SKUAST K VC for participatory seed production

Vice-Chancellor, Sher-i-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology-Kashmir (SKUAST-K), Dr. Tej Partap these days stressed the importance of the introduction of participatory plant breeding, participatory seed production by strengthening native seed system.

Dr. Partap created these observations whereas chairing the thirty first Zonal analysis and Extension Advisory Committee Meeting of the university these days.

The meeting was attended by Dr. Afifa S. Kamili, Director Extension Education, Dr. Shafiq Ahmad Wani Director analysis, Dr. Badrul Hassan, DRI-cum-Dean PG Studies, Dr. Farooq Ahmad Lone, Director Agriculture-Kashmir and Dr. G. A Parray Associate Director analysis (Member Secretary).

Director Agriculture, Kashmir said that his department has made thirty,000 quintals of certified seed of paddy for distribution among the farmers. He said stress has been laid on seed replacement of varied crops significantly maize and pulses.

Director analysis, SKUAST-K impressed the necessity for conserving the native biodiversity and to arrange a comprehensive set up together with market chain for Kashmiri Chilli for its conservation and utilization to profit the farming community.

Govt mulls rope connectivity for agriculture areas

Governor authorizes JU VC to require action

Governor N N Vohra nowadays licensed Vice-Chancellor of Jammu University, Prof M P Singh Ishar to require all remedial measures/ actions on the recommendations of Chief Secretary-headed Enquiry Committee vis-à-vis allegations of administrative impropriety, favourtism and money irregularities against former Vice-Chancellor and officers of the Varsity.

Chairing the 72nd meeting of the University Council at Raj Bhawan here this evening, Mr Vohra asked the Vice-Chancellor to require action at intervals his competence on the recommendations of the Chief Secretary headed Enquiry Committee, that was constituted by the Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah to appear into allegations of varied quite irregularities.

The Governor additionally suggested the Vice Chancellor to make sure that the recommendations/ observations of the committee, that need special approvals, are placed before involved bodies of the University on a time certain basis and whole report processed with none delay.

Mr Vohra, who is that the Chancellor of the Varsity, known as upon the colleges of the State to prepare short-term vocational courses in tourism and different potential disciplines to boost employability of the youth in travel trade and varied different employment intensive sectors.

"With the revival and also the promotion of tourism within the State the youth having pursued short-term certificate courses may realize prepared employment avenues", he said, adding "Universities may additionally consider organizing different such courses having potential within the rising job market to profit the youth of the State".

Referring to the creation and upgradation of infrastructure facilities at the most campus and also the off-site campuses, the Governor said that the development of scholars hostels, significantly for ladies, ought to be given priority attention that the students from remote areas may pursue their educational careers in massive numbers.

He underlined the requirement for micro-focusing on the expansion of campuses for regularly improving the standard of education to equip youth to compete successfully within the rising competitive situation. He additionally stressed that each one the newly developing buildings should have adequate provision to be used of solar energy, harvesting of rain water, hearth safety measures and ramps to facilitate physically challenged persons.

The Governor suggested the Vice Chancellor to undertake visits to the affiliated faculties to watch the facilities and also the performance of those establishments, adding that those of the Principals, lecturers and also the faculties showing outstanding performances might be awarded. touching on the requirement for conducting educational audit of instructional establishments, he said that such a mechanism will facilitate in harmonious growth of all the establishments of upper learning. He advised that the varied Universities of the State may coordinate in regard to the functioning of their placement cells for the larger good thing about the youth of the State.

Prof MPS Ishar, in his power purpose presentation, gave details of the educational and extra-curricular achievements of the University. He additionally dwelt on the efforts being created to boost the prevailing infrastructure and also the initiatives taken within the fields of teaching, and extension activities.

The meeting among others was attended by Prof Talat Ahmad, Vice Chancellor, University of Kashmir, Prof Vinayshil Gautam, Prof R P Tandon, M I Khandey, Principal Secretary, Finance, Navin Kumar Choudhary, Principal Secretary to the Governor, Tanveer Jehan, Commissioner Secretary, Higher Education and Prof Naresh Padha, Registrar University of Jammu.

22nd University Council meeting of SKUAST Kashmir

Governor, CM for courses in 

tune with emerging job market requirements

Governor N. N. Vohra, and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, today decided that the team of scientists of the Sher-i-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology, Kashmir, led by Dr. Riaz Ahmad Shah, which achieved a major breakthrough in cloning the world's first Pashmina Goat, named Noori, will be honoured and rewarded for their momentous scientific achievement.

This team of scientists will be honoured at a function to be held in Srinagar, after the reopening of Civil Secretariat and other move offices in the summer capital of the State. The Governor observed that this achievement could pave way for establishing a Centre of Excellence in University for undertaking similar initiatives in cloning other species of animals, like the Kashmir Hangul.

The Governor and the Chief Minister were addressing the 22nd University Council meeting of the Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (SKUAST), Kashmir, at Raj Bhavan, here today.

The Governor and the Chief Minister, stressed the urgent need for taking all the required measures, including restructuring courses and bringing about required changes in the admission procedures, for filling up all available seats at the under-graduate and postgraduate levels in both the Agricultural Universities of the State. They said that doing so, besides ensuring optimum utilization of available infrastructure, would also go a long way in enhancing the employability of the youth of the State in the emerging job market.

Chairing the meeting, the Governor, who is Chancellor of the University, stressed the implementation of a time bound programme for production of quality seeds of different crops, in adequate quantities, for meeting the requirements of the farmers and enhancing the agri-productivity in the State. He said that while doing so a strict monitoring mechanism must be put in place at the block and district levels so that the quality of the seed is of approved standard.

He suggested that success stories about seed replacement and consequential increase in productivity should be disseminated by screening documentary films and through write-ups in the print media for enlarging awareness among the farmers about the usefulness of seed replacement and adoption of the best practices in farming. He also stressed the need for providing adequate marketing facilities to the growers of mushroom, strawberry and other crops for securing optimum returns for the produce.

While reviewing the status of the establishment of Krishi Vigyan Kendras, the Governor said that wherever land is available these need to be established immediately, along side completing the process in other cases. He added that Krishi Vigyan Kendras have to function as nerve centres for carrying the latest agri-technology to the farmers.

The Chief Minister, who is the Pro-Chancellor of the University, said that on the pattern of the SKUAST (Kashmir) and the Kashmir University, the SKUAST (Jammu) and the University of Jammu should work together and identify such degrees and courses like MBA (Agri-Business) to enhance the employability of the youth. He said that, for this purpose, the various Universities functioning in J&K should sign MoUs for securing larger convergence for the benefit of the people of the State.

The Chief Minister stressed the need of regular monitoring of various projects of the varsity and those which will be developed under the Rs. 100 crore special grant provided to the University.

Mian Altaf Ahmad, Minister for Forests, stressed the need for opening up of more seed centres for providing quality seed of maize, potato and other crops to the farmers nearer to their doorsteps.

Sham Lal Sharma, Minister for Horticulture and Floriculture, stressed for increasing the intake for imparting training to the youth in basic horticulture activities by the Farm Universities.

Aga Syed Ruhulla Mehdi, Minister for Animal and Sheep Husbandry, put forth several suggestions for the rapid growth of these sectors, having vast potential for generation of wealth and employment avenues.

Dr. Tej Partap, Vice Chancellor, SKUAST, Kashmir, made a comprehensive power point presentation, dwelling on the achievements of the University and the major initiatives under consideration.

The Council also approved the Two-Tier Career Advancement Scheme for Non-Teaching employees of the University.

The meeting was attended by Dr. A. R. Trag, Vice Chancellor, Islamic University of Science and Technology, Awantipore, Prof. Ram Badan Singh, President, National Academy of Agricultural Sciences, New Delhi, M. I. Khandey, Principal Secretary, Finance, Shaleen Kabra, Commissioner/Secretary, Agriculture Production and Acting Vice Chancellor, SKUAST, Jammu, Navin Kumar Choudhary, Principal Secretary to the Governor and Prof. Farooq A. Zaki, Registrar, SKUAST, Kashmir.

Conservation work of Wullar Lake from next month

water shortage in jammu

8th Class Supplementary Examination from May 15

Director School Education, Jammu has notified for all the concerned that a supplementary examination for the students, who appeared in 8th class T2 Annual Examination held in February 2012 in Summer Zones of Jammu province and were declared as repeaters will be held from May 15 to May 23.

All heads of the institutions (-) I/C Master of Middle Schools/HMs of High Schools/ Principals of Higher Secondary Schools falling in summer zones of Jammu Division have been directed to inform the candidates intending to appear in supplementary examination. The heads of the institutions willobtain the examination forms from concerned ZEO offices and will make available to the repeaters.

They will get the forms filled up and will submit to the Principal of concerned DIETs after attestation. The Principal DIETs will provide the examination forms to concerned ZEOs. The whole process will be completed on or before 30th April, 2012. The Heads of the Institutions will also be responsible for distribution of Admit Cards/ Roll No. Slips to the concerned repeaters students.

The Dated Sheet for Supplementary Examination of 8th Class T2 summer zones of Jammu Division (2011-12) is as Tuesday 15th May 2012 English, Thursday 17th May 2012 Hindi/Urdu, Saturday 19th May 2012 Mathematics, Monday 21st May 2012 Science and Wednesday 23rd May 2012 Social Science. 

Class 12th Result Declared Kashmir

BOSE declares result of Class 12th

Migrant Edu employees plea to authorities

Joint Migrant Education Employees Association has appealed the Education Department authorities not to transfer the displaced teachers on their promotion to Leh, Kargil and other far off places as these teacher were engaged to teach the higher classes due to lack of subject lecturers in migrant schools.

The meeting of the Association which was chaired by Bharat Bushan also made an appeal to chairman J&K Board of School Education, Rehari Jammu that examination papers of 12th class is being set by those persons whose kid are getting high percentage by going to private schools. By keeping this percentage in mind they set the papers for 12th class. The meeting demanded that the papers be set by keeping in mind the normal students who are studying in Government schools.

HC stays SAC proceedings against CM and others

Govt sits on inquiry report of illegal appointments

Governor for enlarging educational facilities

Governor, N. N. Vohra today emphasized the need for doing everything possible to enlarge the educational opportunities so that every child receives education.

The Governor, as chief guest, was speaking at the Annual Day function of the Bal Bharti Public School run by the S. O. S. Children's Village, Channi Rama, here today. Usha Vohra, First Lady, was present on the occasion.

Referring to the good work being done by the S. O. S Children's Village, the Governor observed that it is a laudable example how responsible elements of the society have got together to provide educational opportunities to the children affected by militancy, orphans, destitute and those belonging to the under-privileged sections of society.

He added that due to poverty and various other adverse factors a large percentage of our children never get to go to school or drop-out. In this context, he said that it is very important for locality-wise initiatives being taken to provide educational facilities to all the children.

The Governor lauded the good work being done by the Bal Bharti Public School for the past 12 years for the promotion of education of the children belonging to under-privileged segments of society. He announced a support of rupees one lakh for covering a larger number of children from the local slum areas, and another rupees one lakh for providing scholarships to the brightest children of the school.

The Governor and the First Lady gave away awards to those who have rendered self-less services for running the Balgran and Bal Bharti Public School.

The Governor and the First Lady were honoured on the occasion by presenting mementos to them.

Earlier, the Governor and the Lady Governor inspected the Girls' Dormitory, Computer Centre and Vocational Centre. They interacted with the management and members of the Governing Body of the S. O. S. Balgran and the children and enquired about the facilities made available in this institution.

In his welcome address, Dr. Krishan Lal Gupta, President, S. O. S. Children's Village, dwelt on the history and evolution of the Balgran and the facilities being provided to the inmates. He said that in all, 87 children are being provided free board and lodging facilities at the S. O. S Children's Village. They included children affected by militancy, earthquake of 2005 and orphans and destitute.

Urmil Arora, Principal, Bal Bharti Public School, presented Annual Report of the institution. She said that 161 students from class 1st to 10th are receiving education in this institution, including 64 from the S. O. S. Balgran.

First lady Usha Vohra honoured and presented momentoes to Ramma Malhotra, Director and Urmil Arora, Principal for their selfless services.

Governor honoured and presented momentoes to OP Modi, Patron-in-Chief and KL Dubey, Patron for their commendable long services to Balgram

Amrish Khajuria, Secretary, SOS Balgran, presented a Vote of Thanks.

Prominent among those present on the occasion were former Deputy Chief Minister, Mangat Ram Sharma, Director Health Services, Jammu, Dr. Madhu Khullar, social activists, Members of the Governing Body of the Balgran, prominent citizens, teachers and students of the school.

A brief cultural programme was presented by the children on this occasion which was appreciated by the audience.

House Rents Hiked by 300 percent

KHC expresses concern over new circular

Rashtriya Sanskrit Sansthan celebrates annual day

Rashtriya Sanskrit Sansthan (Deemed University) celebrated its annual day and prize distribution function at its Kot Bhalwal premises, here today.

Raj Guru Mahamandaleshwar 1008, Swami Vishwatman and Sarswati Ji Maharaj was the chief guest while Justice GD Sharma was the guest of honour on the occasion.

The programme was presided over by Registrar, Rashtriya Sanskrit Sansthan, New Delhi, Prof KB Subbarayudu.

The programme started with dignitaries garlanding the portrait of Mother Goddess, Saraswati and lighting the ceremonial lamp followed by recital of Vedic Mangalacharan by Prof Baidya Nath Jha.

Besides, students of the Campus presented Saraswati Vandana and Sansthan Anthem.

In his address, Swami Ji highlighted the need of Sanskrit saying that the false knowledge cannot be eradicted without the right knowledge, which comes only through Sanskrit.

Speaking about the importance of Sanskrit, GD Sharma said that the knowledge of Sanskrit makes a solid basis for learning other languages. He added that trying to preserve culture without preserving Sanskrit is an exercise in futility.

Earlier, Principal of the Sansthan, Yash Pal Khajuria highlighted the special achievements of the Campus during the previous year.

In his presidential address, Prof KB Subbarayudu informed that the attempts are being made to develop Rashtriya Sanskrit Sansthan as International Central Sanskrit University and for this purpose the Sansthan intends to open Sanskrit institutes in Montreal, Canada and other countries.

The dignitaries also presented awards, mementos and certificates to the students of the campus who had excelled in various athletic, sports and educational competitions.

The welcome address was given by Prof M Chandra Sekhar while the vote of thanks was presented by Prof Baidya Nath Jha.

INIFD student excels in Lakme Fashion Week

Pandits Warn Agitation

Kabra appointed Acting VC SKUASTJ

Commissioner Secretary Agriculture Production Department, Shaleen Kabra, has been told to operate as Acting Vice Chancellor of Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences & Technology (SKUAST), Jammu in addition to his existing functions till the time of appointment of new incumbent.

Former Vice-Chancellor, Dr. B. Mishra handed over the charge to Kabra yesterday after the State Government issued directions in this regard.

Earlier, the State Government has constituted a Search Committee to find a suitable candidate to replace the Dr. Mishra. The Committee is being headed by Dr. Mangla Rai, former Secretary Department of Agriculture Research and Education (DARE) and former Director General of Indian Council of Agriculture and Research (ICAR).

Other members of the Committee are Dr S Ayyappan, present DG ICAR; Chief Secretary Madhav Lal and University Grants Council (UGC) Chairman.

Official sources stated that the Committee held meetings to discuss various nominations received so far but failed to arrive at some conclusion. The process of selection is still on and it is likely to take some more time.

Tomorrow, the Acting Vice-Chancellor, Shaleen Kabra will hold series of interactions. He shall be visiting the Farm Seed Production Centre at Chakroi and the Veterinary College at R S Pura. Subsequently, he has called a meeting of senior officials of the SKAUST including Dean and Directors.

64 employees found absent during surprise inspection

Governor CM greet people on Holi

142 GOs among 333 officials booked by SVO in graft cases

Nearly 333 public servants including 142 Gazetted and two IAS and some Directors were booked by the State Vigilance Organization in last three years and 443 cases were challaned in the court of law in last seven years in the State.

Authoritative sources told the Jk News that from January 2009 to ending December 2011, a total 187 cases were registered against 333 public servants including 142 Gazetted officers and high ranking officers by the Vigilance Organisation. The percentage of the proved cases which was 65% in 2005 has increased to 90% in 2011. Not only this, in 23 cases convictions were awarded during this period by the courts of Special Judge Anti-Corruption, Jammu/ Srinagar against 25 persons including 7 Gazetted officers.

Records compiled from the Home department revealed that Vigilance case against the then Dy Commissioner Kupwara Sayed Shah Lateefe has been transferred to Anti-Corruption court Jammu from Srinagar, while the cases against the then Chief Engineer R&B Shamas Din Koka, the Chief Engineer R&B Nazir Ahmed Shah, the then Chief Engineer I&FC Ghulam Hasan Shah, the then Director Social Welfare Ghulam Nabi Boda, retired IAS officer H L Kadalbhuju, Gulam Ahmed Dar, Director Horticulture, Dr M K Bhutyal the then Director Health Services Jammu, Dr M P Gupta the then Director Health Services Jammu, Dr Abdul Majid the then CMO Jammu, Dr B B Sharma then BMO Bishnah, Ghulam Mohiuddin Rather the then ACR (the then Collector Pahalgam), Masooda Yasin the then Director Technical Education, Abdul Majid the then General Manager Govt Press Srinagar were in the evidence/ charge stage.

The case of ARTO Anantnag Ali Mohd Wani, Dr G A Mir, the then BMO Ganderbal, Ranjeet Kour, the then Principal Govt AMT School Srinagar, Ghulam Ahmed Dhobi, the then BMO Hajan, Abdul Rashid Allaqaband the then tehsildar Tral, Abdul Rashid the then SHO Awantipura, Gulam Mohd the then Nazar DC Office Anantnag, Mohd Ashraf Bhat the then BDO Sopore, Dr Mohd Ismail the then Distt Health Officer Baramulla, Abdul Qayoom Bhat the then Chief Accounts Officer Kupwara, Mehmood Ahmed Bhat the then AO PDC Bemina, Subhan Shah the then AO PDD Basant Bagh, Ahmed Ullah Shah, the then ZEO Nishat, Dr Ghulam Nabi the then director Health Kashmir, were also in the Evidence stage.

The senior officers against whom the cases were in the charge stage are- Muzaffar Ahmed Lal, the then Branch Managar State Cooperative Bank Kangan, Gulam H Shah Chief Engineer Kashmir, Sodagar Singh the then Project Officer DRDA Pulwama, Altaf Hussain Pandit, the then Xen RDD, Gulam Ahmed Gir the then SDM Kishtwar, Abdul Khaliq Malla the then Xen R&B Division Chadoora, Abdul Rashid Kema the then General Manager SFC, Haleem Parveen the then Distt Social Welfare Officer Budgam, Abdul Rashid Haji the then Xen Mech, Hakeem Muktiar Ahmed the then RO Rajwara, Fayaz Ahmed Mir, the then Assistant Commissioner Development Srinagar and Habib Ullah Mir, the then Tehsildar Pulwama.

The other senior officers against whom the Vigilance cases were pending in the courts or booked by the agency in the last five to seven years are- the then Divisional Manager SICOP Mohd Anwar, the then Assistant Director CAPD Sgr Tariq Ahmed Qadiri, Khursheed Ahmed Nath the then AEE R&B Magam, Dr Khursheed Alam the then Prof General Surgery SKIMS Sgr, Nazir Ahmed Chisti the then ZEO Kangan, Aga Sayed Jamal the then TSWO Beerwah, Abdul Samad Nazar the then TSWO Bandipora, Teerth Singh the then CMO Baramulla, Mehmooda Hakim the then TSWO Tangmarg, Saleema Azad the then TSWO Pattan, Farooq Ahmed Khooru the then AEE PHE Sumbal, Dr Saifuddin Khan the then CMO Baramulla, Ghulam Mohiddin the then AEE in BDO Office Shopian, Ghulam Hyder Mir the then Tehsildar Pulwama, Mohd Shafi Chikan the then Xen R&B Qazigund, Haleem Mufti the then DEO Pulwama, Kounsar Naqashbandi the then TSWO Tangmarg, Abdul Majid Nhat the then CMO Pulwama, Dr Bashir Ahmed Khan the then BMO Sallar, Mohd Shafi Dar the then Asstt Registrar Cooperative Society Humama, Rifat Qureshi the then CDPO Taral, Hamid Ullah the then Xen LAWDA, Sgr, Mohd Afzal the then CDPO Hajan, Mohd Ashraf the then Sports Officer, Sports Council Sgr, Baldev Singh the then Sports Officer, Dr Surinder Singh the then Distt Sheep Husbandry Officer Baramulla, Wali Mohd the then CEO Kupwara, Mohd Ramzan Nadaf the then Xen Housing Board Sgr, Abdul Ramid Mir Inspector JKAP 6th Bn, Abdul Majid the then CEO Pulwama, Ghulam Rasool Sheikh the then Xen Flood Control Div Baramulla, Sajjad Ali Bhat the then AEE SPCB Sgr, Ghulam Ahmed Nazar the then DyGM SFC, Habib Ullah Mir the then Tehsildar, Ghulam Hyder Bhat the then Director Agriculture Kashmir, Sami Ullah the then AEE REW, Zubeda Jhan the then Building Inspector SMC, G M Bhat the then AO SRTC, Nazir Ahmed Shah the then Xen R&B Sopore, Altaf Hussain Pandit the then Xen RDD, Bilal Ahmed cashier in ARTO office Pulwama, Wali Mohd Bhat the then Panchayat Officer Kupwara, Ghulam Qadiri the then ZEO Ganderbal, Mohd Shaban the then AAO in R&B Circle Anantnag, Sayed Gulam Nabi Geelani the then Principal Hr Sc School D H Pora, Mohd Akram Khan the then Tehsildar Chaddora, Noor Mohd Bhat the then Dy Director FPF, Beerwa, Ghulam Nabi Sheikh the then IPO DIC Sgr, Imtiaz Ahmed the then SO Hospitality and Protocol department, Muzaffar Iqbal the then Dy Director SWD Kashmir, Mir Naseem Ahmed then Chief Town Planner Kashmir, Mohd Afzal the then Xen Project Constt Circle –I Sgr, Abdul Hamid Shawl the then Xen PDD Bijbehara, Abdul Rashid the then PO ACD office Kupwara, Parvez Ahmed Naqash the then Xen Gulmarg Development Authority, Mohd Tariq the then Dy Dir SWD, Krishan Dass the then BDO Kalakote, Sham Lal the then Executive Officer NAC Katra, Inder Singh the then Director IPP Jammu, Bodh Raj Malagar the then Tehsildar / Chairman NAC Akhnoor, Mohd Aslam Qureshi the then VC JDA, Rajesah Pandoah the then Estates Manager SICOP, Udhampur, V P Malhotra the then Project Manager SICOP, Jammu, Mohd Anwar the then Project Engineer SICOP, O N Raina the then Jt Director Poultry Jammu, Ajit Kumar the then Commissioner Secretary Education, Janak Singh the then FA to Addl Chief Secretary, Education, Jatinder Kumar Gupta the then AO, Mohd Yousuf Gilkar the then Dy Custodian Poonch, Shaheen Akhtar the then ZEO Rajouri, Firdous Hussain the then Manager JK Bank Doda, Tarloki Nath the then BDO Lohai Malhar, Rajinder Parsad Manhas the then SDAO Doda, Daleep Singh the then AEO Marmat, Prithvi Raj the then ADAO Ramban, Muneer Hussain Astt Suptd Distt Jail Jammu, Mohd Hafiz the then ACR Poonch, Gh Rasool the then Tehsildar Surankote, Ashok Kumar Gupta the then Tehsildar Kathua, Diwan Singh the then Naib Tehsildar, K K Arora the then CE PWD, Parshotam Kumar Samnotra, the then Xen R&B, Satpal Pandoh the then Xen R&B, Mohinder Lal the then Forester/ Incharge RO IWDP Thandapani, Mohd Zaman the then Distt Officer KVIB Rajouri, Janak Singh the then Tehsildar recovery, Dr Naginder Sharma the then VC SKUAST, Ashok Kumar the then Registar SKUAST, Jammu, Iqbal Singh and Vijay Kumar (SKUAST),Narinder Singh the then I/C Asstt Director CAPD, Baldev Singh the then Inspector CAPD Jammu, Thakur Dass the then CEO Poonch and AO Jatinder Kumar Gupta in Education department, Jammu.

BJYM protests against Rajouri administration

Kashmiri Play Fareb Performed by NDKM

JRE conducts AIEEE Mock Test

JRE Group of Institutions conducted AIEEE mock test to prepare students for the upcoming AIEEE exam, at Government Women College, Gandhi Nagar, in which nearly 150 students participated.

The initiative was taken to prepare students for the test and helping them in realizing their dreams of entering in the best colleges of the country.

On this occasion, Harpreet Singh, president, JRE Group of Institutions said that mock tests make students familiar with the main exam's pattern and relieve students from the anxiety of appearing for the paper.

He said that their aim is to provide the best quality education services to the country so that their this initiative could help students. ACB5RKKMUR3S

The event was supported by Head Hunterz and Achievers Jammu.

State Debt will go up to 47443 cr

Pandemonium in Assembly over Rajouri situation

Validity of RTE Act upheld

Unaided schools must give 25 % free seats, says SC

The Supreme Court today upheld the constitutional validity of UPA government's landmark Right To Education Act (RTE), providing for reservation of 25 percent seats for poor children in all Government, private aided and unaided schools but not in minority institutions.

The ruling by a majority 2:1 judgement of a three-judge bench, headed by Chief Justice S H Kapadia is a shot in the arm for the Centre as the 2009 legislation was its flagship programme aimed at providing free and compulsory education to all children in the age group of 6 to 14 years despite stiff resistance from unaided private institutions.

While Justice Kapadia and Justice Swatanter Kumar gave the majority verdict, Justice K S Radhakrishnan, who gave a dissenting judgement on some aspects of the law, asserted that the provision for 25 percent compulsory free seats would not apply either to unaided private institutions or to unaided minority schools.

Significantly, the majority view also asked the Government to weed out "under performing and non-performing " aided schools to ensure that only those schools who meet the standards required under the 2009 Act are allowed to continue.

The apex court rejected the arguments of the private schools that imposition of such conditions violated their Fundamental Right guaranteed under Article 19(1)(g) (carry out any profession) as being "unreasonable".

"A child who is denied right to access education is not only deprived of his right to live with dignity, he is also deprived of his right to freedom of speech and expression enshrined in Article 19(1)(a).

"The 2009 Act seeks to remove all those barriers including financial and psychological barriers which a child belonging to the weaker section and disadvantaged group has to face while seeking admission.

"The 2009 Act has been enacted to give effect to Article 21A," said Justice Kapadia, writing the majority judgement. 

The apex court said Article 15(5) is an enabling provision and it is for the respective states either to enact a law or issue an executive instruction providing for the reservation except in the case of minority educational institutions referred to in Article 30(1) (minority institutions).

"The intention of the Parliament is that the minority educational institution referred to in Article 30(1) is a separate category of institutions, which needs protection of Article 30(1) and viewed in that light we are of the view that unaided minority school(s) needs special protection under Article 30(1).

"Article 30(1) is not conditional as Article 19(1)(g). In a sense, it is absolute. Reservation of 25 percent in such unaided minority schools (would) result in changing the character of the schools. Thus, the 2009 Act including Section 12(1)© violates the right conferred on such unaided minority schools under Article 30(1)," the apex court said.

The apex court said the Act has been enacted keeping in mind the crucial role of universal elementary education for strengthening the social fabric of democracy through provision of equal opportunities to all.

"Since the Article 19(1)(g) right is not an absolute right as Article 30(1), the 2009 Act cannot be termed as unreasonable. To put an obligation on the unaided non-minority school to admit 25 percent children in class I under Section 12(1)© cannot be termed as an unreasonable restriction.

"Such a law cannot be said to transgress any constitutional limitation. The object of the 2009 Act is to remove the barriers faced by a child who seeks admission to class I and not to restrict the freedom under Article 19(1)(g)," the court said. 

According to the Government, there are 1. 8 lakh private unaided schools in the country and 1.2 lakh private aided ones, besides the 8 lakh Government schools.

Writing the dissenting judgement Justice Radhakrishnan said Government cannot abdicate its responsibility and compel "non-state actors" to discharge its duties.

"Non-state actors exercising the state functions like establishing and running private educational institutions are also expected to respect and protect the rights of the child, but they are, not expected to surrender their constitutionally guaranteed rights.

"The state, however, cannot free itself from obligations under Article 21A by offloading or outsourcing its obligation to private state actors like unaided private educational institutions or to coerce them to act on the state's dictate," the judge said.

Justice Radhakrishnan said Article 21A has used the expression "such manner" which means the manner in which the state has to discharge its constitutional obligation and not "offloading those obligations on unaided educational institutions."

The judge said the Act cannot go to contrary to the Constitution bench ruling in the TMA Pai and Inamadar case which prohibited unreasonable restrictions on private unaided institutions.

"To compel the unaided non minority and minority private educational institutions, to admit 25 percent of the students on the fee structure determined by the state, is nothing but an invasion as well as appropriation of the rights guaranteed to them under Article 19(1)(g) and Article 30(1) of the Constitution.

"Legislature cannot under the guise of interest of general public arbitrarily cast burden or responsibility on private citizens running a private school, totally unaided", he said.

Earthquake in Kashmir Valley

Youth for PK kick starts Metro Walk

SR College holds special workshop for IAS KAS

SR College of Competitions organised a special workshop for IAS and KAS aspirants at the college premises.

On the occasion, Dr Raj Shekhar of Ayush IAS, New Delhi was the resource person.

During this special workshop, counseling sessions were also held wherein topics of Economics, Science and Technology and Current Affairs were discussed in length.

While speaking, Dr Raj Shekhar briefed the students about changing trends in the IAS/KAS

exams through discussions on Planning Commission and achievement of different plans, National Development Council, Evolution of Indian Economy and comparison of Indian economy before and after economic reform.

Banking and related issues like monetary policy of RBI, Fiscal policy of Government regarding various taxes and expenditures of different Ministries and schemes besides trade, current Economic Survey 2012 and budget were also discussed in extensive detail as these areas form the bulk of economics’ questions in the Civil Services.

"Goods and Services Tax (GST), Inflation, Credit Rating Agencies were also discussed and deliberated upon the young aspirants, who in turn, also showed keen interest in such topics of importance," he maintained.

Director, SR College of Competition, Parveen Kumar Sharma said that they have started evolving new

strategies to guide students for excellence in these competitive exams.

HC Judges call on Governor

Minorities refuse to open shops in Rajouri

Baig contests privilege motion against Mehbooba

Cultural Sports festival of SMVDU concludes

The cultural and sports festival of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University (SMVDU), Katra in district Reasi came to an end with the holding of valedictory function amidst great enthusiasm and fun. The students en masse made the ambience very lively and vibrant throughout the carnival. 

The intra-University events also held during the three-day extravaganza. Eminent personalities including Prof. Rita Jitendra, Kavi Rattan, Shashi Rattan, Praduman were also present on the occasion. 

Earlier, the students of the University were divided into houses and there were various competitions amongst the houses. Prithvi House was adjudged as overall winner of Resurgence 2012 and grabbed the Vice Chancellor's trophy. The overall sports trophy went to Jal house and the Cultural title was clinched by Prithvi House. In inter-university competition, the prestigious Chancellor's trophy went to SMVDU. During the function some special awards were also given to outstanding students in the field of sports and culture. The secretary, council of student affairs, cultural secretaries, sports secretary and the coordinators of various events were also felicitated on the occasion by the Coordinator, Resurgence, Dr VK Tripathi, Cultural Coordinator, Dr AK Tewari and Sports Coordinator, Sumantha Sarathi Sharma. The valedictory function was followed by musical night to celebrate the spirit of Resurgence.

Kissan Melas to be organized at Panchayat level

Revised package of 3000 posts for KP youth shortly

Students in Govt Schools

VC KU lays foundation stone of Library

As a part of its program of providing all round development to the satellite campuses of the Valley, Vice Chancellor University of Kashmir Prof Talat Ahmad laid the foundation stone of Central Library cum Auditorium at South Campus (Fatehgarh) here today.

The foundation stone laying ceremony was held in presence of several senior officers of the University and district administration and the said Library cum Auditorium would come at a cost of Rs 316 lakh.

While speaking, Prof Talat Ahmad said that these are the two important things in todays world in any educational institution

Prof Talat urged the students to become more active and avail the benefits of several centrally sponsored schemes like UDAAN which provides skilled education to unemployed youth so that they could meet the requirements of the job market and find viable placement for themselves in the corporate world.

Earlier, in his welcome address Director South Campus Prof Khursheed Ahmad Bhat said that despite facing many difficulties in terms of human resource the campus has registered a phenomenal growth, which is reflected in the number of student enrolments and the number of streams/courses introduced at the campus in the last two years.

Among others, who spoke were District Development Commissioner Kifayat Hussain Rizvi, Registrar Kashmir University Prof S Fayaz, Dean Academic Affairs Prof AM Shah and Dean College Development Council Prof Mushtaq Ahmad Kaw.

Earlier, Prof Talat laid foundation stone of examination block at Boys Degree College Anantnag, which would come at a cost of 44.6 lakh out of which University would bear an expenditure of Rs 22.3 lakh.

Sahitya Akademi Award for 2 J&K writers

Govt committed to strengthen higher, technical institutions

Minister for Higher Education, Abdul Gani Malik today said that Government is committed to strengthen higher education institutions including technical and professional colleges of the State by way of providing infrastructure, faculty and equipment.

Mr. Malik was addressing a function at General Zorawar Singh Auditorium here today, organized by Government College of Engineering and Technology (GCET) Jammu in connection with Annual Day and Prize Distribution Function.

He said that the professionalizing in education is the priority sector on global level and it is need of hour to inculcate scientific temperament among student community and develop research attitude among enthusiastic youth.

Referring to functioning of GCET Jammu, Malik expressed his satisfaction over the role being played by college management under the guidance of its Principal Prof. Bhupinder Singh for the betterment of the students enrolled in the college.

Responding to the demands of running PG courses in the college, Mr. Malik said that Government will leave no stone unturned in making this dream a reality by providing funds, guidance and above all supervision to start PG courses in the college.

Vice Chairman Jammu University Prof. Mohan Pal Singh Ishar, while addressing the function, called GCET a proud component of Jammu University. He said college is performing well and students are showing satisfactory results because of hard work put in by faculty members of the college.

For running PG courses, Vice Chancellor said that necessary infrastructure and other facilities should be available with the college, then Government will be pleased to open PG classes, adding that Government is keen to upgrade the standard of the college for the purpose.

Prof. Ishar announced opening up of a placement cell in Jammu University for providing a window to the youth of the State for outside world.

Earlier, Principal of the college Prof. Bupinder Singh appealed the Minister to fulfill long pending issues of GCET, teaching faculty regarding implementation of 6th Pay Commission and formation of recruitment rules for promotion to the next higher scale.

He said that the GCET is making all out efforts to provide job opportunities to engineering students through various reputed agencies of the country.

The Minister released KSHITIJ News Letter of GCET on the occasion. He awarded the students with trophies and certificates who had excelled in academic and other co-curricular activities.

The Minister also distributed 145 job letters among youth who have been offered job by various private agencies. Anjali Thussu, Head Training and Placement introduced the youth to the Minister.

The function was among others attended by Special Secretary Higher Education Hemant Sharma, Director Colleges, Prof. Muqbil Chisti, Principal GWC, Paloura, Prof. Hemla Aggarwal, faculty members of GCET, Jammu and various HoDs of Jammu University.

The vote of thanks was presented by Mrs Bhavna Sharma.

National Education Day 2011

Plus 2 Lecturers Forum organizes Annual Lecturers’ Day

All J&K Plus 2 Lecturers’ Forum organized "Annual Lecturers’ Day" with fervor and enthusiasm at Auditorium of IIIM (Regional Research Laboratory), Canal Road, where hundreds of delegates participated from all the three region of the State along with galaxy of Intellectuals, educationists and scholars.

The speakers from different parts of the State expressed their views on the importance of the Day and discussed at length the functioning of the Department in School Education with special focus on the role of Plus 2 Cadre in the development of Education in the State.

The House also passed a number of resolutions which included Academic areas, Re-organisation of the department, functioning of Board of School Education, Infrastructural Facilities, residential accommodation, revival of 40 percent inservice quota in the colleges, rational transfer policy, benefit of incentives for Higher Qualifications and many others.

NS Jamwal, State president of the Forum said that the Day provides an opportunity to exhibit a show of strength, unity, determination, self introspection, accountability and above all to review the overall scenario in the field of education.

Dr Manzoor Ahmed, president Kashmir province while speaking elaborated the efforts of Forum for maintaining an exemplary coordination throughout the State which has forced the authorities to listen to the voice of community and also act on the suggestive proposals for the betterment in the field of Education.

The dignitaries who spoke were Sham Lal Sharma , Madan Lal MP, Mangat Ram Sharma , Ex-Dy Chief Minister, Balwant Singh Mankotia MLA, Mushtaq Bukari Vice Chairman, Phari Development Board, Harsh Dev Singh, RA Inquallabi Additional Secretary School Education Department, GA Qureshi, Director School Education, HD Qureshi, Former President, Gurcharan Singh, former general secretary besides large number of officers of the Department.

The proceedings of the function were conducted by Tarsem Singh, general secretary and Dr Gopi Puri, whereas Charan Dass, vice president presented the vote of thanks.

Students awarded degrees in SMVDU

Legal aid camp held at Dogra Law College

Dogra Law College organized a seven day legal aid and literacy camp in its college premises at Bari Brahamana.

Chairman of the State Commission, Mr Justice Bashir Ahmed Kirmani, was the chief guest at the valedictory function held here today. Speaking on the occasion, Justice Kirmani laid stress on the qualities which a legal professional should acquire, to become a statesman advocate. He delivered extremely thought provoking lecture on the occasion. 

Director Judicial Academy, J&K, Suresh Sharma, who was the guest of honour, while appreciating the deliberations of the camp and quality of presentation of moot court by the mooters, announced full cooperation of the Judicial Academy. U K Jalali, senior advocate of J&K High Court while making observations being member of Advisory committee of Dogra Law College lauded the over all development of institution for the last few years. He also lauded the moot court presentation.  December 2011 Kashmir News

 

Senior advocate of J&K High Court Sunil Sethi in his address emphasized on the quality of presentation. He advised the Law students that for becoming a real Law professionals they have to prove as good human beings. Advocate Sheikh Shakeel also addressed the Law students of the college. 

Earlier, Prof V K Kapoor, Principal/ Director in his welcome address highlighted the objective of organizing such camps in Law institutions. He also explained that during the seven days deliberations of the camp students concentrated on the issue of Legal awarness & Legal aid on Domestic Violence Act, Drug addiction, anti-smoking, Dowry evil, water management, healthy environment and save birds. 

Chairman of the College Trust and former minister Th Gulchain Singh Charak in his message congratulated the students and also extended thanks to the chief guest and others for their valuable presence at the function. Secretary of the College Samar Dev Singh on his behalf donated Rs 11,000 to SOS Home for the children hot vacation destinations. The moot court of Surbhi Kotwal, Shazad Mir, Sunita Devi, Renu Bhagat & Jimmy Sayal, Navdeep, Akshay Deep and Manmeet was declared as best group by the judges in the final moot. 

J and K Writers Camp at Mansar concludes

Time ripe for Academy to start translation cell

 Expressing views at conclusion of the All J&K Writers’ Camp at Mansar, here today, the 24 participating writers drawn from three regions and representing ten languages of the State, unanimously urged the J& K Academy of Art, Culture and Languages to start a full-fledged translation cell so that best literature being written in the State is made accessible to large number of readers at national and international levels.

Organized by J& K Academy of Art, Culture and Languages as part of annual initiative to provide a platform for a meaningful interaction amongst the creative men of letters hailing from different parts of the State, the five-day All J&K Writers’ Camp had started on April 2 at Mansar, concluded, here today.

The valedictory function was presided over by Dr Arvinder Singh Amn, Additional Secretary, while others in the presidium included Raja Nazar Boniyari, Dr Lalit Gupta and Dr Farooq Anwar Mirza, Camp coordinator and Chief Editor of Pahari Section and Saleem Salik, Editor Urdu, who also conducted the proceedings.

Dr Arvinder Singh Amn said that it was Academy’s endeavor to provide a platform for writers to come together and develop better understanding of each other’s literature and its socio-cultural background. Dr Farooq Mirza said that he was thankful to the participants for making the camp a success.

The writers and poets were of the opinion that such camps other than exposure to each other’s literature also play a great role in inculcating a sense of brotherhood and amity amongst the participants coming from different as well as remote parts of the State.

Those amongst the camp participants who also spoke on the occasion included Balti poet Ali Akbar Khan Shaheen, Hindi poetess Aruna Sharma, Kashmiri short story writer Raja Nazar Boniyari, Dogri poet Virendra Kear, Hindi/Dogri poet Nirmal Vinod, Pahari poet Sabar Mirza, Manshoor Banihali and Ladakhi writer Nawang Tsering.

Education conference in jammu kashmir

Chib lays foundation stone of ITI

Aiming at creating avenues of employment for the youth of far-flung areas in different fields, Minister for Technical, Medical Education, Youth Services & Sports R.S Chib today laid the foundation stone of Rs 2.46 crore ITI building at Bani and also inaugurated newly constructed ITI building at Bhaddu in tehsil Billawar. The ITI building has been constructed at an estimated cost of Rs 1.82 crore.

Minister of State for Cooperatives, Elections and Finance, Dr. Manohar Lal Sharma, MP Ch. Lal Singh, MLA Bani, Master Lal Chand were also present on the occasion.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr Chib said "it is the endeavor of the Government to strengthen technical education infrastructure and encourage youth to become technical experts in different fields which have the demands in the market". He said the Government has been working under a well-knit programme to train the youth across the State to prepare them for different technical jobs in and outside the country.

He disclosed that 5 new ITIs have been opened in Jammu region, adding that State Government has projected the demand with the Central Government for opening of 50 more ITIs and 142 skill development centers across the state to provide the technical education at the door steps of the youth .He disclosed that new and viable trades have been introduced and intake capacity for the trade of Plumbers, Electricians and Welders has been doubled.

Mr Chib also announced an amount of Rs. 60 lakh for the construction of additional building to be constructed for newly introduced trades in Bhaddu ITI. He also sanctioned Rs 5 lakh for the leveling of playfield at Bhaddu and also promised to provide sports kits to the players to give impetus to the sports activities in the rural areas of this backward belt.

Dr Manohar Lal Sharma appealed the people to motivate their children to undergo job oriented courses in the ITIs. He said there is great demand in the market for technically trained people and the local youth must take advantage of the facilities and get them trained in the trades of their likings to become eligible for different jobs in the State as well outside the Jammu and Kashmir.

Ch. Lal Singh hoped that with the establishment of these technical institutions in these backward areas, the socio-economic profile of the people with be transformed.

He also announced Rs 10 lakh for the construction of boundary wall of playground at Bhaddu out of his MPLAD.

Master Lal Chand also spoke on the occasion.

Politics of Economics

CAG puts Irrigation Edu Deptts in dock

Putting the Irrigation and Flood Control and Education Departments in the dock over blocking of nearly Rs 11 crore, the Comptroller and Auditor General of India has detected that these departments were only concerned over registering expenditure of huge amounts on the projects instead of obtaining necessary clearances, which were pre-requisite as per the laid down guidelines.

The report said that in order to create irrigation potential of 3,500 acres for hitherto uncultivable land and to overcome drought like situation, the Chief Engineer, Irrigation and Flood Control Department, Jammu, in July 2007, awarded contract for three water storage schemes (construction of RCC check dams) on Yakh nullah, river Basanter and river Devak under hundred per cent Government of India sponsored scheme—Border Area Development Programme to M/s UAN Raju Construction Ltd, Vishakhapatnam, for completion in eight months.

As per the directions of the Government of India issued in November 2006, the design and drawings of all the check dams were to be approved by the Central Water Commission (CWC) before their implementation.

However, during scrutiny of the records of the Chief Engineer it came to fore that despite spending Rs 8.67 crore, the schemes had not been completed as on March 2011.

"Despite the fact that contractor had either not taken up the works at all or the pace of work, wherever taken up, had been tardy, the Department had all along (2005 to 2011) booked expenditure on procurement of material on all three works", the report said.

"The department had, in addition, paid interest free mobilization advance to the contractor, which apart from being prohibited resulted in extension of undue benefit to the contractor", the report said, adding out of the payment of mobilization advance of Rs 83.91 lakh, Rs 5.39 lakh only had been recovered from the executed portion of the works and the balance Rs 78.52 lakh continued to be retained by the contractor for the last four years.

The department was either evasive or didn’t reply at all to the audit queries regarding allotment of works without ensuring vetting of designs by the Central Water Commission, booking of huge amounts on material against the works, which had either been taken up partially or not taken up at all, payment of mobilization advance and subsequent failure to ensure start/ re-start of works by the contractor, the report said, adding "no cogent reasons for delay in completion, despite huge spending, were furnished".

The Department failed to adhere to the instructions of the Government of India in getting the designs of the projects vetted from the CWC before execution and subsequently failed to ensure execution of works, it said, adding "this resulted in blocking of Rs 8.67 crore and defeated the intended purpose".

"The matter was referred to the Government/ department in August 2011. However, in response the Chief Engineer while confirming the status of the project as pointed out by audit, didn’t furnish any reasons for delays in completion of the project", the CAG observed.

About the Education Department, the report said that in July 2003 the Government of India approved up-gradation of the State Institute of Education, Jammu to the level of Institute of Educational Management and Training (SIEMAT) subject to the furnishing of a proposal by the State Government and also taking over of the project once its central funding was over. A provision of Rs three crore was kept for the project in the Xth Plan under Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA).

The scrutiny of the records of the State Project Director, Ujalla Society, J&K (Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan) in February 2011 revealed that the State Government proposal forwarded to the Government of India in July 2005 was returned for modification in the light of certain observations made by the National Institute of Educational Planning and Administration (NIEPA).

"In anticipation of clearance of the project by the State Government, the Society received Rs 2.10 crore from the Government of India for implementation of the project out of which the Society released Rs 60 lakh in favour of SIE, Jammu, which was lying un-utilized as of February 2011", the report said, adding "the balance Rs 1.50 crore had been diverted by the Society without approval of the grant sanctioning authority for other spillover works not covered under the programme".

The CAG said that Society had not maintained project-wise details of the funds received by it and the funds for all the projects were amalgamated and consolidated Utilization Certificates were submitted annually to the grant sanctioning authority without giving project-wise details of receipts/ expenditure figures.

Though in February 2011, the Project Director stated that the project had not been cleared by the State Government and every effort was being made to finalize it yet the CAG found the reply as non tenable. "The Society should not have released or utilized the funds for activities not covered under the programme without clearance of the project by the State Government", the report said.

The CAG also observed that lack of monitoring of the approved projects by the Government, non-existent internal controls in the Society coupled with inaction of the Government in finalizing the project resulted in blocking of Rs 60 lakh for the period ranging between 36 and 46 months and diversion of Rs 1.50 crore.

Educational Tour concludes

National Education Day 2011