Slow Pace of Land Acquisition for CUs

The MLAs of Opposition parties today cornered the Government over delay in acquisition of land for both the Central Universities in the State and poor expenditure of the funds sanctioned by the University Grants Commission/ Central Government for satellite campuses of both the State Universities.

The cornering of the Minister for Higher Education, Abdul Gani Malik started when in reply to the question of National Panthers Party (NPP) MLA from Samba, Yash Pal Kundal, the Minister informed the Lower House that out of 4641 kanal and one marla land identified for the Central University of Jammu, 3000 kanal has so far been transferred to the varsity and 3321 kanal out of 4325 kanal identified for the Central University of Kashmir has been transferred till date.

"It is surprising that during the past three years, the Government has failed to transfer entire land to the Central University of Jammu", NPP MLA, Yash Pal Kundal, said and asked when this varsity will become fully functional if the land transfer process continues to be slow.

He was supported by Jammu State Morcha MLA, Ashwani Sharma and Kathua MLA, Charanjeet Singh in grilling the Government.

"The delay in transfer of land has put a question mark on the performance of the Government", Mr Sharma said while as Kathua MLA said that as per the law maximum time-period for transfer of private land is two years and Government should take erring officers to the task for delay in this regard.

CPM MLA, M Y Tarigami said, "though Vice-Chancellor of Central University of Kashmir was appointed in 2009 itself yet the University continues to function in rented accommodation due to delay in transfer of entire land", adding "the Government should complete this process at the earliest and at the same time ensure that adequate and timely compensation is paid to the persons whose land is being acquired".

Keeping in view the concern of the MLAs, the Minister said, "the Government will expedite the process of transfer of remaining land to both the Central Universities".

He said that as communicated by both the Central Universities, the job of land survey and contour mapping has been assigned to Educational Consultants India Limited after which Master Plans will be formulated and the construction work started.

The Minister informed the House that while Central University of Jammu will start six more courses during the 2012-13 academic session, the Central Varsity of Kashmir has proposed to introduce three more courses from July 2012.

Not only on land transfer to Central Universities, the Minister was also cornered over failure of the Government to utilize the funds sanctioned by the UGC/ Union Government for Satellite Campuses of both the State Universities.

NPP MLA, Harshdev Singh, termed it as pity that Government has failed to utilize the funds released for the Satellite Campuses and appoint adequate staff.

According to the data provided by the Minister, during the year 2011-12 an amount of ` 373.05 lakh was sanctioned for the North Campus Delina Baramulla but there was no utilization of funds. Similarly, there was no utilization of funds despite sanctioning of ` 360.21 lakh for South Campus Fatehgarh Anantnag, ` 195.07 lakh for Kupwara campus, ` 1293.16 lakh for Kargil campus, ` 1369.59 lakh for Leh campus, ` 1216.78 lakh for Bhaderwah campus, ` 895.66 lakh for Kishtwar campus, ` 974.94 lakh for Udhampur campus, ` 734.86 lakh for Poonch Campus, ` 516.95 lakh for Ramnagar Campus and ` 516.95 lakh for Reasi campus.

Valedictory function of seminar held

The valedictory function of two-day long seminar organised by Government Degree College, Paloura in collaboration with Gandhian Centre for Peace and Conflict Studies, University of Jammu held today.

Dr S S Beloeria, Vice-Chancellor, Central University, Jammu was the chief guest on the occasion.

In his address, Dr Beloeria said non-violence and truth are the two principles to solve all problems and challenges in the world successfully.

Prof Savita Singh, former Director of Gandhi Samiti and Darshan Samiti in her valedictory note dwelt on the life of Mahatama Gandhi.

More than 36 papers were presented and deliberated upon in different sessions which include "Major Conflict and World Peace", "Population, Poverty, Pollution and Proliferation of Armaments" and "Conflict between India and Pakistan".

Major findings and suggestions of the seminar included B A Honours and M A in Gandhian Studies must be started by introducing and launching Gandhian Studies Department in every university of India.

Gandhian Philosophy and its principles were also highly relevant to deal not only with corruption in the corridors of power but also in the area of modern information, communication and technology.

Gandhian studies and principles of life are becoming more relevant even in the areas of management, medical sciences, engineering, vocational and professional education as well.

Prof B B Anand, organising secretary of the seminar, Prof R D Sharma, Dean Academic Affairs, JU and Prof Anurag Gangal, Head Department of Political Science and Director of Gandhian Centre were also present.

Prof Hemla Aggarwal presented the vote of thanks.

Army organises Konser Naag Yatra
Diabetic Foot project launched
Amritsari shawls

Youth rejected gun culture and Azadi

Govt working for political solution: Omar

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today stated that his government was working in the direction towards a political solution to the problem of Jammu and Kashmir as desired by the youth of the state, who had “rejected the gun culture, merger with Pakistan and Azadi.” 

Omar was talking to media persons on the sidelines of State Level Education Conference at Jammu University.

The Chief Minister said, “The youths want that there should a political solution to the problem of Jammu and Kashmir and we are also working in this direction.”

While referring to a study conducted by Delhi-based Institute for Research on India and International Studies, which said that youngsters in Kashmir did not support the gun, he stated, “This is true that Kashmir youngsters have rejected gun culture, merger with Pakistan and Azadi and have favored good governance and corruption-free state.”

Chief Minister, while commenting on Hizbul Mujahideen (HM) supremo Syed Salahudin's boycott call for Municipal elections, said, “It is not a new thing. We will hold elections and those who want to take part in it can take part.”

Earlier, speaking at the State Level Education Conference, the Chief Minister highlighted the role of teachers as architects of future impressing upon them to render sincere service of moulding students as responsible and qualified citizens to face futuristic challenges in a befitting manner.  He said, “It is my cherished desire to restore the unique dignity and honour of teachers who used to command respect in the society in the past,” and asked the teachers in realizing this goal once again. 

The function was held to facilitate the Chief Minister for regularizing over 8000 Headmasters and 10+2 Lecturers granting them one time exception. It was organized by the J&K State School Teachers Coordination Committee.  

  

“Your service delivery in making educational institutions as seats of academic excellence and moral teaching is imperative in this direction,” Omar said and added that the role of teacher was pivotal in bringing about social change and creating disciplined, honest, dedicated, qualified and responsible society. He asked the teachers to nurture and groom students in the best forms.

“I am here to address your all genuine demands,” he said telling the teachers to provide sincere and best service to the state without any asking for the same.           

Stressing the need of making education free from political and other influences, the Chief Minister said that he would always support a set pattern and norms for transfers, creation and upgradation of new schools and implementation of flagship programmes like RMSA and SSA.

“By utilizing modern technology we can easily ascertain the requirement of schools, colleges, technical institutes and the need for up-gradation of these institutions in far-flung, remote and backward villages. I want set norms for this purpose free, from political and other influences,” he said adding that the system could be only built when teachers would also shun the practice of using political influence for their transfers and attachments.

The Chief Minister said that he had put in place a transfer policy in the departments of Power and R&B under his charge and that, he said, was being followed thoroughly in these departments. “I would like similar transfer policies in Education and other departments,” he added.

Omar said that in order to make transparency rule the roost and ensure time line completion of projects he recently approved independent third party monitoring for flagship programmes of RMSA and SSA in Education department. He said the independent monitoring in Power Department and PMGSY scheme was already in place and McKensy and NABCOMS were conducting this monitoring at present.          

The Chief Minister said that one time exception in the regularization of teachers was first ordered by the Sher-i-Kashmir Sheikh Mohammed Abdullah and then the same concession was granted by Dr. Farooq Abdullah and he was the third in the row to sanction this kind of exception to the teachers.

“This is in other words a ‘third time’ one time exception,” he said in a lighter vein. Omar said that his government believed in employee-friendly policy and nurtured the same during last three years to address the problems of employees and accommodate their genuine demands. “Whether it was granting 6th pay commission award, DA installments, pay commission arrears or regularization of Rehbar-e-Zerat, headmasters, 10+2 lecturers or others my government showed positive attitude in this regard,” he said adding that the enhancement of remunerations of ReT teachers was under live consideration of the government.           

Speaking on the occasion, Minister for Education, Peerzada Mohammad Sayed expressed gratitude to the Chief Minister for supporting the genuine demands of teachers and granting one time exception in the regularization of headmasters and 10+2 lecturers.            “This issue was hanging in balance for last 18 years and many beneficiaries had either been retired or passed away. You made the complex issue easy to resolve,” he said adding that the teacher friendly approach of Omar Abdullah was in his blood as Sher-i-Kashmir Sheikh Mohammed Abdullah was keeping this fraternity dearest.

The Education Minister said that teachers in the state were both qualified and dedicated towards their service which resulted in the increase of literacy percentage in the state. He said Education department was pursuing the target of 100 percent literacy and measures were already in place in this direction.

Chairman Employees Joint Action Committee, J&K Teachers Coordination Committee and President Teachers Forum, Abdul Qayoom also expressed gratitude to the Chief Minister for granting one time exception in the regularization of 10+2 lecturers and headmasters.

“We thank you for fulfilling your promise and resolving the most complex issue,” he said pinpointing various other demands of the teaching fraternity asking for Chief Minister’s similar support and attention towards these.President Lecturers’ Forum, S. D. Qureshi also thanked the Chief Minister.Director School Education, Jammu, Gulzar Qureshi in his speech highlighted the achievements registered in the education sector in Jammu division during last three years.Director School Education, Kashmir, Shugufta Parveen and other officers of the Education Department were present on the occasion. 

Students awarded degrees in SMVDU

672 students awarded degrees during SMVDU Convocation

A total of 672 students of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University (SMVDU) were today awarded degrees during its 3rd Convocation wherein President, Pratibha Devisingh Patil was the chief guest.

As many as six students received the degree of Doctor of Philosophy whereas 48 degrees of Master of Technology, 105 Masters of Sciences and Arts and 325 were presented degree of Bachelor of Technology in various engineering disciplines.

Four passing out graduates received the Chancellor’s Gold Medals, two graduates received Vice-Chancellor’s Gold Medal, 12 graduate students received University Silver Medals, seven graduates got Infosys Foundation Prize for Excellence and 12 certificates of appreciation on the occasion.

Those who received Chancellor’s Gold Medal included Irbha Magotra (MBA BE 2010 batch), Anoop Kumar Pandey (B.Tech CSE 2010 batch), Pardeep Singh Andotra (MBA BE 2011 batch), Abhinav Tiwari (B Tech CSE 2011 batch).

The recipients of Vice Chancellor’s Gold Medal are Sandeep Kumar (B Tech ECE 2010 batch) and Suberta Manhas (B.Tech IBT 2011 batch).

Pawandeep Kaur (MBA 2010 batch), Shilpa Gupta (MBA 2010 batch), Irbha Magotra (MBE 2010 batch), Daksh Kumar Anand (B. Tech ECE 2010 batch), Anoop Kumar Pandey (B.Tech CSE 2010 batch) and Vikas Chandra (B. Tech EME 2010 batch), Tinny Modi (MBA 2011 batch), Pardeep Singh Andotra (MBE 2011 batch), Sarabjeet Kour Sudan (M.Sc Biotech 2011 batch), Esha Kundu (B Arch 2011 batch), Akshay Jain (B Tech ECE 2011 batch) and Abhinav Tiwari (B.Tech CSE 2011 batch) are the recipients of the University Silver Medals.

Those who received Infosys Foundation Prize for Excellence in PG Toppers included Tinny Modi (MBA), Pardeep Singh Andotra (MBE), Mohd Junaid Mir (M Tech M&A), Quleen Kaur (MA English), Sarabjeet Kour Sudan (MSc Biotechnology), Ram Krishan (MSc Mathematics) and Swati Sharma (MSc Physics).

The recipients of PhD Degree included Ajay Koul of School of Computer Sciences and Engineering, Amit Kant Pandit of School of Electronics and Communication Engineering, Ankush Anand of School of Mechanical Engineering, Rajesh Kumar Bhushan of School of Mechanical Engineering, Sanjay Kumar Mishra and Vikas Sharma of School of Business.

The President Pratibha Devisingh Patil presented medals to the recipients while as degrees were awarded by Governor, N N Vohra, who is also the Chancellor of the University.

Later, the recipients of the Degrees were administered oath.

Earlier, the convocation was declared open soon after the Academic Procession followed by chief guest President Pratibha Devi Singh Patil, Governor N N Vohra, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, Vice-Chancellor Prof R N K Bamezai, Principal Secretary to the Governor, R K Goyal, Vice-Chancellor Jammu University Prof Varun Sahni, members of Executive and Academic Councils attired in academic robes entered the hall amidst chanting of mantras on the back stage.

Soon after the convocation was declared closed by the Chancellor and President Pratibha Devisingh Patil left the auditorium, jubilations started among the students. "Hip Hip hurray" repeatedly rented the auditorium. The students also thanked Shri Mata Vaishnodevi for her blessings which helped them in their academic excellence.

Meanwhile, due to the vehicular restrictions imposed in view of VVIP visit, people particularly in the winter capital city and in the holy town of Katra have been facing lots of inconvenience.

"It is due to the failure of Traffic Police in giving wide publicity to the diversions and restrictions that commuters have been facing many problems in reaching their destinations in time", a number of people told News Agency on telephone today.

"No doubt, vehicular restrictions are required to be imposed in view of VVIP visit but adequate steps are necessary so that common masses don’t face problems", they said while alleging that Traffic Police always remain concerned about the VVIPs and VIPs and give no attention towards the inconvenience to the common masses.

National Education Day 2011

National Education Day celebrated in 

various educational institutions with gaiety

To pay tributes to first Education Minister of India Moulana Abul Kalam Azad on his birth anniversary being celebrated as "National Education Day", various educational institutions organised rallies, symposium, quiz contest, seminars, etc. and spread the message of relevance of education in present scenario.

A mega function was organised by Directorate of School Education, Jammu at General Zorawar Singh Auditorium, University of Jammu, where Minister for School Education Peerzada Mohammad Sayeed was the chief guest.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr Peerzada said that Government is endeavoring a lot to eradicate illiteracy from every nook and corner of the State by opening and upgrading scores of schools besides equipping the Government educational institutions with better infrastructure and qualified staff.

Minister for Revenue, Relief and Rehabilitation Raman Bhalla, MLAs Chaman Lal Gupta and Mohammad Sharief Niaz, Director School Education, Gulzar Ahmed Qureshi, Personnel Officer Nirupa Rai, Chief Education Officer Natha Ram Dingra and besides Principals, Zonal Education Officers, teaching, non-teaching staff members and students of various schools were present on the occasion.

Paying rich tributes to the great leader, Mr Sayeed said Moulana Abul Kalam Azad played a pivotal role in taking education to every part of the country by introducing several educational policies. He said Maulana's contribution had brought revolution in education sector for achieving 100% literacy.

The Minister said Central Government headed by Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh is providing liberal funding to the state under education for further improving the education standards. He said Central Government has introduced RAMSA scheme for upgradating infrastructural facilities in High and Higher secondary schools.

He said 69 schools would be upgraded under RAMSA across the State, adding that ` 58 lakh would be spent on construction of additional rooms and 15 lakh for science laboratories in each newly upgraded high and higher secondary school. He said Government has earmarked ` 25000 each for renovation of High School infrastructure and ` 50000 for Higher Secondary School infrastructure under RAMSA.

Speaking on the occasion, Raman Bhalla said for facilitating the teachers and students, Government has approved Rs. 14 crore for construction of 50-room teacher bhawan and 500-seating capacity auditorium in Government Girls High School, Gandhi Nagar

Highlighting the role of teachers and parents in the life of children, he said a child is nourished by parents, while the teacher shapes his personality and gives his life a direction.

On the occasion, a scintillating cultural programme was organized by various.

A quiz contest was also held in the auditorium in which six schools of Jammu city participated and Government Girls Higher Secondary School, Talab Tillo won the contest.

The Ministers distributed mementos among the meritorious students of the Jammu region who excelled in 10th and 12th exams during 2010-11 session.

Earlier, Mr Sayeed and Mr Bhalla flagged off a students rally from Government High School, Gandhi Nagar which culminated at Zorawar Singh Auditorium in Jammu University.

To celebrate the National Education Day, the Department of Students Welfare, University of Jammu, organised organised rally in the campus and paid rich tributes to First Union Minister for Education Maulana Abul Kalam Azad. Prof Jasbir Singh, Chairman, Campus Cultural Committee and Co-ordinator, NSS, JU, flagged off the rally in which faculty members, officers, staff, research scholars and students took part.

Prof N K Tripathi, Dean Students Welfare, Prof J S Tara, Director, Poonch and Surankote Campus, Prof D S Jamwal, president, JUTA, Dr Anupama Vohra, Dr Vishva Raksha, Dr Surinder Pal Sharma, NSS volunteers also participated in the rally.

The IQAC of Government MAM College, Jammu, organised Symposium to mark the National Education Day on the topic "Maulana Abul Azad's Vision of an Educated India". Anshul Gupta and Sanchit Verma bagged the first and second positions respectively while Karan Singh clinched the third prize. Principal Prof Ajeet Angral was the chief guest, who also delivered on the contribution of Maulana Azad to the education foundation in India and said that he was not only enlightened and wise scholar but truthful and fearless freedom fighter. Dr Twinkle Suri, Coordinator IQAC, Prof Banpreet Kour, Prof Harpreet Kour, Prof Kailash Mehra, Prof Rama Badyal and Prof Shalini Sharma were also present on the occasion.

To mark the occasion of National Education Day, NSS Unit of Government Degree College, Kathua organised rally from College Gate to Ram Lila Ground, Kathua. Principal Dr Nater Singh flagged off the rally and highlighted the achievements of First Union Minister for Education in the field of education. Large number of NSS volunteers led by their POs Dr Suram Singh, Prof Naresh Sharma and Prof Kiran Bala participated in the rally.

On the occasion of National Education Day, Eliezer Joldan Memorial College, Leh organised symposium and on the spot Essay Writing Contests on the topic "Contribution of Maulana Azad in the Field of Education". Sonam Ladol got the first prize in symposium while Stanzin Tamchos adjudged as best in essay writing contest. The Deputy Commissioner Leh Tserin Angchuk was the chief guest, who distributed the prizes among winners. Principal Dr Youdhvir Singh, Prof Sonam Yangzes, Prof Rinchen Angmo also spoke on the occasion.

The Government Degree College Paloura celebrated the National Education Day to mark the birth anniversary of Moulana Abul Kalam Azad by organising essay writing and slogan writing contests. Students also delivered on "Role and Place of M A Kalam Azad in the Freedom Struggle". Principal Hemla Aggarwal and Prof B B Anand also exhorted upon the students to follow the foot steps of great leader, who revolutionized the education system in India. Prof Devinder Kour also spoke on the occasion.

The Government Degree College, Poonch celebrated the National Education Day by paying rich tributed to first Education Minister of India Moulana Abul Kalam Azad. Students and staff members highlighted the achievements and contribution of the legendary leader as an educationist, thinker and social reformer.

The NSS Unit of Government G L Dogra Memorial Degree College celebrated the National Education Day with gaiety and fervour while paying rich tributes to Dr Abul Kalam Azad. Student took part in symposium on "Role of Teachers in 21st Century" and patriotic group song competition. Monika Sharma, Kuldeep Verma and Deepika bagged the first, second and third positions in symposium. Principal Dr Ram Krishan gave trophies to winners and threw light on the role of teachers in shaping the young minds.

The GDC Mendhar also celebrated the National Education Day with gaiety and enthusiasm. Speeches were delivered on the importance of Day and contribution of great leader in the field of education.

To celebrated the Birth Anniversary of Bharat Rattan awardee Moulana Abul Kalam Azad as National Education Day, The students and staff of Shivalik College of Education and Happy Model School, Udhampur, organised educational rally and participated in slogan writing, group songs, skits, symposium and multimedia show on the life, works and achievements of India's First Education Minister. The students holding placards participated in the rally to educate the masses about social evils and their eradication through education. Dr Mineesh Gulati, Chairman, Happy Model Foundation, Udhampur, Dr Vikram Gulati, Principal Shivalik College, Prof Sunita Koul, Nirmal and others were also present on the occasion.

Government Sri Ranbir Higher Secondary School, Parade, organised a series of programmes on the occasion of "National Education Day" to mark the birth anniversary of First Education Minister of India. Students participated in rally by holding banners and placards and later in the seminar and highlighted the life and contribution of eminent educationist. I D Soni was the chief guest and elaborated the various aspects of the life of Moulana Abul Kalam Azad particularly during the India's freedom struggle. Principal H D Qureshi also paid rich tributes to great saint in the field of education.

National Education Day was also celebrated in Government Higher Secondary School, Nowabad with gaiety and fervor. Students carrying banners and placards took part in rally from school premises to Talab Tillo Chowk while raising slogans.

Principal and staff members also accompanied the students during the rally.

To mark the occasion of National Education Day, Government Higher Secondary School, Rahya, Samba, organised function with great enthusiasm. Students expressed their views on the contribution of great educationist and performed cultural items on the occasion. Principal Vijay Rakwal, Sarpanch Khajoor Singh, Balbir Singh, Thakur Gian Singh, Blawant Singh and Abhay Singh also highlighted the importance of Day in the field of education.

The Government Higher Secondary School, Paloura organised function to mark the occasion of National Education Day. Students threw light on the life and workd of First Education Minister of free India and took pledge to work hard and to follow the path show by the great educationist.

On the occasion of National Education Day, Government Higher Secondary School, Sarwal, organised debate competition in which large number of student took part. The speakers threw light on the contribution of First Education Minister and later took part in the rally along with staff members. Principal Bishan Singh Jaral also delivered and asked the students and teachers to follow the teachings of great educationist.

The National Education Day was also celebrated at Government Girls Higher Secondary School, Udhampur to commemorate the birth anniversary of Dr Abul Kalam Azad. Students took part in quiz contest and symposium on the occasion. Principa Rashpal Singh highlighted the importance of Day and advised the students to work for the development of the country.

The Government Higher Secondary School, Pallan, organised symposium to mark the occasion of National Education Day. Students actively participated in the rally and awared the people of Village Pallan about the importance of education. Principal Rakesh Jasrotia distributed prizes among meritorious students on the occasion.

On the occasion of birth anniversary of First Education Minister of India, Government Higher Secondary School, Billawar, organsied function with great pomp and show. Shanti Saroop Basotra was the chief guest while Mohan Lal Veram was the guest of honour. The students delivered lecturers and highlighted the achievements of Maulana Abdul Kalam Azad. Principal Rajesh Sharma also expressed his views on the contribution of great leader. The guests also distributed sweets, notebooks and pens among students.

On the occasion of National Education Day, the Government Higher Secondary School, Lassana, Surankote, organised seminar and paid rich tributes to Maulana Abul Kalam Azad. Students delivered on the contribution of great educationist. Principal Sudarshan Sharma also spoke on the occasion.

National Education Day was also celebrated at Government Girls Higher Secondary School, Rehari, organised function with zeal and enthusiasm. Students and staff members also spoke on the occasion and highlighted the importance of the Day. Principal Rajni Kotwal in her address stressed upon the students to work hard for making the nation great and strong.

The Government Higher Secondary School, Rajouri, also celebrated the "National Education Day" to commemorate the birth anniversary of first Education Minister of India, by organising grand function. The students from 13 schools took part on the occasion. DDC Rajouri G A Khajwaja was the chief guest while CEO M L Sharma was the guest of honour. While speaking, DDC highlighted the role and contribution of Moulana Azad in the promotion of education and asked the students to strictly follow the principles of Moulana Azad. He also exhorted upon the teachers to impart quality education to the students besides imbibing in them high moral ethos. Principal Razia Qureshi, Kuldeep Raj Gupta, Abdul Qyoom Dar, Julafqar Mirza, Savarkar Singh besides others were also present on the occasion.

The Government Higher Secondary School Smailpur also organised function to mark the occasion of National Education Day. Students and staff members paid rich tributes to Maulana Abul Kalam Azad and highlighted the importance of education in one's life. Principal Anita Zutshi also spoke on the occasion. Later students organised rally to educate the masses about the need of education.

The National Education Day was celebrated with pomp and show at Shakti Niketan Higher Secondary School. Students took part in seminar and expressed their views on the life of great leader and educationist. Principal also spoke about the value of education and contribution of First Education Minister of India.

The Government Higher Secondary School, Gurah Slathian organised seminar to mark the National Education Day. Speeches were delivered by the students on the contribution of Moulana Abul Kalam Azad in the field of education. Komal Sharma, Preety Slathia, Sharan Slathia were adjudged as first, second and third respectively on the occasion. Sweets were also distributed among students.

On the birth anniversary of Moulana Abul Kalam Azad as National Education Day, the Government Higher Secondary School, Bhalwal organised programme with pomp and show. Speeches were delivered by the students and highlighted the achievements of great educationist. Principal also spoke on the occasion.

To mark the occasion of National Education Day, The Government Girls Higher Secondary School, Akhnoor, organised debate competition. Students threw light on the life of First Education Minister of India. Kalpana Sahrma, Pooja Sharma and Nity Verma were adjudged as top best speakers on the occasion. Principal N P Singh also spoke on the occasion.

To mark the occasion of National Education Day, The Government Higher Secondary School, Ghagwal, Samba organised function with great fervour and enthusiasm. Students delivered on the contribution of great freedom fighter and educationist in the field of education. Principal Ravi Koul also spoke on the occasion.

National Education Day was also celebrated at Government Middle School, Majheen (zone Gandhi Nagar) to recall the contribution and services of India's first Education Minister, Maulana Abul Kalam Azad.

On the occasion, Head Master of the school, R K Uppal and staff members apprised the students about the contribution of Maulana Abul Kamal Azad. He laid emphasis particularly on the education of rural poor girl students.

A rally was organized which passed through the lanes of village Majheen.

At Ramban, all the educational institutions of the district celebrated the Education Day.

At district headquarter Ramban, students of various educational institutions participated and a district level debate competition was held at Higher Secondary School, Ramban under the chairmanship of Chief Education Officer, Ramban. Thirteen students of various educational institutions of district Ramban threw light on the life of the renowned personality and educationist Moulana Abdul Kalam.

As part of National Education Day to mark the birth anniversary of first Education Minister of India Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, Government Girls High School, Katra, organised education awarness rally. The rally was flagged off by SDPO Katra P N Tikoo, who also threw light on the working and contribution of great educationist in the field of education.

National Education Day was celebrated at Government High School, Aghar Jitto by paying rich homage to first Education Minister of India. Headmaster Shanti Sharma also threw light on the life and contribution of Maulana Abul Kalam Azad and stressed upon the students to imbibe the teachings of great leaders.

The Government Girls High School, Sattani, Udhampur organised programme to pay floral tributes to Maulana Abul Kalam Azad. The speakers highlighted the importance of education for the overall development of wards. Headmaster Romesh Kumar also delivered and appealed the students to spread message of great educationist for mass education.

The National Education Day was also celebrated at Government High School Sunetar, Ramnagar. Students actively participated in quiz contest on the occasion. Guests honoured the meritorious students.

The students and staff of Government Girls High School, Tarore, Samba organised grand function in its premises. Students participated in debate, seminar, painting contests and later organised rally to aware the common masses about the relevance of education in present scenario.

On the occasion of birth anniversary of Moulana Abul Kalam Azad, first Education Minister of India as National Education Day, The Government High School, Upper Thanoa, Jib, Udhampur, organsied function with great gaiety and fervour. Students took part in symposium and quiz contest on the occasion. Headmistress Kamlesh Kumari also delivered on the contribution of great leader in the field of education.

Dr Bloeria first VC of Jammu Central University

Former Chief Secretary of the State, Dr Sudhir S Bloeria today assumed the charge as first Vice-Chancellor of the Central University of Jammu after Ministry of Human Resource Development, Department of Higher Education, New Delhi issued order of his appointment for a term of three years.

With this, wide-spread protest demonstrations during the past nearly one and half month over delay in appointment of local Vice-Chancellor of the Central University of Jammu have come to an end. Ever since the sanctioning of separate Central University for Jammu in March 2009, uncertainty remained over the appointment of Vice-Chancellor as various organizations were in the favour of giving this responsibility to a Jammuite.

The President of India, Pratibha Devi Singh Patil considered several names recommended by the HRD Ministry but no decision was taken keeping in view the sentiments of Jammu people. Following the start of agitation over delay in appointment of Vice-Chancellor about 40 days back, the Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah talked to Union HRD Minister, Kapil Sibal and stressed for early appointment of local Vice-Chancellor of the Central University.

Today, the demand for appointment of local VC was met when Dr Bloeria assumed the charge of head of Central University of Jammu.

Dr Bloeria, an IAS Officer of J&K Cadre, is an ex-Army Officer having served in the Jammu and Kashmir Rifles from 1966 to 1972. He took part in the 1971 war with Pakistan.

An alumnus of the Scindia School Gwalior, he is a Science Graduate, also holds a Masters Degree in History, and acquired the Ph.D Degree from his thesis on "The Battles of Zojila-1948". A Graduate of the National Defence College, New Delhi, he takes keen interest in military history and national security matters.

Important assignments held by him include, Deputy Commissioner, Jammu, Development Commissioner, Ladakh, Divisional Commissioner, Jammu, Principal Secretary to Governor, Secretary to the Government in the Departments of Food, Civil Supplies, Transport, Forest, Public Works, Health and Medical Education.

He has been the Managing Director of J&K Small Scale Industries Development Corporation, and J&K State Road Transport Corporation, as also the CEO of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board. During the inception stage, he was the Chief Executive of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University. He has also been on deputation to the Central Government as Joint Secretary J&K Affairs (MHA) and Director Enforcement.

Dr Bloeria was posted as Special Commissioner, Rajouri and Poonch districts in 1990-1992, with specific responsibility to keep that area free from militancy during that critical period. He remained Home Secretary to the State Government in 1995 and 1996 when Parliament and Assembly elections were conducted in the State after a gap of almost 10 years.

His last assignment was Chief Secretary from November 2002 till his superannuation in September 2005.

In July 2008, when Governor’s rule was imposed in the State, Dr Bloeria was appointed as Advisor to the Governor. He was instrumental in successfully handling the Shri Amarnath Shrine Board land agitation and, later, conducting the Assembly elections.

He has also authored three books, "The Battles of Zojila-1948", "Pakistan’s Insurgency and India’s Security" and "The Dying Terrorism."

Meanwhile, various political, social and student organisations besides people from cross section of society hailed the appointment of Dr Bloeria as first VC of Jammu Central University.