Page 1_.

qxd 3/30/2013 1:32 PM Page 1

8 Pages Rs: 1.00 Jammu Edition www.thestudentage.com

STUdent aGE
SATURDAY, MARCH 30, 2013

JKENG/2012/41612 Vol. 2 No: 80

No question of accepting Tamil Nadu resolution on Sri Lanka: Khurshid

Anna Hazare meets Arvind IN BRIEF Govt should make public postmortem Kejriwal, asks him to call off fast report of Chamel Singh: BJP Kashmir sarpanch lied
about being shot: Police
SRINAGAR: In an interesting twist to a local sarpanch's allegations that separatist gunmen had shot him, police sources on Friday said he had lied about being shot. Noor Muhammad, a deputy sarpanch (village head) in north Kashmir's Kupwara district, Wednesday alleged that he was shot at in a local contd on page 2 JAMMU: State wing of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Friday alleged that the Centre had "not handled properly" the issue of death of Indian prisoner Chamel Singh in a Pakistani jail and demanded that his postmortem report be made public. "The Centre should make public the postmortem report of Chamel Singh. The Centre should use its good offices to pressurise the Pakistani authorities to conduct inquiry about the torture and custodial killing and punish the culprits," the leader of BJP Legislative Party, Ashok Khajuria told reporters here at a Pakistani jail. "The issue of Chamel side," he said. Singh, said to be in his sixties, was declared dead on arrival by doctors at the state-run Jinnah Hospital on January 15. His body was brought here from Pakistan on March 13, after which an autopsy was conducted on it. "Earlier, they beheaded two of our soldiers. This sort of cruelty and inhumanity, which has been evident on the part of Pakistan while dealing with India and Indmedia is really very sad," Khajuria said. Pakistan High Commissioner Salman Bashir contd on page 2 NEW DELHI: Social activist Anna Hazare has appealed to Aam Admi Party (AAP) leader Arvind Kejriwal to call off his fast. Hazare met his former Team Anna colleague at a Delhi slum on Friday at around 10:50 pm. This is the first time that both Anna and Kejriwal came on a common platform since they parted ways in September in 2012. Kejriwal had, however, called on Hazare a number of times after the September 19 split. Anna, who had split with Kejriwal on the question of anti-corruption movement taking a political plunge, was on way to Amritsar where he will launch his nation-wide tour on Sunday. Kejriwal has been on a hunger strike for seven days now, agitating against inflated electricity bills in the capital. The AAP has claimed to have got more than three lakh signatures pledging not to pay inflated bills. Anna said one or two days more of fasting is okay but not more than that. He said he had asked Kejriwal to break the fast as the struggle is a long one. "I told him we should not kill ourselves. These fasts are bringing awareness among people. People in the whole country have awakened now. In future, we will continue to tolerate till we can and then break the fast and once we regain health we should again stand up to fight. This is not a four-day battle. But a very long war," Anna said addressing the crowd. He said Kejriwal is not asking for money or administrative position but just asking the government to take note of the trouble that the poor contd on page 2

PAGE 6

Jugal Kishore, Ashoak Khajuria, Shukandan and Sham Choudhary addressing media at Jammu today. Khajuria was replying to questions about death of Chamel Singh, who was allegedly assaulted by staff Singh has not been handled properly by the Government of India. There has been repetition of such unfortunate incidents from the Pakistani

2 JK players selected for International event

JAMMU, MARCH 29: The Jammu & Kashmir State Football Tennis team (JKSFT), after successful participation in the All India Federation Cup, was received by the Speaker, J&K Legislative Assembly, Mubarak Gul, who is also Chairman All India Football Tennis Federation. The team clinched 3rd position in Singles, 2nd position in doubles and 4th position in Triples, in the said National Tournament. The talent contd on page 2

BJYM terms employment package a cruel joke, demands roll back of recruitment, rehabilitation policy
Taking a dig at the government Raina questioned wisdom the wisdom of the able Finance Minister over wondered how could the new employee make his both ends JAMMU: Senior BJP leaders Jugal Kishore, President State BJP and member National Executive BJP Dr. Jitender Singh have also criticized the recruitment policy of the State Government. Jugal Kishore has exhorted the youth of the State to oppose the policy as it is anti-youth and against the process of Natural justice and is bound to promote the spread of virus of corruption. Commenting upon the rehabilitation policy of the State government Jugal termed it the product of a paranoid mindset that will have grave implications for the peace in the State. Dr. Jitender Singh while taking the government to task for framing the new recruitment policy said that it was most unfortunate that the State government is forcing the youth of the State to work on meager salary as if they were bonded labour. Dr.Singh termed the policy as one reminding of dark ages and asked Omar Abdullah whether it was possible to live on rock bottom salary in these times of high inflation adding further that it was like opening a Pandora's box which will pave way for wholesale corruption as the new recruits will

PAGE 5

The China stare

Shoe thrown at Pervez Musharraf as he gets bail extension

PAGE 7

PDP trade union cell demanded jobs for local youth in hydro electric projects
KISHTWAR MARCH 29: Peoples Democratic Party Trade Union (PDTU) cell today demanded that local youths should be given priority in under construction hydro electric projects in Chenab Valley area. Wasil Doolwal District president of PDTU Kishtwar unit demanded that local unemployed youth of Kishtwar must be imparted technical training to engage them in the hydro electric projects to be constructed contd on page 2

JAMMU: State President Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha(BJYM) Ravinder Raina lambasted the State Finance Minister Abdul Rahim Rather over his statement in the Assembly regarding the fulfillment of the 80000 vacancies in the State. Raina while addressing a press conference at the party Headquarters said that the fulfillment of these vacant positions is nothing but a cruel joke played upon the poor and unsuspecting young men of the State by the insensitive government. He added that providing jobs to these unemployed youth would have been a welcome step but by employing educated youth under the new recruitment policy tantamount to mere exploitation of their plight.

This Recruitment policy is anti-youth, against the

process of Natural justice, bound to spread the virus of corruption, product of a paranoid mindset that will have grave implications for the peace in the State. Jugal Kishore Government is forcing the youth to become bond-

Ravinder Raina (BJYM State President) along with other youth leaders addressing a press conference at Jammu. that what use it was to provide employment to the poor job seekers of the State on a pittance on which they could neither meet their basic necessities nor prove of any support to their hard pressed families? He doubted the drastically curtailing the remuneration of the prospective employees who have to work on fraction of the basic salary for a considerable period of time. Castigating the State Chief Minister on his failure to control inflation he meet on a salary that was mere peanuts? He warned that if such recruitment policy is allowed to stay it will result in the flight of talent from the state and eventually the state apparatus will fall into contd on page 2

ed labour. Its opening of a Pandora's box which will pave way for wholesale corruption.
Dr. Jitender Singh explore ways to earn some fast bucks to make their both ends meet. Commenting upon the rehabilitation policy he added that it was like importing terrorists after a complete value addition the like of which has neither been seen nor heard. Both the leaders commended the efforts of BJYM for taking up these issues of crucial importance contd on page 2

Necessary infrastructure must for employment Omar using AFSPA only as medium I saved UPA in crisis but Cong puts CBI after me: Mulayam generation: Pranav Shagotra to deflect public anger: PDP
JAMMU: Jammu and K a s hm i r Pradesh Youth Congress (JKPYC) friday urged upon the government to build necessary infrastructure and provide youth with employment. "The phase of militancy is now over, but still there is a JAMMU: Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Thursday accused the Omar Abdullah-government of using AFSPA as a medium to deflect public anger. "The revocation of AFSPA is a very serious matter. But, unfortunately it has become a victim of Chief Minister's non-serious attitude, who uses revocation of AFSPA to deflect public anger caused by his failures. Laws like the AFSPA, restricting right to life, property, free expression of opinion will ultimately have to go," said a resolution passed by the PDP during its general council meeting here. The party also expressed its disapproval of the government's attempts to trivialise democratic institutions and alleged that the legislature's prestige has been put at stake by contd on page 2 LUCKNOW: Samajwadi Party chief Mulayam Singh Yadav on Friday claimed he had saved UPA government in its bad days and despite this Congress has put CBI after him. "Congress used to take support by threatening. I supported the UPA government in bad times but Congress has put CBI after me", he told reporters in Lucknow. In a fresh attack on Union minister Beni Prasad Verma, Yadav said those talking about making Rahul Gandhi the Prime Minister could not talking about making him the Prime Minister could not save the deposit of his son in assembly elections", he said. Beni's son Rakesh Verma had forfeited his deposit in assembly elections from Daryabad seat in his home district Barabanki. Mulayam was asked about his views on Rahul Gandhi as the prime ministerial candidte of Congress party in next contd on page 2

Inclusion of Gojjri in 8th schedule recommended to Centre: Mian Altaf

RAJOURI MARCH 29: Minister for Forest and Environment, Mian Altaf has said that Government has already recommended to the Central Government the case of inclusion of Gojjri language in the 8th schedule of the constitution whileas efforts are on for setting up Gojjri contd on page 2

hugepopulation of unemployment youth in the state. We urge the government to build contd on page 2

Chamel Singh's murder: Partisan posturing exposed!

ROHIT SINGH RANA
The poor farmer from Pargwal crossed Pakistan inadvertently. As is the Paki mindset Chamel Singh was dubbed a spy and interned in the infamous Kot Lakhpat jail in Lahore. It was on 15th March at around 7.45 AM he was beaten by the jail staff which resulted into his death. He had no tag of a terrorist who masterminded a terror plot nor had he killed innocents. He did not wage war against a sovereign country neither did he sought martyrdom. He was no Jihadi who wanted to rid the world in general and India in particular of infidels. He was a poor farmer of the State of Jammu and Kashmir and the innocent citizen of this country who would not engage in inhuman ways. Things in Mamlikat-e-khudadad where the 'Pure' live and India habituated by impure are diametrically opposite. India returns Pakistanis who cross the border by mistake with gifts and clothes. It was only a few days ago two boys crossed over to Indian side and they were sent back with gifts, fruits and clothes. But when a person like Chamel Singh crosses over he is jailed, tortured and subsequently killed. The Paki 'purity' triumphs over 'impurity.' Satisfied with the killing of an Indian which is bound to bring in (in) fame and awards the cold blooded murder is unabashedly dubbed as a natural death. Pakistan rewards the perpetrators of ghastly acts whether they behead Indian soldiers or torture them. There are safe heavens in Pakistan where anti India terrorists are pampered and honoured. According to an eyewitness Tehseen Khan in the morning of 15th march at 7.45 AM Chamel Singh was washing clothes when he was accosted by Assistant Superintendent Asif Nawaz, Head Warden Mohammad Sidiq and Assistant Warden Chakar Imdadi. They objected to washing clothes by Chamel and beat him severely. He collapsed fell down and was declared brought dead by the hospital authorities. The poor Indian never knew that it was not necessary to wash clothes in the land of 'Pure. The rabid anti India posturing has resulted into a poisonous mindset which has made Pakistan develop a very low thresh hold of tolerance for Indians. But Pakistani actors, artists, and sports persons are given love and respect which should continue for hate is not our trade. It is only from Pakistan that sometimes a war cry for a thousand years emanates or the head of the country boasts about Kargil. The moot point that needs serious introspection is our response to the murder of the innocent farmer who had every right to be alive. While the issue of Afzal Guru and Liyaket Shah continue to rock the J&K Assembly the genuine issue relating to Chamel Singh is not deemed as important as the other two issues are. The Kashmir centric political class should make its stand clear on Chamel Singh. He has been deliberately murdered in Pakistan which is matter of blatant violation of human rights. But when political calculations matter the poor farmer like Chamel Singh stands no chance of fair justice. As far as Jammu political class is concerned in such matters they have developed a historical aloofness and incohrence save some 'necessary noises' otherwise they should have all rallied round Chamel Singh in order to seek justice for him.

save the deposit of his son in assembly polls. "Congress will decide about Rahul Gandhi...By the way, those (Beni Prasad)

Sir! Make corruption a Constitutional provision

As the saying in Hindustani goes-Ab Pani Saar Se Uncha Ho Gaya Hai (It is now way beyond limit). The time to think for out of box solutions has arrived. Because such thinking is needed in right earnestness simply as out of box solution is being thought over many times by the political and intellectual class of the country when it comes to deal with Kashmir. While as Kashmir issue according to our chief minister is multilateral with inner and outer dimensions, corruption is something we have created ourselves. So there is no problem to deal it in a novel way. When Ministers, both serving and former along with top brass of State's bureaucracy is corruption tainted why not to make it a provision of State's Constitution. The natural course of wisdom envisages that if any practice which has overwhelming support and blessings of vast number of eminent people then it should be incorporated as a guiding principle of our Constitution. At least it would save us from the departments like Anti Corruption, Vigilance Commission and the State Accountability Commission. Nobody would be sentenced to jail and peace would return to the state. The Centre eventually would take cue from us and follow lead. At least something they would too get back from Jammu and Kashmir. The common man is waiting. Please do him a favour!

Ranasahib

Page 1_.qxd 3/30/2013 1:32 PM Page 2

STUDENT AGE SATURDAY, MARCH 30, 2013 I saved UPA ... Govt should make...
yesterday said an investigation has been ordered into Singh's death. The BJP leader said the party will continue its boycott of the Assembly to protest against the suspension of Jugal Kishore Sharma. Sharma was suspended by the Speaker of the Assembly, Mubark Gul, for allegedly misbehaving with NC minister Sakina Itoo during House proceedings. Lok Sabha polls. On Beni's allegation about a deal for giving support, Yadav said those talking about SP's "deal" with Congress were themselves a "traitor". "I am not afraid of anyone and that is why I speak the truth. I have never betrayed anyone. On the other hand, I was betrayed many times...I do what I say..there is no difference between what I say and what I do", he said. Yadav also alleged the media was not in his and his party's favour due to which law and order in UP was being made an issue. "Law and order is good in the state but the media is creating unnecessary hue and cry over it. (UP Chief Minister) Akhilesh is doing better than his counterparts.

CONTD

Liaqat's episode: Soz says lack of coordination between Delhi and J&K Police
SRINAGAR: Claiming that both Delhi and Jammu and Kashmir Police failed to handle the matter of Liaqat Ali Shah, State Congress President, Professor Saif-u-Din Soz Friday said that it was confirmed that Liaqat Ali Shah was arriving to Valley under Rehabilitation Policy yet a proper procedure was not followed in that case. "Jammu and Kashmir police didn't coordinate with Delhi Police on time while Delhi police took hasty steps in this matter," Soz said. "I admit that some youth outside state have been implicated in false cases but we must not forget that proper investigation in different cases have helped police to nab real culprits. It is wrong that Kashmiri's are being harassed outside. More than two lakh Kashmiri students study in different states of India," Soz told Srinagar based news agency CNS adding that he wish the youth of Kashmir get employed in private sector so that unemployment problem will recede in the state. Professor Saif-u-Din Soz said that he feels sorry for those Kashmiri youth who have been implicated in false cases. "As far as my knowledge goes, two Kashmiri youth are languishing in outside state prison from past 16 years. I have talked to Prime Minister of India about those two youth and hopefully they will get released. Hitting at bureaucrats for their inefficiency to tackle the problems pertaining to state of Jammu and Kashmir, Soz lamented that there is zero work culture in the state while officers are in no mood to set themselves right. "There are some Bureaucrats who retire on their chairs and never bother to come out from their offices to know about the problems of the people," Soz said. He revealed that it has become difficult in Jammu and Kashmir to get any work done with having approach. "Bureaucrats are duty bound to do the work of people. They should treat everyone at par. Alas! Without approach no work is getting done and it needs measures to curb such menace," he said. While replying to a question, Soz said it is his burning desire to see Jammu and Kashmir as a corruption free state. "There must be a transparent system. There must be social security and justice to all. There must be development on equal basis. Once we develop ethical approach people will feel relieved," he said adding that politics is a powerful tool to serve common people. Soz criticized the approach of the government towards the people who reap benefits under different categories. "The officer who gets appointed on Category Certificate is able to provide top-class education to his wards and still his wards reap benefits under a particular category. There should be onetime benefit only. Once any person possessing backward certificate gets a Blue collar job his certificate should be nullified.

Anna Hazare meets...

are going through. "If a poor man gets a electricity bill of Rs 3,000-4,000, from where is he going to pay," he said. Thanking Anna, Kejriwal said he was grateful to the veteran activist for taking time to meet him. The meeting has come as a shot in the arm of Kejriwal as a large number of volunteers have delinked themselves from the movement citing that they want to remain apolitical. Anna was against the anti-corruption movement turning into a political party as planned by Kejriwal. Kejriwal has been on a fast against Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit and inflated electricity bills in the capital. His health has been deteriorating. On Thursday, doctors had announced that Kejriwal has lost six kilograms so far. In a statement on Thursday, the Aam Aadmi Party, though said he was stable with all the vital parameters within the normal range. "His blood pressure was 120/74, pulse was 66 and sugar was 106 this morning. The level of ketones has come down from 4+ to 3+, which is a positive indication," it said. Kejriwal on Thursday alleged both the Congress and the BJP were winning elections through bribing voters and using muscle power. Kejriwal said several people were asking him why there has been no reaction from BJP and Congress on his fast so far. "This is because BJP and Congress are both worried as a different kind of politics is slowly emerging in India. So far they are used to winning on the basis of bribing voters, money power and muscle power but now the voters have awakened. The elections will not be elections but revolution," he told his supporters.

Kashmir sarpanch lied...

mosque, injuring him in the arm. Police sources said doctors who gave Muhammad first aid had expressed doubts about the injury having been inflicted by a bullet. "Doctors said the injured man had visible burn marks, which he claimed was a bullet injury. Samples have been sent to the forensic lab and if proved wrong, the sarpanch would be booked for giving false information to police. He can face imprisonment of three months," a source said. In another development, police released three people they had picked up on suspicion of attacking the sarpanch. Police sources said that it was being probed whether the sarpanch intended to settle some personal scores by accusing them of shooting him.

Saifuddin Soz MP President J&K Pradesh address Members of Chopan Welfare Association
SRINAGAR: Prof. Saifuddin Soz MP (Former Union Minister) & President J&K Pradesh Congress Committee address Members of Chopan Welfare Association at Town Hall Budgam today. He was accompanied by Senior Congress Leaders of the District. On this occasion Prof. Soz told the largely attended conference that they should remain steadfast on their demand for reservation for their community with the Schedule Tribe ambit Prof. Soz declared this demand very genuine. He reminded them that he ( Prof. Soz) had taken up their demand with the then Union Minister of Tribal Affairs in April 2012 and, on his part he was agreeable to grant this demand. But, then the agreement for this concession had to receive support from Registrar General of Census Government of India. Union Tribal Affairs Minister had recommended the case strongly to Registrar General of Census Government of India. He has also asked the Government of J&K to take serious notice of this demand. Prof. Soz urged the gathering that they should continue their struggle for inclusion in the Schedule Tribe Reservation and he ( Prof. Soz) would whole heartedly support their demand. On this occasion Prof. Soz told them that they should remain vigilant as grazing land in Kashmir were getting shrunk by illegal construction and entire Gas Charai and Khalsa Sarkar was being grabbed by the greedy. He told them that many employees in the Revenue Department at lower levels were in league with long arm land grabbers and, therefore, the Chopan Community has to be vigilant. He also told the gathering that it was a wrong idea that Milk Products, Poultry and Mutton would come to Kashmir from Punjab and other areas as no State in India will be able to fulfill the requirement in Jammu and Kashmir as these products were becoming scarce in those areas also. He (Prof. Soz) encouraged Chopan Community to set up a large Dairy through a Cooperative Society, as early as possible. The Chopan Welfare Association assured Prof. Soz that they would remain vigilant and very active for the fulfillment of their demands. Those who accompanied Prof. Soz and spoke on the occasion included Master Mohd Maqbool, Nazir Ahmad Khan, Shoiab Lone, prominent leaders of Chopan Welfare Association and Block Presidents of Budgam District.

2 JK players selected ...

and sportsmanship of the State team has been highly appreciated by one and all during the said national event. Besides, 2 players from J&K team have also been selected for participation in the International Event which is going to be held at Chandigarh during September 2013. The Speaker congratulated the players and the officials of the team and arranged a special trip for the players to visit the J&K State Legislative Complex, Jammu. He interacted with all the players and appreciated the contribution of all the players in the national tournament. During the meeting with the players and office bearers of J&K Footbal Tennis Association, the Speaker congratulated the Association for bringing laurels to the State at various national and international levels by their dedicated and sheer work in the sports activities. He hoped that the Association will continue its work for exposing the sports talent of the State at national and international levels. He also expressed gratitude to the Punjab Body for organizing such a successful event and providing extra ordinary facilities to the participating teams. President J&K Football Tennis Association, R. G.N. Wani invited the Speaker for attending the meeting of the International Body to be held at Romania in coming months.

New recruits made...

the hands of less efficient people resulting into quality deficit. Further he added that NC-CONGRESS government is leaving no stone unturned in formulation of a mega-corrupt structure in the state and exploiting the talent of youth. Raina expressed serious reservations over the ignorance of the youth and called the Rehabilitation policy of the state government a dangerous one which will discourage the youth and shatter their hopes of a peaceful, developed and progressive state. Rather than becoming a youth icon and a role model for the youth Omar has become an icon for the terrorists and an ambassador of separatism. Omar Abdullah as a Chief Minister has failed to formulate an effective youth policy for the educated youth of the state but has taken extraordinary pains in formulating the policy for the terrorists, he added. Government has laid all the foundations for compelling the youth to leave the state and hand it over to the anti-national elements at all the levels whether it bureaucracy or other constitutional institutions. He vehemently criticized the government for giving a raw deal to National Youth Corps, Homeguards, SPO's and VDC members who instead of being encouraged are subjected to Lathis and abuse. He informed that in the near future Yuva Morcha will to launch a mass agitation against this government for ignoring youth and patronising the terrorists. Others who were present in the press conference include Nrinder Singh Kotwal, Bhanu Singh Jasrotia, Rajeev Dubey and Ajay Vaid.

Progress of urban projects in Sgr city reviewed

SRINAGAR, MARCH 29: Progress of urban projects being executed by J&K Economic Reconstruction Agency (ERA) in Srinagar city under the urban sector of its Multi sector Project for Infrastructure Rehabilitation (MPIR) funded by Asian Development Bank (ADB) were reviewed in a meeting of officers here today. It was given out in the meeting urban sector in Srinagar city ,J&K ERA had taken up 11 subprojects for execution at an estimated cost of Rs 260 crores out of which 3 major mega water supply schemes have already been commissioned and has resulted in much needed improvement and augmentation of safe drinking water in the Srinagar city and directly benefitted 8 lakh souls in Srinagar city. Giving details about storm water drainage schemes being executed in uptown Srinagar, it was informed that work on Rawalpora-Tengpora sub-project stands already completed while as work on construction of Pohru Chowk-Chanapora bridge and Fruit Mandi-Bemina Chowk sub-projects are nearing completion. Later, Director, Urban, J&K ERA conducted site inspection of various projects being executed under urban projects in Srinagar city including some drainage and water supply projects besides inspected progress of work on construction of zero discharge sedimentation tanks at Doodh Ganga, Nishat and Rangil Water treatment plants which are being constructed to prevent the pollution of water bodies due to discharge of untreated backwash water. Director ERA impressed upon engineers, consultants and contractors to work with team spirit to ensure systematic and earliest possible completion of works.

PDP trade union cell...

in this belt. Coming down heavily on National Conference led coalition regime for its failure to provide job opportunities for unemployed youth, he demanded an ITI colleges should be opened in this belt to train the local youth and subsequently to absorb them as skilled labourers. He recalled that State Government had promised that locals would be given priority in the on-going hydro electric projects but the promises remained only papers. He pointed out that constructions of hydro electric projects were already started but locals have not given adequate jobs in these projects. Wasil Doolwal warned to adopt agitation path on this issue. He said that partys stand on this issue was clear and PDTU would not hesitate to take some extreme steps to force the government to give due share to the local youth.

Dabang Sarpanch leaves contractors aghast

S R I N A G A R : Contractors working on the allotted contracts from the government in Dachina, Salamabad Uri are facing sever difficulties in carry out their work as the local Sarpanch with the help of his followers is busy in meddling in their affairs to prove his authority in the locality. Contractors told CNS that they have acquired the mining of gypsum from the area on lease from the government. "We have spent hefty sums in acquiring this lease and now the local Sarpanch and his followers are demanding bribe from us to continue our work," they said. One of the contractors Ghulam Mohammad Khan said that the Sarpanch from Halka B of ward number 02 along with his supporters are meddling in their work and they are unable to carry out their operations in the area. "A few days ago he (Sarpanch) goaded people against us as the said Sarpanch is spreading the word that these contractors are looting the natural resources of the area. How come it is possible that we are looting the resources when the government has given the job of mining to us on lease," he said. When contacted the Sarpanch refuted these allegations claiming that people are facing numerous problems on account of the contractors who work round the clock in gypsum mines.

Sr. BJP lends...

and promised their whole hearted support to this sacred endevour.

Inclusion of Gojjri...
Departments in Kashmir and Jammu Universities. The Minister was addressing at a function "Gojjari Aadbi Oar Saqafati Millan" organized, in memory of a renowned Gojjri poet Mian Mohamad Israil Assar, by J&K Academy of Art Cultural and Languages , Rajouri branch in collaboration with Anjuman Gujjri Zaban-oAdab Daramshala Kalakote at Government Higher Secondary School, Lambari today. S.P. Rajouri, SDM Kalakote, Editor, Mansha Khaki, President, Anjuman Zaban-e-Aadab, Mian Nazir Bajran besides a galaxy of scholars, poets and prominent citizens, which included Dr. Khajuri, Dr Vikar and Iqbal Azeem were present on the occasion. Highlighting the role played by Mian Assar for promotion of Gujjri language, Mian Altaf said that it is our duty to work for taking his mission forward. He said role of Ismail Assar will always be remembered on such occasions in future also because of the contribution he made in promotion of Gujjar language and will never be forgotten. The Minister said that State Government has already recommended to Central Government include Gojjri language in the 8th schedule of the constitution and hoped that a decision would be taken by Central at appropriate time. He said certain initiatives have been also taken to get established Gojjri Departments in Jammu University and Kashmir University, so that students can go for higher studies in the Gojjri Language. Mian Altaf said that Gojjri language is not only spoken in J&K but also in several parts of subcontinent. He said holding of such programmes will go a long way in promoting this ancient language and appealed participants to play their role for this noble and ethnic cause. Several dignitaries spoke on the occasion and threw light on the literary journey and life of Mian Mohamad Israil Assar and the role he played for promotion of Gojjri language.

Necessary infrastructure must....

necessary infrastructure and provide them with employment," JKPYC vice president Pranav Shagotra told reporters here. "Our youth have to go to other states for employment, why can't the government create infrastructure here so that our qualified and educated youth don't have to move out in search of jobs?" he asked. Expressing concern over the problems faced by those living in custodian properties in the state, Shagotra urged upon the government to grant them ownership rights without delay. "The government should grant ownership rights to the allottees living there for the past 65 years, without further delay. Until the ownership rights are granted, full lease rights should be given to them with immediate effect," he demanded.

People foiled the attempt of police to arrest Mirwaize

SRINAGAR: People foiled the attempt of Police to arrest Mirwaize, South Kashmir Qazi Yasir on Friday when soon after Friday prayers they announced from public address system that men and women are ready to come on roads if the police deployed outside Jamia Masjid will not be sent back. According to reports, when Mirwaize, South Kashmir Qazi Yasir was offering prayers in Jamia Masjid Anantnag, large number of policemen were deployed outside Jamia Masjid. A word spread that police has been deployed to get the Mirwaize arrested. People came out from the Jamia and raised anti-India slogans. Sensing danger, most of the shopkeepers close their shops while people inside the Masjid announced from public address system they are ready to come

Omar using AFSPA...

the NC-Congress coalition. "The Home Minister's refusal to return the mortal remains of Afzal Guru, even after the state Assembly had expressed its sentiment during discussion on PDP's adjournment motion, was not just insensitive but outrightly insulting. Even in the face of such humiliating response from the Centre, the Chief Minister failed in his duty to uphold the dignity of the House," the party said. Alleging that the present government has become synonymous to curfew, pellet guns and chilly grenades, the PDP warned that employing such tactic will push the state back to 1990's.

on roads in case policemen deployment are not withdrawn immediately. Reports said that large number of people assembled on roads while Qazi Yasir was taken out from the Jamia safely. Hundreds of people escorted Mirwaize, South Kashmir Qazi Yasir. A police official told CNS that they had no intention to apprehend Qazi Yasir as it was a routine deployment to thwart any kind of protest after Friday prayers.

Page 1_.qxd 3/30/2013 1:32 PM Page 3

STUDENT AGE SATURDAY, MARCH 30, 2013

STATE
Says economic welfare of backward, hilly areas govt's priority
JAMMU, MARCH 29: Minister of State for Health, Shabir Ahmad Khan, has said the economic welfare of farflung and backward areas is the top priority of the government adding that special schemes launched to uplift the rural and backward areas are yielding tangible results. Addressing a public meeting today at Thanamandi, the Minister said governments' priority is to upgrade communication, education and health cover in these areas to help generate economic activities and give fillip to education and health care facilities adding that the government would continue to give special attention to achieve the targeted goals of development in these areas. Reiterating the commitment of state government towards holistic development of all the regions of the State with special focus on border and hilly areas, the Minister said the government's propeople policies and exemplary initiatives have placed the State on the track of peace and prosperity. He affirmed that this "would be carried forward with a mission to ensure all-round development of rural as well as border areas." The Minister said the initiatives taken by the government during the past four years towards bringing accountability and transparency in the administration are worth appreciating. "The Right to Information Act, Public Service Guarantee Act, holding of free and fair Panchayat elections are some of the landmark steps taken by the government in improving governance structure in the state," he said. Highlighting the priorities under health sector, the Minister said that all such areas having difficult topography would be provided health center facilities. He said in this regard the government has already moved a proposal to the Centre for approval of funds. The Minister said that under the flagship programme of National Rural Health Mission, a whooping amount of Rs.333.65 crore has been provided for construction and up-gradation of various health institutions against which over Rs.274 crore have been incurred for the purpose in the State. The Minister said the government has launched several health welfare Schemes in the State under NRHM which guarantees quality health care facilities to the people especially living in remote and hilly areas. He said 'Janani Shishu Suraksha Karyakaram' (Maa Tuje Salaam) is successfully operational in the State for provision of cashless service to the pregnant women and neonates adding that during current fiscal over 1.25 lakh pregnant women and 90,000 neonates benefited under this Scheme. The Minister said that pilot project of Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojna (RSBY) which was launched in Srinagar and Jammu districts to provide health insurance cover to BPL families is being extended 10 more districts of the State. He said J&K is among the first few States in launching Pentavalent vaccine under routine immunization programme. Mr Shabir said that in order to improve the quality of care in the health institution 11 hospitals in the State are being National Accreditation Board of Health care Accredited through Quality Council of India. He said to strengthen the patient transportation facility the purchase of 200 ambulances is in process. He said several steps have been

DG Sports sanctions scholarship worth Rs 15 lakh

JAMMU, MARCH 29: Director General Youth Services and Sports, Navin Agarwal, sanctioned Rs. 15.36 lakh as scholarship for the sportspersons who participated in the 58thNational Schools Games in various sports disciplines within and outside the State during the year 2012-13. The scholarship will be distributed among 613 players drawn from across the State of Jammu and Kashmir, including 84 medalists with 31 gold, 18 silver and 35 bronze. The gold medailists will get Rs. 10,000 per head, while the silver and bronze medalists will be receiving an among of Rs. 7,000 and 5,000 per head respectively. For mere participation in National Schools Games, the players will get an amount of Rs. 1750 per head. As per the breakup, Srinagar will receive an amount of Rs. 2,16,750 as scholarship, Ganderbal Rs. 20,750, Anantnag Rs.70, 750, Budgam Rs. 18,500, Shopian Rs.19,000, Baramulla Rs.67,250, Kulgam Rs.10,500, while Jammu will get Rs. 5,96, 750, Samba Rs.36,500, Kathua Rs.21,000, Ramban Rs.1750, Kishtwar Rs.35,250, Reasi Rs.68,750, Udhampur Rs.50,750, Doda Rs.60, 750, Rajouri Rs.11, 750 and Poonch Rs.42,000. Director General Youth Services and sports said that every step will be taken with regard to promotion of sports and games in the State.

NEWS IN BOX

All hilly areas to get health centers: Shabir

taken to reverse the trend of declining sex ratio and Health Department has dedicated year 2013 to "save the girl child". Referring to the development of Rajouri, the Minister enumerated several measures taken for holistic all-round development of the district. He said besides up gradation of infrastructure under core sectors, the varied tourism potential of the area received focused attention. The Minister said that work on operation theater CHC Thanamandi and PHC Kotranka is apace at the cost of Rs.17.16 lakh. He assured the people that all their genuine demands and developmental needs would be mitigated in due course of time.

DIC organizes awareness camp at Mandli

KATHUA, MARCH 29-With an aim to make the people aware about the schemes of the department District Industries Centre Kathua organized an awareness camp at Mandli of tehsil Billawar. The camp was inaugurated by MLC Mr Subash Gupta who stressed that government is making all efforts to encourage small scale industrial units in far off areas for which various departmental schemes are under implementation to provide financial and technical help . He appealed the people especially educated unemployed youth and women to come forward to avail benefits of lucrative self employed schemes to become self reliant. Resource persons of Khadi Village Industries Board, Industries, Social Welfare, and Horticulture department made the participants aware about the welfare schemes for setting up of income generating units. Branch Manager, SBI Kathua deliberated on the incentives provided under various state and centrally sponsored schemes. He informed that 742 individuals were provided training at Rural Self Employment Training Institute (RSETI) Kathua. SDM Billawar Vikas Gupta appreciated the Industries department for organizing the awareness camp in the area . Multi theme cultural items performed by Khajoor Singh and party was highly appreciated by the audience General Manager District Industries Centre Kathua Dr Bharat Bhushan presented the vote of thanks. Among others CDPO Billawar, CDPO Lohai Malhar, ITI students, anganwadi workers and a large number of unemployed youths were also present on the occasion.

Mir, Vikar, Gurezi inaugurate Kissan Mela at Ramsoo

RAMBAN, MARCH 29:Minister for Agriculture, Ghulam Hassan Mir, accompanied by Minister of State for Technical Education, Power, CAPD, Vikar Rasool and Minister of State for Agriculture and Animal Husbandry Nazir Ahmed Gurezi inaugurated Agriculture Machinery melacum-awareness camp at Ramsoo today. Speaking on the occasion, Mir said that agriculture activities play an important role in the up-liftment of farming community and it is the mainstay of State's economy. There is dire need to optimally exploit the tremendous potential in agriculture and allied sectors in the State. He stressed upon mechanization and diversification in farming to make farming a profitable business. He said that the Diesel Ploughs have been introduced for the first time in Hilly District of Ramban which is showing very good performance and many more farmers have given requirement for the same making the

KVIB organizes Seminar at ITI Doda

DODA, MARCH 29- To empower rural artisans and for disseminating awareness about the Prime Ministers Employment Generation Programme and Rural Employment Generation Scheme a seminar cum awareness programme was organised by , Khadi and Village Industries Board Doda at I.T.I Doda here today. District Development Commissioner Doda Mr. Farooq Ahmed Khan was the chief guest on the occasion while as District Officer KVIB Doda, Lead Bank Officer Doda, I/C Deputy Director Employment Doda, GM DIC Doda , officers and students of the ITI attended the programme. While speaking on the occasion DDC Doda Mr. Khan impressed upon the youth of the District to avail benefits of various state and centrally sponsored self employment schemes like PMEGP, SKEWPY, J&KSES etc. He said that financial assistance as well as professional and technical guidance is being provided to the youth for establishing income generating units . The seminar was a part of the awareness generation programme of the KVIB/DIC across the District for motivating educated youth and technically trained youth for adopting the self employment schemes under implementation in the District. During the awareness camp functionaries of the departments deliberated on various aspects of the self employment schemes .

Employment fair receives overwhelming response in Rajouri

RAJOURI, MARCH 29- Two Days Employment Fair organised by District Employment and Counselling Centre Rajouri concluded today at Dak Bunglow Rajouri. About 4000 people visited the fair and sought information regarding various self employment schemes. Twenty eight departments including Employment, DIC, KVIB, RDA, Tourism, Agriculture, Horticulture, Sericulture, Sheep Husbandry, Animal Husbandry, SC/BC Corporation, SBI, JKB, PNB, DRDA, RDD, Handloom, Handicrafts, Labour, Education, Legal Aid Authority, ITI Rajouri, Police, Fisheries, Forest, Social welfare, and Army put up their stalls at the venue and provided all sort of information about the self employment schemes to the unemployed youth. The resource persons from all the departments remained available during two days of fair for providing necessary information and guidance to the unemployed youth. A large number of educated unemployed youth visited Employment and Counselling Centre stall for seeking information regarding SKEWPY (Sher-e-Kashmir Employment and Welfare Programme for the youth) and other schemes implemented by the department and a large numbers of youths got themselves registered. M.A. Mirza, Dy. Director Employment and Counselling Centre Rajouri appreciated all the various departments and banks for taking part in the fair and for providing useful information to the unemployed youth during the days of the fair. He stressed upon the youth to come forward and take maximum benefits of the Government schemes and help in generating employment.

land cultivation in hilly terrain less laborious. He further informed that 150 Bee-colonies were established and 35 Vermicompost units were constructed at the farmers fields in Ramban District by the Department of Agriculture during the current year. He added that 6 sprinkler irrigation sets, 28 Irrigation Pump sets were provided to the farmers on subsidized rates and 2 water harvesting structures were constructed during the current year in order to create irrigation facilities in this rainfed District.

While addressing the gathering, Vikar said that adequate promotion needs to be given to different schemes launched in rural development, agriculture and employment sectors so that those living in rural areas could get benefit of the same. He called for a change in the mindset of the unemployed youth towards entrepreneurship and asked them to become job providers instead of job seekers. He said that such exhibitions besides encouraging the youth for setting up their income generating units help

in developing cordial relationship between the department and the local people. Nazir Gurezi, in his address, said that the Department is trying its best to reach out to all the farmers to assist them in increasing their production. He said that the farmers should boost the agriculture production supplemented by dairying activity for income generation. He further informed that the farmers should adopt organic farming in their fields to get maximum returns.

Fisheries Training Cum Kissan Mela Organised at Reasi

Sanitation at SMGS goes mechanised, Taj inaugurates facility

JAMMU, MARCH 29: The manual cleaning of wards, corridors and rooms at SMGS hospital and GMC Jammu today got replaced by a sophisticated mechanised cleaning with the induction of machines imported from Italy. Minister for Medical Education, Youth Service and Sports, Mr. Taj Mohi-ud-Din inaugurated the mechanised cleaning which has a speed of cleaning about 20,000 square feet per hour and it is expected to clean the entire hospital within few hours. The mechanised cleaning would not only enhance the level of sanitation at the hospital but also bring it to the stage of nationally acclaimed hospitals. It may be recalled that the

Minister, on his maiden visit to the hospital, had directed installing mechanised system of sanitation at the hospital. With today's induction of mechanised cleaning, GMC Jammu has become the first hospital to have mechanised sanitation in the State. The Minister also inaugurated the renovated ward of

department of medicine at the hospital and Refurbished Emergency ward at the hospital. These wards have been upgraded keeping in view the hospital requirements in vogue. In the meeting, the Minister reviewed operationlization of upcoming Super Speciality Hospital Jammu and pace of progress on com-

puterization and other technological upgradation at GMC Jammu. The Minister directed that every ward should have its own drug sub store. He also directed ensuring availability of life saving drugs at the Emergency unit for which he directed setting up of a chest with the CMO.

REASI, MARCH 29Department of Fisheries organised a training cum Kissan mela at Anji Fish Farm Reasi under ATMA here today . Program was inaugurated by the District Development Commissioner Reasi Nirmal Sharma. Large number of farmers participated in this program and were acquainted with the latest technologies in the field of fisheries, agriculture, animal husbandry by the experts present on the occa-

sion . Speaking on the occasion DDC Reasi stressed upon the farmers to adopt latest technologies and schemes for their economic upliftment. She also laid emphasis on the proper utilisation of resources under the expert guidance. On this occasion 35 beneficiaries were given cheques under various schemes. Chief Agriculture Officer, AD Fisheries and other officers of the concerned departments were present on the occasion.

Muslim Development Forum (J&K) hold protest demonstration raise various demands
JAMMU: March 29, 2013: After Friday prayers at Markazi Jamia Masjid Talab Khatikan Jammu a strong protest was organized under the leadership of Syed Shabir Ahmad Shah President Muslim Development Forum (J&K) in which revered Imams and Muazzins of different mosques , Muslim Welfare Trust (Regd) shopkeepers Association Talab Khatikan Jammu, Hotel Union and other social Muslim Organizations and large number of youth participated . The protesters repeated their demands and highlighted their problems through Placards and banners aligning indifferent attitude of the government and Auqaf Department in redressing the problems related to under construction Jamia Masjid at Talab Khatikan Jammu . The main focus of the protesters was inordinate delay in widening of road from Rajinder Bazar to Jamia Masjid ,non removal of structures/ encroachments around Jamia Masjid and pathetic unhygienic conditions of Jamia Masjid area. The demands repeated and highlighted are as under;1. Enhancement of monthly Salaries of Imams & Muazzines from Rs 5, 000 to Rs 10,000 and quarters for their accommodations. 2. Opening of a High School under Auqaf Department in Jammu. 3. Amendment in Draconian Auqaf Act 2001, which absolutely Buddan Shah Satwari , Baba Roshan Shah Wali rh Gumat and Ziarat Manda to check the misappropriation of contributions . 5. Independent inquiry in the gross irregularities and mismanagement in Auqaf Department and culture of Patronized corruption in Auqaf Department. 6. Cl andesti ne sale of graveyards, and encroachments over the graveyards be removed and an inquiry be initiated. 7. Restoration of 15 marlas land of Jamia Masjid Talab Khatikan under the illegal occupation of land grabber Nazir Chowkidar . 8. Cancellation of allotment of Auqaf shop No 9 at Talab Khatikan allotted to Mst. Chaman Ara wife of Mr. Javed Balwan A/p ( Special Officer Auqaf Department Jammu.) 9. Restoration of 2 kanals proposed land for Govt. School under Sher-e- Kashmir Bridge at Gujjar Nagar Jammu occupied by one Notorious Land grabber. ( Master Akram) 10. Representation to Muslims in Govt. Services on District level in state and central Govt. Departments. 11. Opening of ITI colleges, and coaching centers byAuqaf Department for the aspirants of IAS , KAS and other competitive exams and financial assistants to the brilliant students .

Employment Fair in Budgam

JAMMU, MARCH 29: The unemployed youth of the district Budgam have been provided Rs. 2.68 crore as Voluntary Service Allowance (BSA) under SKEWPY during the current fiscal. This was stated at an Employment Fair organised by the employment and counselling Centre Budgam in coordination with the district administration held at Hardpanzoo Budgam. Additional Deputy Commissioner, Budgam, G.M. Bhat was the chief guest on the occasion. Speaking on the occasion, the Deputy Director Employment, Reyaz Ahmed, informed that the Self Employment unit holders of district Budgam have been provided incentives worth Rs. 1.90 crore in the shape of margin money and capital assistance. He said the employment Department has chalked out a calendar to organise Employment Fair at Block levels with focus on backward areas to acquaint educated un-employed youth with the self employment scheme in vogue in the State.

empowers Auqaf Departments and bars civil courts and is the main instrument of harassment and corruption in the hands of Auqaf officials. 4. Installation of CC Tv Cameras on under construction Jamia Masjid Talab Khatikan Jammu and Ziarat Sharief Baba

Page 1_.qxd 3/30/2013 1:32 PM Page 4

STUDENT AGE SATURDAY, MARCH 30, 2013

STATE

Govt mull to establish 5-D theatre on Fun City pattern at Bagh-e-Bahu

JAMMU, MARCH 29-Minister for Housing, Horticulture and Culture, Raman Bhalla, has cautioned the people against dumping of building debris in nallahs and internal lanes, adding that such practices lead to public nuisance, particularly during rainy season. The Minister was interacting with locals while inspecting the ongoing construction work of nallah embankments and culvert at Rahim Nagar, here on Friday morning. Mr. Bhalla said Government has earmarked Rs. 10 lakh for modernization of nallah and construction of crossing culvert over nallah. He directed the executing agency to complete the ongoing works of nallah at Rahim Nagar so that the flashfloods do not cause further harm to the property and lives of the people residing in area during this year rainy season. He asked the executing agency to use quality material in all the works. At Rajiv Nagar in Narwal, the Minister inspected ongoing up-gradation work on lanes, costing Rs. 26 lakh, being executed by the Jammu Development Authority. Bhalla asked the PDD to install poles in the uncovered areas. At Bagh-e-Bahu, the Minister laid foundation stone for upgradation of lanes and drains, for which Government has earmarked Rs. 12 lakh. He asked the executing agency to complete the work within stipulated time frame. Interacting with the people, Mr. Bhalla said that the coalition Government has launched several schemes to improve the socio-economic condition of the urban poor. He asserted that with this objective, construction of 602 flats has been taken up under Jawahar Lal Nehru Urban Renewal Mission (JNURM) at a cost of Rs. 19 crore at Sunjwan. Bhalla said that Government is contemplating to establish 5-D Theater on the pattern of Fun City Recreational Garden Chandigarh at Bagh-eBahu to attract tourist and pilgrims. He said directions have been issued to Director Floriculture to prepare the project and submit it for funding so that the facility could be provided to locals as well as tourists and pilgrims visiting the state. The Minister also informed that Government has also provided six boats in developed pond in the Bagh-e-Bahu garden. The Minister said Government has earmarked Rs 10.22 crore for development and extension of Bagh-e-Bahu recreational garden in 35 kanals available site. He asked the executing agency to speed up the allied works including creation of landscaping, illumination, musical fountain, walkway, irrigation beside construction of gate plaza facilities there for the convenience of lakhs visited the spots every year from across the country. Bhalla further said the Government has ear-

Bhalla cautions people against dumping of building debris in Nallahs

Bhalla inaugurates 4-day Appropriate Technology Exhibition

JAMMU, MARCH 29-Minister for Housing, Horticulture and Culture, Mr. Raman Bhalla, today inaugurated 4-day Appropriate Technology Exhibition at Kala Kendra, organized by Weavers' Service Centre, Srinagar Union Ministry for Textiles. Commissioner/Sec reta ry Industries and Commerce, Shantmanu, Director Industries and Commerce, Gulzar Ahmed Qureshi, Additional Development Commissioner, Handlooms, Ministry of Textiles Mr. M C Gupta, Additional Secretary, J&K Art Cultural and Languages Mrs. Savita Bakshi, President Jammu Province Handloom Weaving Industrial Cooperative Societies Mr. Rakesh Sharma besides a large number of industrialists and Handloom weavers were present on the occasion. Addressing the gathering, Mr. Bhalla exhorted upon the weavers and other associated with this secweavers start self employment ventures. He said such events also help sale of handicraft products. Mr. Bhalla asked to formulate a yearly calendar for organizing Handloom and Handicrafts Expos regularly at different parts of the state. He said government has established a quality control laboratory in the Craft Development Institute to check quality of handicrafts. He said handloom and handicrafts are the reliable cottage industries which provide livelihood to a large chunk of population in the state. He asked the officers of handloom and handicrafts departments to provide artisan credit cards to the weavers to facilitate them avail hassle free loan facility from the Banking Institutions. Earlier, Bhalla and other dignitaries inspected the stalls set up in the exhibition displaying products manufactured by the Weavers Service Centre at the venue.

tor to derive full benefits from the exhibition and also update their technological skill and knowledge for the overall benefit of the textile sector. He apprised of various schemes undertaken by the Central and State Governments for the benefit of weavers across the State. The Minister asked the weavers

and unemployed youth to avail optimum benefits of government schemes. He called for a change in the mind set of the unemployed youth to become job providers instead of job seekers. He said that holding of such exhibitions at various places of the State would provide encourage the artisans and

marked Rs 75 lakh for construction of Darshani

Deodi, view points and development of open

spaces along the link road to Bawe-Wali Mata.

Governor lays foundation of 8 residential buildings at SMVDIME

JAMMU, MARCH 29 - Mr. N. N. Vohra, Governor, has stressed the need for expeditious completion of the upcoming Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Institute of Medical Excellence (SMVDIME) at Kakryal and of the other major ongoing projects of the Shrine Board. The Governor said this while laying the foundations for the construction of 8 buildings blocks in the upcoming SMVDIME complex last evening. Being constructed at an estimated cost of Rs. 51 crore, these buildings are Dhanvantri Bhawan and Aayush Bhawan (Senior Resident Doctors' Accommodation), Ashvin Bhawan (Doctors' Hostel), Nivedita Bhawan (Nurses' Hostel), Sushruta Bhawan (Accommodation for Ancillary Staff), Charak Bhawan (Class-IV Accommodation), Aarogya Bhawan (Patients' Inn), and

Visit Kashmir and Captivate Spring beauty: Mir to world tourists

Asks students to be ambassadors for tourism promotion
SRINAGAR, MARCH 29:Minister for Tourism Mr. Ghulam Ahmad Mir has called upon the world tourists to visit Kashmir and enchant the beauties of spring bestowed to the valley known as Paradise on Earth adding that Kashmir valley has its own charm in all the seasons of the year. Addressing at a function today organized by Islamic University of Science and Technology (IUST), Awantipora for celebration of spring festival, the Minister said that among all four seasons , spring has its own importance and the spring season brings mesmerizing and pleasant scenes of nature, with blooming tulips gardens and the orchards of almond, cherry, apple, pears and pansies. The Tourism Minister said that "we are going to organize several events here in valley to popularize and explore the immense of tourism potential during this year adding that an international Saffron festival would be organized in October this year. He said several Gardens have been thrown open including tulip garden for tourist. Mr. Mir said standard tourist infrastructure is being upgraded besides promotion of adventure, sports, pilgrim and heritage tourism receives focused attention of the government. all have to play our role for its preservation, sustenance and safeguard.

Delhi-based Vox Company cheats simple Kashmiri's

SRINAGAR: Delhi-based Vox Company has allegedly cheated scores of people in Kashmir by delivering cheap and sub-standard products after receiving hefty amounts. Vox Company on different TV Channels comes up with a commercial programme titled 'Naptol, Bachat Bazar' in which the company leaves no stone unturned in luring the customers. The company talks high of different products and assures its customers money back guarantee if they feel dissatisfied with their products. "I was fascinated while watching the 'Naptol' show and instantly I gave an order for a video camera and cell phone. On delivery I paid Rs 8000 but I was aghast when after using the video camera it automatically stopped functioning. My cell phone even lost its finger touch," Bilal Ahmed told CNS adding that the company made a fool of him. He said that irony is that the company refused to take the products back and even they didn't oblige to exchange the products. Four youth from Larkipora, Anantnag narrated the same tale accusing the company for cheating the people. "I had given an order for a mobile and Lap Top but to my utter surprise both the products went out of order after 15 days. I was so upset but helpless," Rayees Ahmed Rather said. Another youth Rather Fayaz said that Vox Company is minting money from the simple customers of Kashmir. "I appeal people not to give heed to such advertisements as they sell used and second handed products. I myself was cheated by the company by delivering me a sub-standard camera for Rs 10, 000," he said.

Sanjeevani Bhawan (Guest House). Work on the construction of some of these buildings has already commenced on the ground. This Multi-Superspecialty Hospital is being constructed by the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board to provide quality medical services to the general public of the surrounding areas, the progressively increasing number of Yatris to Shri Mata Vaishno Deviji Shrine, and for the benefit of the society at large. The Governor inspected the main building of the upcoming Institute and also viewed the 3-level parking facility for 300 vehicles which

has been partially constructed in the Institute premises.Later, the Governor, who is the Chairman of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, chaired a meeting to review the to-date status of work of this upcoming Institute of Medical Excellence and of the various other major infrastructure development projects being implemented by the Shrine Board for meeting the future requirements of the ever increasing number of pilgrims. The Governor asked for putting in place all the required equipments and other infrastructure for the expeditious completion of SMVDIME.

Mr. Mir said that peace is nerve for tourism boom, he asserted and appealed the people to contribute at their end as tourism is main stay of our economy". He also called upon the student community to play their role towards flourishing tourism in the state adding that they would contribute much by writing articles on tourism activities and peaceful atmosphere of the State is pivotal not only for tourism boom but is beneficial to convey a good message at global level. He said that those students who render good articles would be awarded. The Minister said that nature has bestowed our State with scenic beauty, natural resources and we

He said that government has taken various revolutionary steps for boosting tourism sector so that goal of improving socio-economic condition of people related with tourism sector at large can be improved besides ensuring prosperity and development in the state. Mr. Mir also inaugurated Kashmir Spring Festival at Zabarwan Park, Srinagar where Minister distributed awards among 200 school children who have participated in Shikara race and painting competitions. The function was attended a large number of people which include tourists and school children

Sham inaugurates Nursery Wing of Calliope School at Dumi-Malpur

Stresses for promoting moral education in schools
JAMMU, MARCH 29 - Minister for PHE, Irrigation & Flood Control, Mr. Sham Lal Sharma has called for a change in the present education system with emphasis on introducing moral education subject from the primary level for overall development of the child. Addressing a galaxy of audience after inauguration of Calliope School at Dumi-Malpur on the Jammu-Akhnoor highway, near here today, the Minister said that in absence of moral education in the schools the younger generation is distancing from the basic fundamentals of life as they are just focusing on the value added education. This has resulted in erosion in the society and lot of unrest among the younger generation, he added. The Minister said that India once used to be the guiding force in the spirituality and moral education to other countries and students from various parts of the globe used to get education from the Gurukuls to enlighten themselves for life principles. But, during the past two to three decades, the moral values have eroded gradually and Indian society has been confronting with many challenges on account of social evils, crimes against the women, drug addiction, dowry deaths and other anti-social issues. The need of the hour is to promote the moral ethics and rich heritage of Indian society to revive the old traditions which strengthen bonds of mutual brotherhood and patriotism, especially to save the younger generation, the Minister asserted. the school will prove great help to the

Police Public Mela on March 31

Mega event all set to take off, arrangements finalized: DGP
JAMMU, MARCH 29: Arrangements for one day Police Public Mela were finalized at a joint meeting of senior police officers and members of Police Parivar held here today. The event is all set to take off on March 31, 2013 at Police Sports Stadium, Gulshan Ground, Jammu. At the outset of the meeting, the Director General of police (DGP) Ashok Prasad sought reports from all committees constituted for making different arrangements. The meeting was informed that all required arrangements have been completed and are fully prepared to conduct the mega event on the scheduled date. It is expected that a large number of people, representing all walks of life would participate in the Mela. DGP stressed that in view of the people's participation sufficient arrangements should be ensured for their convenience and especially the parking of vehicles be ensured in a smooth manner. The meeting was also briefed that the stall holders have reached and are establishing their stalls at the venue. They are ready to display their products for sale in the day long Mela. All the stall holders have been made bound to display the rate lists and put quality products for sale on reasonable rates. Prasad emphasised that hygiene in the Mela should be ensued and strict supervision should be made to check the sale of unhygienic food items during the Mela. Transparency in the Raffle Draw has made the event more attractive for the public which would be followed strictly, said Prasad. DGP disclosed that the Mela would be inaugurated at 9.30 a.m. and Raffle Draw for 5,606 fabulous prizes including cash prizes would be held at the venue at 4 p.m. He said that entertainment items, tambola besides painting competition for the children and cultural items are the main attractions of the Mela. The prizes would be handed over to the winners on the spot on the production of original tickets, he added. Members of PWWA also gave some valuable suggestions for making the event a success, which were discussed during the meeting. Later, the DGP and Chairperson JKPWWA, Kiran Prasad, along with other senior officers visited the venue and inspected the space provided to the stall holders. They took stock of the other arrangement on the spot. Among others, the meeting was attended by ADsGP, Dr. Ram Lubhaya, SP Vaid and Navin Aggerwal, IsGP, HK Lohia, Deepak Kumar, SJM Geelani, M. Sulaiman Salaria, Dr. KK Saini, PR Manhas, Yoginder Koul, Alok Puri, Muneer Ahmed Khan, SS Khandre and Rajesh Kumar, DIsGP, T. Punchok, Sham Lal Sharma, Shafakat Ahmed Watli, Johny William and Shakeel Ahmed Beig and members of PAWWA.

World Arbor Day observed at College of Education, GHSS Kothi Bagh, Women's College
SRINAGAR, MARCH 29: As many as 13 lakh plants have been raised in different nurseries of the State during current financial year, besides special focus has been laid on planting Deodar and other suitable avenue trees in the educational institutions, along roads and all possible land plantable area to achieve the objectives of State Forest Policy. On the occasion of 38th World Arbor Day all over the State, saplings were planted to observe the said Day. National Social Service Wings of Government College of Education, Srinagar and Government Girls Higher Secondary School, Kothi Bagh, Srinagar organized the World Arbor Day function to make the students aware about the preservation of green gold in the State for future generation. The students of these educational institutions enthusiastically participated in the plantation drive. The Principal, Government Girls Higher Secondary School, Kothi Bagh, Srinagar, Mtr. Gulshan Sangeen while speaking on the occasion emphasized the importance of plants in sustaining life and their aesthetic value. NSS Programme Officer, Dr. Asiya Magray also highlighted the significance of plants and their role in maintaining the ecological balance and in preservation of flora and fauna. The Principal of Government College of Education, Dr. Parveen Pandit urged for creating eco-friendly attitude among the students and teachers of environment at preservation all across State.

Saying that teachers have greater responsibility to nurture the children in right direction, the Minister maintained that teachers must uphold the credibility of this noble profession and produce quality product for the nation. Lauding the role of private sector in the education field, the Minister said that State has witnessed a great improvement in the literacy rate with a larger participation and contribution by the private institutions. He said Government endevours to promote the education sector to further improve this vital area. He urged upon the private institutions to concentrate on quality as well as moral education and produce best stuff to meet the global challenges. He stressed on giving concessions to the poor and needy children in the private schools as a goodwill gesture to uplift them in the society. Congratulating the management for the new venture, the Minister said that

rural students. He wished all success for the new school and hoped that the Calliope Group of Institutions will continue to achieve excellence in promoting education in Jammu and Kashmir. On the occasion, the Indian Red Cross Society (IRCS) in collaboration with health department organized a free health check up camp in the premises of the Calliope College of Education. The doctors examined more than 300 patients suffering from different ailments and provided them free medicines. Chairman Calliope Group of Institutions, Mr. Manish Suri in his welcome address said that Nursery Wing of Calliope School will provide numerous modern teaching techniques and facilities like Smart Class, Horse Riding, Skating, Basket Ball to the students. The Minister also distributed mementoes among the IRCS functionaries and students on the occasion.

Page 1_.qxd 3/30/2013 1:32 PM Page 5

STUDENT AGE SATURDAY, MARCH 30, 2013

EDITORIAL
By G Parthasarathy etermined to leave no stone unturned to use outrage in Tamil Nadu for political advantage, the main political players in Tamil Nadu are advocating a course of action, which will leave India with no leverage in Sri Lanka With a population of barely 20 million, people in Sri Lanka have, in recent years, shed earlier prejudices and fears about India. Roughly onethird of its Tamil population of three million is descendants of Indian workers who sought employment there during colonial rule. They live in the central and southern regions and have elected leaders who have a working relationship with the Sinhala majority. Facing discrimination in the years following independence, Tamils who have inhabited the Island's northeast for centuries, resorted to an armed struggle, in which India rather unwisely associated with the armed Tamil groups in the 1980s. Nevertheless, the 1987 IndiaSri Lanka Accord provided substantive autonomy to the Tamil-dominated north. This agreement's provisions were enacted as the 13th Amendment to the Sri Lanka Constitution. India thus has a historical role and responsibility in facilitating the devolution of powers to the Tamil majority northern province. After the ethnic conflict became an armed insurrection in the 1980s, sentiments in Tamil Nadu were inflamed and they assumed partisan political dimensions, between the two major parties, the AIADMK and the

otwithstanding the assurance of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh that there is no threat to Brahmaputra waters on account of the dams being build on the other side of Arunachal Pradesh the hard fact is that China is a growing threat to the country and will continue to prick India. With increase in its economic strength and military muscle it is not prepared to concede to India its due space. It is here that the threat perception gains credibility and knee jerk reactions occur. We have developed an ostrich like behavior when it comes to confront our northern neighbour. An incident from Brig J P Dalvi's book -The Himalayan Blunder will be illuminating on our perception about the Dragon. By the way Brig J P Dalvi was captured by the Chinese army in 1962 when his brigade distraught and emaciated could not resist the Chinese attack. Dalvi narrates an incident when as a combat officer he attended a lecture delivered by an American officer on military matters. Those were the heady days of Hindi-Chini Bhai Bhai and India would never suspect the evil designs of Chou-en lai. During the course of his lecture the American combat instructor cautioned them about the euphoria over IndoChina friendship and told the Indian officers to be mentally prepared to fight China sooner or later. The interesting part of the incident is that Dalvi and his mates did not believe what the American officer was saying. Fortunately the sooner part of American officer's wisdom was vindicated in 1962 but the later part of his caution is perhaps yet to arrive. The border war of 1962 was watershed in India's military doctrine. Had 1962 not have happened believe me the Pakistanis with their superior fire power and better training would have given us a bloody nose. It was due to the frantic military preparations undertaken after the war with China which enabled us to blunt and roll back furious Pakistani military and armour thrusts in 1965. Today India stands in a much better position with China but the threat is now larger and far greater. China has already arrived in Northern areas of Pakistan where in the garb of engineering workers and support men it is overlooking the strategic and highly sensitive parts of Siachen and Ladakh. The most sensitive Gwadar Port is now operated by China. This port constructed by the Chinese in Makaran coast of Baluchistan is being converted into a trade and commerce hub which will provide China access to Gulf oil in case the Malaccan shipping lines are threatened. There are reports that Gwadar will become a highly sensitive listening out post where from China can keep a tab on India's defence and strategic assets. It is a difficult situation for India but the redeeming feature is that to some extent India has managed to contain Chinese threat in Arunachal Pradesh by moving in long range Sukhoi 30 MKI and other force multipliers. There are also reports that a dedicated mountain corps is being raised that will augment to the weak defences in the east and northern sectors. While as the pace of upgradation of defences against China is to be maintained it is the indigenous defence production that has to grow exponentially to keep a credible deterrence against both China and Pakistan. The overwhelming Chinese support in both military and economic areas is helping Pakistan to become a nuisance neighbour which is bound to create trouble for us. The increasing nuke stockpile of Pakistan which has a direct Chinese link is a threat to the entire region. The secret Sino -Pakistan nuke deal has to be seen in its all dimensions. India will have to make a huge and concerted diplomatic effort to make China understand the risks of a heavily armed and unstable Pakistan. The cruel fact is that Chinese listen to those who are powerful and not paper tigers. Today India is a leopard compared to Chinese tiger and it will have to become equal to China then alone lasting peace will descend on the whole of Asia otherwise a weak India means a delicious bite for China always and every time.

The China stare

NOW, STATES WILL DECIDE NATION'S FOREIGN POLICY!

DMK. While the AIADMK under MG Ramachandran initially backed the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam, the DMK led by M Karunanidhi, chose to back the rival Tamil Eelam Liberation Organisation. Mr Karunanidhi strongly condemned Prabhakaran for assassinating TELO leader Sri Sabarathinam in 1985. While he later proclaimed that Prabhakaran was not a terrorist, he asserted in October 2012 that India cannot forgive the LTTE for the assassination of Rajiv Gandhi. This recent statement came after the culmination of the bloody civil war in 2010, when Prabhakaran was killed. While both the DMK and AIADMK Governments have performed far better in economic and social development in Tamil Nadu than most other State Governments in India, the aging Mr Karunanidhi has opted for dynastic succession, handing over the reins of power to his third son, Stalin. This proposed change has come at a time when the DMK functionaries and even members of Mr Karunanidhi's family are facing investigations and charges of corruption in the 2G Spectrum scandal. In the meantime, Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa moved swiftly to up the ante on the horrendous deaths in the last days of the Sri Lankan ethnic conflict. Impartial international observers, however, acknowledge that, while there were excesses by the Sri Lankan armed forces, the LTTE could not be exempt from blame, because of its use of civilians as

human shields - a tactic it regularly used against the Indian Peace Keeping Force in 1987-1988. The DMK responded by organising mass agitations and whipping up public passion, demanding that India should take the lead in getting Colombo condemned for "genocide". Given the present domestic environment, New Delhi is having a difficult time navigating its way to get Colombo to ease up on the heaviness of its military presence and organise free and fair elections in the Tamildominated north. This process should lead to the establishment of a significantly empowered Provincial Government to address the day to day needs and aspirations of the Tamil people. With the Congress lacking leadership with a mass base in Tamil Nadu, New Delhi appears to lack the potential to directly explain to the people there why reason has to prevail over emotions in the conduct of foreign policy. It was just not understood in Tamil Nadu that, however hard New Delhi tried in the UN Human Rights Council, it was inconceivable that any resolution moved by India describing Sri Lankan actions as "genocide" would not have picked up even five votes in the 47member UNHRC. South Korea was the only Asian country, apart from India, to support the Washingtonbacked resolution. Even Japan abstained. The US alone was capable of getting its nuanced resolution passed, and that too with only 25 out of 47 members voting in its favour.

Washington was in no mood to accommodate even minor Indian amendments. Carried away by the overblown propaganda of the Sri Lankan Tamil expatriates from countries like the US, Canada and the UK, and determined to leave no stone unturned to use outrage in Tamil Nadu for political advantage in the forthcoming general election, the main political players in the State are advocating a course of action, which will leave India with no leverage to influence events in Sri Lanka through a combination of persuasion and subtle diplomatic pressure. The presumption of those wanting to get Sri Lanka condemned appears to be that a small neighbour will just crumble before the power of big, neighbouring India. They fail to understand the complexities of the present world and the limitations of power, even of the high and mighty. The mighty United States now finds that use of power, or coercion, is challenged by countries in its neighbourhood, ranging from Cuba and Venezuela to Brazil and Argentina. China cannot restrain Vietnam from balancing its power through links with the US, Japan and India. Russia cannot raise a finger against the former Soviet Republics in its neighbourhood asserting their independence. Those in Tamil Nadu, demanding an Indian economic boycott of Sri Lanka and withdrawal from power and infrastructure projects there, mistakenly believing that Sri Lanka cannot manage without us, forget that

there will be Chinese, Japanese, South Korean and Association of South-East Asian Nation's bidders ready to joyously replace us. Moreover, if the Sri Lankans start doubting our intentions because of shrill calls for 'Eelam' from Tamil Nadu, they will only further strengthen their already well-equipped and battle hardened armed forces, with Chinese equipment, to counter external meddling. We are already isolated in Asia because rhetoric is prevailing over reason on how to handle developments in Sri Lanka. There is no alternative to imaginative diplomacy to persuade the Sri Lankan Government to move along the path of reconciliation. There are two important tasks New Delhi has to concentrate on. First, efforts at reconstruction and rehabilitation in the Northern Province need to be intensified. Second, the Sri Lankan Government and the recalcitrant Tamil National Alliance in Sri Lanka have to be persuaded to sit together and agree on measures to suitably implement the 13th Amendment of the Sri Lankan Constitution, to effectively empower the Government and Provincial Legislature in the North after elections in September 2013. Sri Lanka, in turn, would be well advised to thin out the intrusive presence of its military and end military interference in civilian matters in its embattled north. All this is feasible only if Sri Lankans regard India as a well-meaning and friendly neighbour.

STUCK IN A TIME WARP

By Malvika Singh elhi seems to have become the 'shootout' capital of India. An escalation of point-blank range killings is alarming. Greedy, trigger-happy, lumpen characters walk the streets, expressing their anger with guns. Invariably, these killings - in broad daylight - have been within families, over land and property disputes: brothers killing brothers. The extraordinarily high land prices in urban India are responsible for this overwhelming greed that compels people to kill their kin. And, the law-and-order machinery has failed to provide safety to civil society. This free-for-all condition - whether in the case of the dangerously chaotic traffic or in land-grab disputes - results from careless, inept governance. The steady deterioration of law and order that began decades ago generated the need for private security, and companies selling this service sprouted like mushrooms, most often

without adequate training and discipline. The State had begun to abdicate its responsibility to keep the peace and provide safety to its citizens. There is zero accountability; law- enforcement agencies such as the police get away with incompetence. The government needs to take charge. This constant passing of the buck is unacceptable. The capital city has come to represent the complete lawlessness and breakdown of governance across India. Politicians speak out of turn and are abusive towards one another in public; they are often caught red-handed while breaking the law; their babus follow the masters; and the standards that leaders set for the citizens are against all norms of a clean, civil society. India needs an overhaul of its leadership. There are no heroes to look up to, nor any leaders to follow. The country is wallowing in shame. New wave And then there is the other side of the coin:

the entrepreneurial class of India, who do not allow themselves to be stunted by the privileged few. In the private sector - from big businesses to cottage industries - professionals are breaking new ground and moving on in spite of the horrors bestowed upon them by the political class and the bureaucracy. This is the time to rebuild and reinvent, to take the outpouring of energy and innovation to another level. We desperately need a set of younger, more agile leaders who recognize the potential of this nation. Unfortunately, the leadership in India is well past the retirement age that they have set for everyone else. They have no aspiration for the future because they are stuck in a time warp, and therefore are intellectually wanting. India needs to institute a rule - an age limit for the prime minister as well as for the ministers in the cabinet. The prime minister and his cabinet members must be men and women from the Lok Sabha and not lateral entries from the

Rajya Sabha. We need political persons and not technocrats and babus in those chairs. On the world stage, India looks like it belongs to a crusty and corroded age, or to a boring chapter in an unappetising history book. It is difficult to comprehend why some of our leaders do not let go - resign or retire -with dignity, making way for new energy and dynamism? Why do they hang on to their jobs rather than leave and compel the inexperienced to take charge and chart out a fresh course for a new age? The frustration of being led by old men and women - disconnected from the changed times - is one of the most depressing realities of India today. Looking at the tired faces and bodies of our senior leaders makes one squirm in deep and profound embarrassment, particularly since this lot of rulers has failed India in the new millennium. The betrayal and consequent anarchy is visible and palpable.

You need numbers to learn and teach

By Meeta W Sengupta hile it is no one's case that statistics alone tell the whole story, the lack of reliable data has hampered policy-making in the field of education. Yes, ma'am, on paper we have full enrollment. But there are some children in the village who are not on the rolls," said one of the teachers. "And there are some who are on the rolls of two or three schools at the same time", added another. I looked at my presentation - it had these beautiful charts based on official statistics. Enrollment was up to nearly 100 per cent; dropout rates were still worrisome but gross enrollment rate in higher education had almost doubled in two years. This would have been a rather commendable rise, if it was so, especially since these two years had not seen a commensurate rise in capacity. Of course, the data for overall capacity in higher education by subject and location is almost impossible to find. Between the All India Council for Technical Education, the University Grants Commission, the unrecognised and the unrecognisable educational institutions, a range of higher education

he proposal of the state Government to enhance the age old pension for handicapped and old persons is a welcome step. The number of old and infirm is growing and they are either at the mercy of their children or relatives. In the age of materialism when we have given goodbye to our values it is the government which has to come forward to support our frail and meek elders who once in the past contribute to the progress of the state. As of now the amount of old age pension is meager and there is urgent need to increase it substantially so that these poor elders and infirm men do not become a burden on their children the growing trend these days is for nuclear families. Three or four decades ago a nuclear family meant parents, children and grand parents. Today the definition of a nuclear family has shrunk and includes only parents and children. The rot in our social behavior has set in and all words like Grand are a big no for us. However there are good examples also and such examples should be highlighted in the social and public space. One way to help the elders and infirm is to incorporate in the social and educational system human values as a compulsory subject but who will care for that when there are other pressing, urgent and lucrative cares to attend. The infirm and old people deserve the attention of government and all possible steps should be taken to ameliorate their woes.

Enhanced pension for infirm, old

was being offered to the student body with little accounting at the margins. The sources of data are varied too, and they do not always reconcile. Reports by various investors, analysts, State Governments and ministries showcase different aspects of the 'education elephant' that we seek to understand. It often resembles the case of the blind men and the elephant, where the parts do not describe the whole. Education data in India is scattered - for example, the Ministry of Textiles runs a massive training programme for weavers, as do other ministries which run skills development training programmes. As far as one can tell, the data from these programmes are not included in the education budget as these are independent allocations within different ministries. Until recently, investment in the private sector was not recognised as being significant and therefore, not reported. It was only after a few studies by consulting firms proved that private investment was significant - both at the school level and in professional education including engineering and medical degrees - that things changed.

It is difficult to answer simple questions such as: What is the total amount spent on education in India? While broad numbers are available on ministry websites, it has been a task for students of education policy to parse these figures. Compare this to the ease of obtaining numbers for countries belonging to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development. The Annual State of Education Report exposed the fact that student achievement data was misleading as it merely recorded the number of students per class, not the abilities of those students which proved to be lagging when tested. Reports say that school infrastructure recorded on paper do not actually exist or are unusable. Therefore, the available data is not always reliable, but that is all we have. Hunting for data on the number of students in higher education by subject area, (or even colleges and courses by number and volume) is an uphill task. Data for skills by area is probably still not available. The data available is supply driven. But an over-emphasis on statistics may lead one astray. School teachers all over the world

are agitating to not be judged by the performance of their students in examinations. Student achievement is affected by many factors including early nutrition levels, peer group, parental support and often, economic imperatives. Assessing teachers using these statistics is unfair to them, and also, forces them to teach to the exam and devote time away from true pastoral care in the classroom - which cannot be measured. League tables, while popular and simple, are another example where ranks and numbers cannot measure good quality education. As schools try to climb up the league table, they work to the criteria of the tables, which may or may not suit their ethos or national imperatives. For example, most higher education tables across countries place significant weight age on international collaboration. For India, the low gross enrolment ratio and capacity constraints in higher education imply that efforts need to be directed to the domestic need before investing in attracting international candidates. But India does not have a problem of plenty in statistics. Without good quality statistics for evidence, one wonders, what drives policy.

Smoking in public places

Sir , The ban on smoking in public and workplaces in India may have prompted tobacco-users to refrain from lighting up even at home ("Homes benefit from ban on public puff", March 26). When people are prevented from smoking in public, they feel compelled to reduce the frequency of puffing not only in public places but also at home. If a person has to walk out of his workplace to smoke, the pleasure derived from smoking is considerably lost. He is filled with the uncomfortable feeling that he is doing something not allowed in normal surroundings. That is precisely the effect that the ban on smoking was intended to have. However, since old habits die

hard, it may take some more time for the law to have its full impact. Yours faithfully, Mukesh Gupta Udhampur

Political blackmail

Sir There is never any full stop in Indian politics. Mamata Banerjee came to power with the support of the Congress in the 2011 state assembly polls. Later, she made unrealistic demands - for instance, she wanted the Central government to waive the interest on loans taken by the state for three years. These demands soured the relations between the TMC and the Congress. Soon after, Banerjee withdrew support from the UPA government, and then realized that she was at a loss. Her

party did not fare too well in the by-elections held in February. The fluid political situation in New Delhi resulting from the withdrawal of the DMK from the UPA has offered Banerjee a new opportunity to try and rebuild bridges with the Congress. The latter also needs to look at the long-term prospects of the party in West Bengal. It will be in the interest of the Congress to join forces with the TMC - a give and take policy is what both the parties should look forward to. It seems that Banerjee is aware of the fact that she needs the support of the Congress to increase her chances of a victory in the Panchayat elections. Perhaps that is why she supported the Central government's stance on the Sri Lanka issue. Yours faithfully, Raj Malhotra Jammu

Page 1_.qxd 3/30/2013 1:32 PM Page 6

STUDENT AGE SATURDAY, MARCH 30, 2013

NATIONAL
Khurshid said: "I dont think wagging the dog", he said: Khurshid said he believed that though disappointed, the Sri Lankan government would understand the compulsions that led the Tamil Nadu government to refuse permission to its players and officials to participate in IPL games played in Chennai. On Wednesday, the Tamil Nadu assembly urged India to introduce a resolution in the UN Security Council seeking a referendum in Sri Lanka to carve out an independent Tamil Eelam state. On Tuesday, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and AIADMK supremo J. Jayalalithaa told Prime Minister Manmohan Singh that her government would allow IPL fixtures in the state only if no Sri Lankan player, umpire, official or support staff took part in the matches. Khurshid, speaking about this year's Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) to be held in Colombo, made it clear that the government was party to the collective decision of all Commonwealth heads of government to hold the meeting in Colombo in November. But he added that the government had an open mind about the possibility that this decision could be collectively changed. Jayalalithaa has also demanded that India should boycott the CHOGM meet in Colombo.

7
Chidambaram extends olive branch to Samajwadi Party, assures all help to UP govt
LUCKNOW: In the midst of talk over Samajwadi Party withdrawing support to UPA government,finance minister P Chidambaram on Friday appeared to woo the party, saying the Centre will stand by Uttar Pradesh in its development. "I want to take this opportunity to assure the chief minister and his team, as well as the president of their party Netaji that government of India is committed to stand by Uttar Pradesh in its development," he said while inaugurating 300 new bank branches in the state. Noting that 24 central projects were being implemented in the state worth Rs 18,500 crore, Chidambaram said, "In every way we are committed to helping UP and every other state. He is a young chief minister ( Akhilesh Yadav) and I am sure that they will do their best to bring the state up in every single way". The finance minister's statement assumes significance in the context of repeated attacks by SP leader Mulayam Singh Yadav against the Congress and UPA government triggering speculation whether it would withdraw support. While returning from Durban on Thursday, the Prime Minister had acknowledged to journalists the possibility of SP's withdrawal of support but expressed confidence of completing the full term. "Well, obviously coalitions face issues. Sometimes, they give the impression that these arrangements are not not very stable arrangements and I cannot deny that such possibilities don't exist", the Prime Minister had said. "But I am confident that our government will complete full five years, that the next election to the Lok Sabha will be held on schedule (in 2014)," Singh had said. The Samajwadi Party has been attacking Congress and the government in the last few days. Samjawadi Party with 22 MPs and BSP with 21 are providing crucial outside support to the government and bailing it out in times of crisis. Chidambaram also noted that UP has large financial needs. "This morning the CM and officials sat with me and went over a number of proposals. I promised them that when I get back to Delhi, I would look into each of the proposals. "In about one or two weeks, we will be able to get an idea where the proposal stand after that I will invite the CM to come and meet us in Delhi," he said. The minister said UP's annual plan was rising every year. "It was Rs 42,000 crore in 2010-11 and Rs 57800 crore in 2012-13. UP is a big state and the more we will be able to spend from planned expenditure, it is good for the state," he said.

No question of accepting Tamil Nadu resolution on Sri Lanka: Khurshid

NEW DELHI, MARCH 29: External Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid has said the UPA government rejects the Tamil Nadu assembly resolution calling upon it to treat Sri Lanka as an unfriendly state, impose economic sanctions on Colombo and ask the UN to pass a resolution calling for a referendum on an independent Eelam state. In an interview with Karan Thapar on CNN IBN's "Devil's Advocate" programme, Khurshid said all the Tamil members of the government supported this position, including Finance Minister P. Chidambaram. Asked how he responded to the resolution, he said: "I take it on board that there are very strong feelings in Tamil Nadu... Our own party members have it too, we have taken it on board... But ultimately negotiations with Sri Lanka and discussions and efforts we have taken for rehabilitation (of displaced Tamils) is very important." He said a firm "no" to the three demands of the resolution. "There is no question of accepting them," said Khurshid. He said the Tamil Nadu assembly resolution was not supported by other state assemblies -- "the rest of India is not supporting it". Asked if Chidambaram, who is from Tamil Nadu, would express different views from the UPA,

that Chidambaram has taken a different view." On the pulls and pushes of coalition partners in a federal set up, he said the "government is in full control... we have delivered on every position". Asked if India's foreign policy was a case of "tail

"In a democracy the aggregate of claims form the nation's claim... It is important that we take everyone on board, nothing wrong in persuading everybody." "I think all partners have pulls and pushes and we have to find a position in domestic and international affairs."

Sonia seeks Krishna's help on Karnataka poll candidates

NEW DELHI/BANGALORE: Amid reports of sharp differences among Karnataka Congress leaders over candidates for the May 5 assembly polls, former state chief minister S M Krishna arrived in New Delhi on Friday to assist Congress president Sonia Gandhi to resolve the issue. Krishna would meet Gandhi on Saturday to help her finalise the names from among the probables chosen by the state Congress leaders, party sources said. They said Gandhi was seeking Krishna's help as she was not happy with the list of probables submitted to her. The list is said to have very few women and minority community and youth leaders from the state were also upset over lack adequate representation to them. The probables list was given to Gandhi by state Congress president G Parameshwara and party leader in the assembly Siddaramaiah and other state leaders who have been in New Delhi since Monday. Gandhi seeking Krishna's help came as a surprise to Congress leaders in the state as he had stayed away from party meetings for several months now as his role was not clearly defined. When Krishna gave up external affairs minister's post in October last year, though reluctantly, it was believed that the Congress leadership wants him back in Karnataka to help the party wrest power from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). However he was not given any position and he did not attend any meeting of the state leaders to select probables for the May 5 polls from among over 2000 applicants. Nominations for the 224 elected seats of the 225member assembly that includes one nominated member open April 10 and close 17. Vote count is on May 8. While Congress continued its candidate selection exercise in New Delhi, the ruling BJP said in Bangalore that it was getting ready to release its list in April first week. Deputy chief minister and former state BJP chief K S Eshwarappa told reporters in Bangalore that the party has only one name for 120 seats while for the remaining 124 seats, it has more than one. "We will finalise the names in consultation with our district unit leaders," Eshwarappa said.

US hopes synergy between proposed BRICS bank, existing bodies

WASHINGTON: The US has expressed hope that the new multilateral development bank planned by BRICS countries will work closely with existing international financial institutions and follow best of the practices. "Many of the important details regarding the proposed BRICS Development Bank are not yet clear. We hope it will work closely with existing international financial institutions and follow best practices," White HousePress Secretary Josh Earnest told MEDIA. He said the US understands that the BRICS nations -- Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa -discussed their mutual economic interests at the recently-concluded BRICS Summit in Durban, including on development issues. Observing that the US enjoys good relations with the BRICS countries, both bilaterally and multilaterally, Earnest said the Obama Administration works with them regularly in a number of international organisations, including the G-20. "We welcome their constructive engagement on global issues," he said. This is the first reaction from the White House on the just-concluded BRICS sumcountries Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa. The New York Times,

Minority UPA government must resign now, demands Trinamool

KOLKATA: Turning on the heat, erstwhile UPA ally Trinamool Congress today demanded immediate resignation of the Manmohan Singh government, saying it is in a minority in Parliament and has no moral right to continue in office. "Manmohan Singhgovernment has turned into a minority. They can remain in power by utilising the number game in Parliament. It first became a minority government when the Trinamool Congress withdrew support last year, and now by the DMK," TMC all-India general secretary Mukul Roy told a press conference here. "This government has no moral right to continue in office for a single moment," he said adding that Trinamool Congress with 19 Lok Sabha members had withdrawn support from the UPA governCongress and has 19 Lok Sabha members, had withdrawn support from the UPA government in September last year. DMK, which has 18 Lok Sabha MPs, had pulled out of UPA over the Sri Lankan Tamils issue on March 19. With the outside support of SP (22) and BSP (21) and some others, the ruling UPA is confident of remaining in power till the middle of next year when the general elections are due. On his way back from Durban yesterday, the Prime Minister voiced confidence that his government will complete its five-year tenure and that the next election to the Lok Sabha will be held on schedule in 2014.

mit, in which leaders of the five emerging economies came out with their joint action plan to address several global issues collectively, and also announced their decision to establish a development bank, which many see as a challenge to the World Bank. While World Bank has welcomed the move, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has been a bit cautious in its reaction. A unique institution of its own, the BRICS development bank would use $ 50 billion of seed capital shared equally between the five

meanwhile has said for all the talk of solidarity among emerging giants, the group's concrete achievements have been few since its first full meeting, in Russia in 2009. "This is partly because its members are deeply divided on some basic issues and are in many ways rivals, not allies, in the global economy," it wrote. "The alliance faces serious questions about whether the member countries have enough in common and enough shared goals to function effectively as a counterweight to the West," The New York Times said.

Pranab to present trumpet, banner to President's Bodyguard

Manmohan is above several PMs, says Lord Swraj Paul

a man who works "very hard". Lord Paul, who is the Chancellor of two leading British Universities, was speaking at an Assocham and Rai Foundation event in honour of Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) President L Rafael Reif here. "I know that you (Reif) are likely to see the Prime Minister (Manmohan Singh) either tomorrow or today. You will find him a great man, who has worked very hard and perhaps is above several Prime Minister(s) of this country," he said. Lord Paul, who leads the UK-based diversified Caparo Group, is the Chancellor of Wolverhampton and Westminster Universities. Welcoming Reif, Lord Paul said: "You can't be in a more hospitable country in this world... I am glad you are here and you just told me that this is your first visit abroad after becoming the President (of MIT), you couldn't come to a better country." He said Indmedia are proud of the fact that they have brought high laurels for the country in different parts of the world like the US and Europe. "India has lot of talent. India has lot of opportunities. And one thing great (is that) the Indmedia have ability to deliver what lot of world desires... A great thing is even India had to discover the Indmedia from the United States and from abroad," Lord Paul said.

ment on "specific issues like FDI in retail trade, decontrol of diesel price, cap on LPG cylinders and hike in fertiliser prices." "We want this government to resign immediately," the TMC general secretary added. It was the second largest constituent of UPA after the

NEW DELHI:Throwing his weight behind Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, UK-based NRI industrialist Lord Swraj Paul on Friday termed him "above several Prime Ministers of this country" and

Early polls are inevitable, says BJP

NEW DELHI:Early polls are inevitable, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) said Friday, dismissing Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's assertion that the government would complete its five-year tenure. Launching a direct attack against the prime minister, the main opposition party asked if he was looking forward to a third term and said people of the country were tired of his government. "...The government will not last its full term and and mid-term elections seem to be inevitable," BJP leader Balbir Punj said Friday. "Irrespective of what Dr. Manmohan Singh says, there is an atmosphere of instability around the government... That is why you have this speculation about mid-term elections," Punj told reporters. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh Thursday night said he was confident that the government would complete its term, which comes to an end next year around May. BJP leader Ravi Shankar Prasad, meanwhile, scaled up the attack against Prime Minister Manmohan Singh over his response to a question on his chances for a third term. Replying to a query on whether he would go for a third term as prime minister, Manmohan Singh said: "We will cross that bridge, when we reach there." "He (Manmohan Singh) did not deny his chances for a third term... It is said he is very reluctant politician, but he has shown his true political colours, being audaciously ambitious," Prasad said. The BJP ruled out chances of a Third Front, and also any possibility of the party forging an alliance with the Samajwadi Party. "Third Front is a past for Indian politics. It has neither relevance for present nor promise for future. People of the country have seen the Third Front, and those who advocate Third Front, I would like to tell them, it has always depended on Congress support," he said. The BJP's comments come a day after Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Mulayam Singh Yadav said at a party meeting that the Lok Sabha polls were likely around November. Prasad also took a jibe at Mulayam Singh, saying the SP should withdraw support to the government if it had so many complaints. The SP chief, he said, had called the Congress a cheat and accused it of misusing the CBI and the income tax department. "I want to ask him why don't you leave Congress if you are troubled by them." Asked if the BJP would look forward to an alliance with the SP, Prasad said: "Mulayam Singh and we never had a tie-up and will not... there is in-principle difference between us". Congress spokesperson Rashid Alvi reiterated the prime minister's statement to reporters on his way back from Durban summit of the BRICS leaders. "Our government is very stable," Alvi told MEDIA, adding that elections would be held on time in 2014. Asked about Mulayam Singh's comments, he said: "It may be his own opinion but it is our considered opinion that elections will be held at the right time." The government has been in a tight spot after the Trinamool Congress pulled out of the United Progressive Alliance and withdrew support to the government last year. Its troubles increased when the DMK withdrew from the UPA over the issue of Sri Lankan Tamils. The government is at present dependent on outside support of the SP and the Bahujan Samaj Party for its survival. The government has also dismissed the idea of formation of a Third Front. Congress leader Manish Tewari Thursday said a Third Front was an "enduring mirage" of Indian politics.

NEW DELHI: President Pranab Mukherjee will Saturday present a silver trumpet and banner to the President's Bodyguard (PBG), the cavalry regiment of the Indian army, a statement released by Rashtrapati Bhavan said here Friday. In the hour-long ceremony in the forecourt of the president's house, the PBG will accept the silver trumpet and banner. The ceremony will be followed by an audio-visual presentation highlighting the history and significance of the trumpet and the banner and the modern-day role of the PBG. The trumpet ceremony has been in existence since 1923 when Lord Reading awarded this elite force with two trumpets on its completion of 150 years. The banner, which is mounted on the silver trumpet, bears the symbols of the Ashoka lions with the initials of the president in the centre.

The first president of India, Dr. Rajendra Prasad, presented his silver trumpet and banner to the PBG May 14, 1957. Mukherjee will become the country's 12th head of state to present the award to the elite force. Former president Zakir Hussain could not bestow the honour due to his untimely demise. The PBG, the oldest regiment of the Indian army, celebrates its 240th raising day in September this year. The origin of this force goes back to 1773 when the first governor general of India, Warren Hastings, chose 50 hand-picked troopers. To serve the supreme commander of the Indian armed forces, one has to be six feet tall and go through a rigorous selection process. The PBG force comprises four officers, 14 junior commissioned officers and 161 bodyguards backed by administrative support personnel.

All national highways to have electronic toll collection system by 2014: Govt
NEW DELHI: To make the toll collection process at the national highways easier and more transparent, the government will roll out RFID-based electronic toll collection across all the toll plazas on national highways through out the country by 2014. "We intend to have by 2014 entire country through ETC (electronic toll collection). Nandan Nilekani has suggested RFID card and we have introduced two new pilot projects. By 2014, we will cover entire toll plazas through ETC mode," Road Transport Minister C P Joshi said while interacting with the public on muti-video chat, Google Hangout. He added that pilot projects have already been launched on some national highways like Chandigarh-Parwanoo on NH-5 and soon it will be launched on the national highway between Mumbai and Baroda. The ETC systems is based on radio frequency identification (RFID) technology. For this, a RFID chip-embedded sticker will be put on the vehicles and money will get deducted at the toll plazas automatically, through which the vehicles will pass through.

Page 1_.qxd 3/30/2013 1:32 PM Page 7

STUDENT AGE SATURDAY, MARCH 30, 2013

INTERNATIONAL & ECONOMY

lective reaction of the UN Security Council, unilateral minister Sergei Lavrov said. Earlier in the day, the North Korean leader Kim Jong-un had announced preparations for strategic rocket strikes on the US mainland and military bases in the Pacific and South Korea after talks responding to US stealth bomber flights over the Korean peninsula. The time had come to "settle accounts" with the US, BBC quoted Kim Jongun as saying. However, Russia had supported the new UN Security Council sanctions against North Korea in early March. But Moscow had criticised actions taken outside the council, including US and South Korean military drills. Annual military drills and fresh UN sanctions have irked the North Korean government. After a late-night meeting with the army's strategic rocket force, Kim Jong-un said, "The time has come to settle accounts with the US imperialists".

N Korea plans to attack US; Russia fears 'spiral'

MOSCOW: In the backdrop of growing tensions between North Korea and US, Russia on Friday warned against growing military activity near North Korea. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said, "Tensions in North Korea slipping out of control." Lavrov also warned that the situation could slip "toward the spiral of a vicious circle". He suggested that North Korea should cool down, calling on "all sides not to flex their military muscle" and avoid the danger of a

Nepal govt forms committee to pacify dissident parties

KATHMANDU: In a bid to hold elections to the Constituent Assembly in Nepal by the third week of June, a 3-member coordination committee headed by the Home Minister was formed on Friday to pacify the disgruntled groups and fringe political parties opposing the election. Following a meeting of High Level Political Committee involving the four major parties, the Cabinet meeting on Friday decided to pacify the dissident groups and persuaded them to join the Constituent Assembly election. Chairman of the Interim Government Khil Raj Regmi presided over the Cabinet meeting. Some two dozen fringe parties including the CPNMaoist, breakaway faction of the UCPN-Maoist, have been protesting against the purported Constituent Assembly elections as agreed by the major four forces and have been obstructing the elections related works in various parts of the country. According to Information and Communications Minister Madhav Paudel, the committee headed by Minister for Home Affairs Madhav Prasad Ghimire comprises two other ministers -- Paudel himself and Minister for Health Vidhyadhar Mallik. The committee has been entrusted with the responsibility to hold talks with the dissenting parties and organisations to create conducive atmosphere for polls. Although the government has not yet finalised the election date, speculation is rife that elections could not be held before November despite efforts made by parties to hold the polls by third week of June. Months of political and constitutional crisis in Nepal ended on March 14 with Chief Justice Regmi's appointment as the country's new Prime Minister to head an interim government that will hold elections to 601-member Constituent Assembly on June 21. Nepal had plunged into a serious crisis after the political parties failed to deliver a constitution before the dissolution of the Constituent Assembly in May last year as differences climaxed over the issue of federal structure and forms of governance to be incorporated in the constitution.

belligerent response. "We are concerned that alongside the adequate, col-

action is being taken around North Korea that is increasing military activity," foreign

More than 2 lakh Pak children missed anti-polio drive: Unicef

ISLAMABAD: As many as 2,40,000 children have missed UN-backed vaccinations against polio because of security concerns in Pakistan's tribal regions bordering Afghanistan, a top Unicef official has said. Dr Nima Saeed Abid, acting UNICEF chief for the polio eradication programme in Pakistan, says health workers have not been able to immunise children in the North and South Waziristan regions ? Taliban strongholds ? since July 2012. Pakistan is one of the few remaining countries, along with Afghanistan and Nigeria, where polio is rampant. Up to 58 cases were reported in Pakistan in 2012, down from 198 in 2011. She said today that 15 health workers have been killed in the anti-polio campaign in Pakistan since July 2012.

Mandela making 'steady progress' in S Africa hospital

tion, the office of S o u t h African Presid ent J a c o b Zuma says. The 94year-old is "in good spirits" and enjoyed a full breakfast, it said. After Mr Mandela was admitted to hospital late on Wednesday, President Zuma said people "must not panic". The former president first contracted tuberculosis in the 1980s while detained on windswept Robben Island. His lungs are said to have been damaged while working in a prison quarry. This latest spell in hospital is his fourth in just over two years. Mr Mandela served as South Africa's first black president from 1994 to 1999 and is regarded by many as the father of the nation for leading the struggle against apartheid.

Pak says it has not imposed conditions for Afghan peace

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Friday rejected Afghanistan's contention that Islamabad had imposed pre-conditions, including cutting ties with India, for the peace process in the war-torn country. Referring to a statement attributed to the spokesman of the Afghan President that Pakistan had imposed preconditions for the peace process, Foreign Office spokesman Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhry said that Islamabad had not "laid down any pre-conditions for the peace process". "Pakistan is wholeheartedly supporting and facilitating the peace process without any conditions or preference for any particular group or party," Chaudhry said in a statement issued this evening. "Pakistan did not demand that Afghanistan should 'cut all ties to India'. Pakistan has no objection or issue with Afghanistan developing relations with any country. We have only stressed that those external forces which are using the soil of Afghanistan to destabilise Pakistan should be discouraged," he said. Chaudhry further said the proposal for a "Strategic Partnership Agreement" between Pakistan and Afghanistan had emanated from President Hamid Karzai and the Pakistan government had welcomed the proposal. On the issue of sending Afghan Army officers to Pakistan for training, Chaudhry said this was made by the Pakistan government "in goodwill to contribute to the training needs of the security forces of Afghanistan". "This was not a pre-condition but an offer in goodwill. Pakistan remains fully committed to facilitating peace, reconciliation and stability in Afghanistan. Pakistan's offers of goodwill should not be construed as pre-conditions," he said. Over the past few days, the Afghan government cancelled a visit to Pakistan by its army officers over crossborder artillery shelling by Pakistani troops.

16-storey building collapses in Tanzania; 3 dead, dozens feared trapped

DAR ES SALAAM: At least three people are confirmed dead and over 60 people were trapped when a 16storey building collapsed on Friday in downtown Dar es Salaam. As rescuers are searching for survivors, hundreds of people, including residents and army rescuers are searching through piles of rubble in the hunt for survivors a Xinhua journalist at the site said. Earthmovers and excavators are also helping in the rescue operations. There were more than 60 people inside the building when it suddenly fell. The building under construction belongs to Tanzania National Housing Corporation. Police have arrested several people as part of the investigation but gave no further details. Meanwhile, Tanzanian President Jakaya Kikwete visited the scene of the disaster in the coastal city and posted messages of condolence on his Twitter account.

SOUTH AFRICA: Nelson Mandela is making "steady progress" after spending a second day in hospital for treatment of a lung infec-

Shoe thrown at Pervez Musharraf as he gets bail extension

ISLAMABAD:A court in Pakistan has extended bail for former President Pervez Musharraf, amid chaotic scenes in which a shoe was thrown at him. It is the first time the exmilitary ruler has sat before a court to defend himself against charges of conspiracy to murder and the sacking of judges. The shoe, which did not hit Mr Musharraf, was thrown as his supporters and opponents both chanted slobail for 10 days in three cases. Correspondents say that angry scenes were witnessed outside the courtroom in Karachi after judges extended bail for another few weeks. Mr Musharraf faces a string of charges dating from his final months in office. He is accused of failing to provide adequate security for former PM Benazir Bhutto ahead of her assassination in 2007.

gans. Last week he returned from self-imposed exile to contest forthcoming polls. Shortly before his return he was granted protective

ECONOMY

Govt wants NIA to probe Italian marines case

NEW DELHI: The government is likely to hand over the case relating to the killing of two Kerala fishermen by Italian marines to the National Investigation Agency (NIA) for further probe. It will also approach the Supreme Court again to clarify doubts on conducting the two accused marines' trial in India. The move is aimed at showing the government's seriousness in ensuring that the marines are tried according to Indian laws and international treaties do not subvert the process of law in the country. The government's dual strategy follows internal consultations between the upon it that the central govby the two ministries states that India's laws on maritime safety and territorial water are not in conflict with any of the treaties or conventions of the United Nations. The ministries concluded that the Safety of Maritime Navigation Act, passed by the Parliament in 2002, gives India full jurisdiction in the case. "It is, therefore, proposed that this case be transferred to the NIA, which may make further investigation as it may deem necessary and present its final report/charge sheet before the designated court," states the note. "The hon'ble Supreme Court in its judgment has left the issue of whether India has the jurisdiction to prosecute the Italian nationals open. It has stated that the accused are at liberty to raise the issue of jurisdiction before the trial court." The government now wants to settle this matter once and for all. The home ministry pointed out that the United Nations Convention of the Law of the Sea, referred to by the Supreme Court, does not apply in this case "since it deals with piracy on high seas and in this case, the shooting took place within 20.4 nautical miles, which is within India's contiguous zone".

Modi darshan at Rs. 8.68 lakh each for US delegates

NEW DELHI: The US business delegation that met Gujarat chief minister Narendra Modi in Gandhinagar on Thursday may have paid between $3,000 and $16,000 ( Rs. 1.62 lakh to Rs. 8.68 lakh) per head for the entire Indian trip. The Chicago-based National Indian American Public Policy Institute (NIAPPI), the organisers of the delegation, had circulated an invitation "limited to (an) elite group of American businesspersons". Its founder, Shalabh Kumar, was associated with the Overseas Friends of the BJP (OFBJP) in the past, according to sources. According to media reports, the team comprising businessmen and four members of the US Congress paid these amounts to visit and seek business opportunities mer US Speaker Newt Gingrich had interacted with

home and law ministries, in which it was proposed that a review petition be filed in the apex court to impress

ernment has jurisdiction to hold the trial in India, HT has learnt. An internal note prepared

Weak market keeps investors away from Rajiv Gandhi Equity Savings Scheme
AHMEDABAD: The Rajiv Gandhi Equity Savings Scheme (RGESS) is picking up at a slow pace as negative returns from the equity market in the past five years have not enthused new investors, say mutual fund managers and brokers. RGESS, the flagship scheme of the central government, was launched in February to promote firsttime retail investors to equity. The scheme attracted only 9,152 new accounts with CDSL between second week of February, when majority of NFOs related to the scheme opened, and March 25, 2013. However, new investors could have entered the market after the announcement of notification on November 23, 2012. Currently, Central Depository Services (CDSL) holds 86 lakh demat accounts, which means the addition of new accounts under RGESS (9,152) is only a meager 0.01%. National Securities Depository (NSDL), the largest DP in the country, did not provide details related to RGESS accounts. Under the scheme, a new investor with an annual income of less than Rs 12 lakh can invest up to Rs 50,000 in identified securities and can claim one-time income tax exemption under Section 80-CCG of Income Tax Act. These include equity shares falling in the list of equity declared as 'BSE-100' or 'CNX-100', equity shares of public sector enterprises that are categorised as maharatna, navaratna or miniratna by the government. The investment can be reshuffled later.

Banks, NBFCs lose Rs 1.43 lakh cr worth market value in Q4

NEW DELHI: Witnessing a sharp value erosion in their scrips during the last quarter of the current fiscal, about 50 listed banks and NBFCs of the country have lost nearly Rs 1.43 lakh crore in their market capitalisation in this period. The estimated 14 per cent percentage loss in the market value of banking and non-banking financial companies (NBFCs) is much higher than the overall plunge of less than eight per cent across the stock market between January and March 2013. While two days are still left in the current fiscal, the stock markets would now resume trading in the next financial year on April 1, as the next two days are trading holdings. An analysis of stock movements of about 50 listed banks and NBFCs during the current quarter shows that their cumulative market cap has plunged by Rs 1,43,682 crore since January 1, 2013 to end the fiscal at Rs 10,44,400 crore. The biggest loser among these has been state-run banking major SBI with a loss of over Rs 23,000 crore in the current quarter, followed by private lenders HDFC BankBSE 1.58 % and ICICI Bank with losses of over Rs 13,000 crore and Rs 12,000 crore, respectively. Incidentally, this threemonth period saw many significant developments regarding the banking and NBFC sectors. While RBI came out with its final guidelines for grant of new banking licenses, a sting operation also claimed major lapses regarding themoney laundering controls at three leading private banks. Besides, financial difficulties came to the fore at some of the NBFCs, including those in the business of gold loans. Also, a number of NBFCs expressed interest in applying for new bank licenses, directly or through their groups. All the public sector banks and NBFCs together lost more than Rs 85,000 crore of market value, followed by a loss of over Rs 33,000 crore by the private banks and Rs 25,000 crore for the private sector NBFCs, during the last quarter. Among the PSU banks, the other major losers included Bank of BarodaBSE 2.16 %, PNB, Canara Bank and IDBI Bank. Among the private banks, Kotak Mahindra Bank is among the few to have actually witnessed a marginal increase in market values during this period. Others having lost value included Axis Bank, Yes Bank and Karnataka Bank.

across India. However, OFBJP convener Vijay Jolly, who actively engaged with the delegation, rejected these reports. "I was told by Shalabh Kumar that the entire trip of the Congressmen and business leaders was sponsored by his organisation." Jolly also told HT that for-

Modi for 30 minutes via videoconference on Friday evening. On Thursday, the visiting lawmakers had praised the business atmosphere in Gujarat and invited Modi to the US. However, the official US stand on not granting the CM a visa remains unchanged.

FM inaugurates 300 bank branches in UP

NEW DELHI: Fin ance Minister P Chidambaram today marked the inauguration of 300 bank branches in Uttar Pradesh, the largest number of bank branches launched in a single day in India. He compared the feat to a "triple century in a cricket match". The branches, belonging to 30 banks, are spread over 75 districts, primarily in rural areas. By March 2014, 2,700 branches would be opened in the state to reduce the ratio of banks to population from 16,000 to the national average of 13,000. A total of 450 branches would be opened in June, 600 in September, 750 in December and 900 in March 2014. All existing, as well as

new branches, would have automated teller machines (ATMs) by the end of the next financial year. Currently, Uttar Pradesh has about 13,000 bank branches. Chidambaram called upon banks to reach out to unserved regions more aggressively. He added if banks could achieve the target of opening 3,000 branches in the state by March 2014, they

could also open 12,000 branches in other regions of the country. "In the last couple of years, banks have been opening 6,000 branches every year across India - about 18 branches a day," he said, adding banks were important for financial inclusion, an increase in the credit-deposit ratio, deposit mobilisation and credit growth.

Page 1_.qxd 3/30/2013 1:32 PM Page 8

STUDENT AGE SATURDAY, MARCH 30, 2013

MISC

Kohli, Raina in top 10 in ICC T20 rankings

DUBAI: Virat Kohli and Suresh Raina are the two Indians to figure in the list of top 10 in ICC Player Rankings for T20I batsmen, while India continue to hold onto the number three slot in the teams category. Kohli with 731 points is at number eight position, followed by Raina (719) in the latest rankings table, which is headed by New Zealand's wicketkeeper captain Brendon McCullum (810). Yuvraj Singh (14) and Gautam Gambhir (18) are the other two Indians to have found a place in the top-20 batsmen's list. In the team rankings, India is placed third behind Sri Lanka and T20 champions the West Indies. Offie Ravichandran Ashwin is the only Indian to feature in the list of top-20 bowlers in the shortest format, which is headed by Sunil Narine of the West Indies.

SAI Handball coach Sudesh retires

Rs 15 lakh DYSS scholarships for 613 players

JAMMU: Director General Youth Services and Sports (DYSS), Navin Agarwal on Friday accorded sanction to Rs 15.36 lakh worth scholarships to be given to sportspersons across Jammu and Kashmir, who represented the state in various disciplines in the 58th National School Games during 201213. These scholarships will be distributed among 613 players, including those medal winners. In all, J&K won 31 gold, 18 silver and 35 bronze medals this year alone in the School Games, a DYSS handout issued on Friday. While the gold medalist will get Rs 10,000, those silver and bronze winners will be receiving Rs 7,000 and Rs 5,000 respectively. In addition, those who have participated in these games will also be eligible for a scholarship of Rs 1750. At the district level, Jammu and Srinagar districts topped the list with Rs 5.96 lakh and Rs 2.16 lakh worth scholarships respectively. Other districts which figured in the list of scholarships are Ganderbal (Rs 20,750), Anantnag (Rs 70,750), Budgam (Rs 18,500), Shopian (Rs 19,000), Baramulla (Rs 67,250), Kulgam (Rs 10,500), Kupwara (Rs 3500), Kargil (Rs 7,000), Pulwama (Rs 70,000), Bandipora (Rs 17,500), Samba (Rs 35,500), Kathua (Rs 21,000), Ramban (Rs 1750), Kishtwar (Rs 35,250), Reasi (Rs 68,750), Udhampur (Rs 50,750), Doda (60, 750), Rajouri (11,750) and Poonch (Rs 42,000).

JAMMU: Handball coach of the Sports Authority of India (SAI), Sudesh Kumar was accorded warm send off by his colleagues on attaining superannuation in a function. Sudesh retired as Grade-I coach after three decades of meritorious service in Jammu and Kashmir and several other states of the country. He has been credited with producing several international and national level players. Sudesh was accorded a warm

send off at a function, wherein all the coaches of the SAI Authority of India posted in Jammu as also those retired extended wishes for his future life. Those present were former Coordinators of the SAI in J&K, DD Singh and M K Verma, former Incharge SAI Training Centre Udhampur, BS Teerthi, Rajan Sharma and Ravi Singh, both Sports Officers of the J&K State Sports Council.

Deepika takes time out to perform at IPL

Exclusive Showroom of Gold and Diamond

Also Contact for Original Moga, Moti, Purkhraj, Neelam and other stones on wholesale rates.

MUMBAI: Despite a jampacked shooting schedule, Deepika Padukone has taken time out to perform at the opening ceremony of the sixth season of Indian Premier League (IPL) in Kolkata. Deepika had performed at the IPL inaugural in 2010 also. A source said: "Deepika has been practicing every day after her packup. She agreed to perform only recently, as her schedule is choc-a-bloc. Her performance is being choreographed by Geeta Kapoor. The opening ceremony will take place April 2 at the 100,000-seat Salt Lake Stadium and a full crowd is expected. Several other A-list actors will be shaking a leg at the opening including Shah Rukh Khan and Katrina Kaif. Also coming is international rapper Pitbull.

Pirmitha Chowk, Jammu. Ph: 9419193361

AJAY JEWELLERS

For More Details Contact:

Shamsher (Chief Advisor) Ph:- +91-9419797242, +91-9018192949

CHIEF-EDITOR, PUBLISHER, OWNER: Rohit Singh Rana, C.E.O.:Pawan Rathore, DY. CHIEF EDITOR : Vikram Singh Shan, Administrative Head J&K: Vikram Singh Bhandari, Bureau Chief Kashmir: Allayee Faizan, LEGAL ADVISOR: Advocate Ashok Parihar PRINTED AT JK PRINTING & PUBLICATIONS, SUJWAN, JAMMU TAWI. For Contributing articles mail us at callme.ranasahib@gmail.com, editor.studentage@gmail.com. For Complaints, Querries or Advertisement Contact us: 0191-2580342.. Address: Sector-12, H.No-12 Nanak Nagar, Jammu (All disputes are subjected to the exclusive jursisdiction of Jammu District courts only.)