ordered to constitute a committee of senior JKCA Officials for conducting the enquiry into the whole episode.

Talking to TNI, Ranjit Kalra, Chairman- JKCA Media Committee, while confirming the development told that career of the players and their dignity were of utmost importance to the JKCA.  “JKCA President Farooq Abdullah has taken this issue very seriously and shall shortly constitute a committee of senior JKCA officials to underscore this matter”.

He also stated that the as of now the president JKCA had not taken any decision with respect to the acceptance of the resignation forwarded by the Manzoor Wazir.

Sources disclosed that Wazir submitted his resignation after he came to know that some of the officials of JKCA had bargained the selection of Jammu players in the team over the Kashmiri players at the time of selection.

Whereas the member of JKCA Provincial Committee Mehboob Iqbal refuted any possibility of deal being made for bias selection. He said “Nine players from Kashmir and 7 players from Jammu were selected for the match that is being played at Guwahati from today onwards.”

Cricket players ready for written apology to end ‘revolt’

Cricket players ready for written apology to end ‘Revolt’

Yash Khajuria

JAMMU, Nov 27: A written apology by the players who revolved against the J&K Cricket Association (JKCA) ended the stalemate between the management and players after five days.

Though the cricket team was defeated by the Andra Pradesh in a one sided match but the back channel diplomacy by the senior members of association ensured that the mess in the cricket association is cleared at the earliest.

“We have brought our demands ahead of the JKCA officials included Incharge Manzoor Ahmed Wazir and Nayeem Ahmed Bakshi – member Provincial Committee in the meeting held in Kashmir today and received positive nod”, said Majid Dar - Player JK Cricket team.

There were rapid flow of reports aired on web spectrum after the meeting of players and JKCA officials concluded that the dispute seems to have been resolved. The players and the Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Association (JKCA) are reportedly working out a compromise which might involve an apology by the players.

In this context Majid Dar said that their basic demand was to select a uniform team for the rest of the matches by including the players from Kashmir region who were left out of the last match.

“As far as the apology is concerned meeting was attended by few players and not by the all boycotted players and we could not present an apology on the behalf of the absent players, but we will decide collectively that what to do however lets first see what the JKCA decides.

Interestingly, when contacted to the senior member of the regional committee of JKCA, Mehboob Iqbal notwithstanding to the aforesaid he stated that being an official of JKCA he has no information regarding this meeting and if any meeting was held. Though the team will be selected on the merit of talent and requirements, nobody will be selected pre-conditionally.

“It is a matter for the selection of a state team not the provincial team hence the team will be selected with the reverence of the Chief Coach and the selection panel not by member of a provincial committee”, he quipped.

Pertinent to mention here that, the boycott was led by state team captain Samiullah Beigh leveled by the allegations of regional bias by selectors and Coach Bishan Singh Bedi that Bedi was giving preference to players from Jammu over them.

For the official version when contacted to the Legendry Cricketer and JK Cricket Team’s Chief-Coach Bishan Singh Bedi has so far refused to comment over this in fact he expresses “I have nothing to say officially or unofficially as I am as aware as anybody else”.

Regarding the meeting held in Kashmir when questioned that did JKCA have kept his self involved in the meeting he said that he has no info whatsoever is happening out there in Kashmir.