Paper Checking in JU Teachers allege disparity in remuneration
Syed Namaz Shah
Teachers of the University of Jammu have once again raised their voice over 'less remuneration' being given to them for checking and evaluation of answer scripts from under graduate to post graduate level in comparison to their counter parts in University of Kashmir.
Besides this disparity, teachers have alleged that they are being lesser payment for discharging examination duties. They have said that teachers in University of Jammu are given Rs 8-10 for each paper whereas in Kashmir University, they are getting Rs 15-20 per answer sheet.
The issue of disparity came in the limelight during the tenure of former Vice Chancellor Prof Amitabh Mattoo. After which a committee was constituted under the leadership of Dean Academic Affairs, Prof. B.P.S Sehgal in which Registrar, J S Sambyal, Joint Registrar, Joint Director, Presidents of Jammu University Teachers Association (JUTA), College Teachers Association (CTA) and others officials were included to find amicable solution of the issue.
The said committee submitted its report, to then Vice-Chancellor and recommended to enhance the amount being given to the teachers for checking answer sheets. Interestingly, the recommendations were not implemented for one reason or other.
The quest of the varsity teachers for the enhancement did not end and they have again raised their voice against the disparity between the two universities. The issue came into discussion even during the recently held meeting of university Council.
College Teachers Association (CTA) president Dr Sanjay Sharma also met Vice-Chancellor Prof Varun Sahni to discuss the issue with him. VC has according to reliable reports assured teachers that the issue would be resolved in the coming days since VC has ordered submission of the proposal in the financial wing of the university.
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Increasing temperature has made the heat unbearable and chances of it coming down are bleak. Impact of this can be witnessed in the university where the attendance is decreasing with each passing day.
Most of the students like to sit in libraries of their respective departments or in Central Library to escape the scorching heat. Students are also seen carrying umbrellas, head covers, hand gloves and glasses to escape the effects of heat.The summer has just started and it's already like a heat wave has struck Jammu. The worst sufferers are motorcyclists and girls driving scooties.
The scorching heat and humidity has simply added to our woes," said an exasperated outsider who was in long queue to submit her form.
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Taking cognizance of complaints lodged by faculty members with the Vice Chancellor's office, sources said that Vice-Chancellor of the University of Jammu Prof Varun Sahni, convened a four hours long meeting with the faculty members of Political Sciences Department, last evening which lasted till 9PM.
They added that complaint was made by faculty member of the Political Science Department regarding inadequate infrastructure, non-availability of air coolers besides some other issues of Post Graduate students of the varsity.
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A delegation of Jammu University Research Scholars Executive Association (JUSEA) today called on Dean, Academic Affairs and apprised him about the problems being faced by the scholars. The delegation was led by JURSEA president Vikas Sharma, who raised the issue of the neglected scholar rooms in the campus.
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Saturday, April 25, 2009
‘Pul Doda reeling under water scarcity’
Syed Amjad Shah
JAMMU, Apr 25: Residents of Pul Doda have complained of acute scarcity of drining water in the area.
“People in the area are drinking contaminated water of Chinab River,” Imam of Pul Doda Jama Masjid Syed Hussain Shah told KTNS “we are facing severe hardships”. He said that residents of the area were facing problems due to the lack of water for domestic use.
“Residents of Pul Doda have to drink contaminated water of Chenab River”, he said adding that 150 families who were to be rehabilated at Pariyote village have been seriously affected by drinking the contaminated water of Chenab River.
Another local on condition of anonymity told KTNS that concerned authorities have been condoning sufferings of the people despite repeated requests.
He said that when he approached a PHE higher official told him that residents of Pul Doda have already been rehabilitated at Pariyote village.
He said that even the PHE officers were unaware about people’s presence in the area.
Mohammed Azim Sheikh, a retired police officer, said “Chief Minister should come here to see the living conditions of the people in Pul Doda”.
Mumtaz (name changed) said that her two months child has developed a serious health problem.
When contacted Executive Engineer of Doda refuted the allegations of the residents of Pul Doda and said that adequate supply of water is being made available in the area everyday.
JAMMU, Apr 25: Residents of Pul Doda have complained of acute scarcity of drining water in the area.
“People in the area are drinking contaminated water of Chinab River,” Imam of Pul Doda Jama Masjid Syed Hussain Shah told KTNS “we are facing severe hardships”. He said that residents of the area were facing problems due to the lack of water for domestic use.
“Residents of Pul Doda have to drink contaminated water of Chenab River”, he said adding that 150 families who were to be rehabilated at Pariyote village have been seriously affected by drinking the contaminated water of Chenab River.
Another local on condition of anonymity told KTNS that concerned authorities have been condoning sufferings of the people despite repeated requests.
He said that when he approached a PHE higher official told him that residents of Pul Doda have already been rehabilitated at Pariyote village.
He said that even the PHE officers were unaware about people’s presence in the area.
Mohammed Azim Sheikh, a retired police officer, said “Chief Minister should come here to see the living conditions of the people in Pul Doda”.
Mumtaz (name changed) said that her two months child has developed a serious health problem.
When contacted Executive Engineer of Doda refuted the allegations of the residents of Pul Doda and said that adequate supply of water is being made available in the area everyday.
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
C A M P U S -- N O T E S
JU gets a new staff college building, computer lab
Syed Namaz Shah
A renovated building of Academic Staff College and a Computer Laboratory were inaugurated of Vice-Chancellor Prof Amitabh Mattoo today. The Academy Staff College and Computer Laboratory have been established in the General Zorawar Singh Auditorium Complex.
The hi-tech computer laboratory has at-least 24 computers and all of them are connected with the internet through LAN. This computer facility would not only be used by the teachers who will attend various courses in the Academy Staff College but also by other departments of the University.Prof Mattoo appreciated the role of Academic Staff College in providing quality training to the teachers and Academic administrators and complimented the Director, Academic Staff College Dr. P S Pathania and Assistant Director Ranjeet Kalra for making the said college a vibrant institution of higher learning.Dean Academic Affair Prof B P S Sehgal, Registrar of University G S Sambyal, Director College Development Council Dr Meenakshi Kilam, Controller of Examinations Desh Bandu, Prof. Abha Chauhan and number of other heads of various departments attended the function.
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Number of students from other states who were pursuing one year degree course of B.Ed have been complaining about the mistakes in their names or their parents' names which they alleged were wrongly written by the concerned department.
The also alleged that officials give them a specific time for receiving the corrected marks sheet but there is always a delay and added that they have been facing this situation since the last four days.
While talking to Kashmir Times, one among the aggrieved students of B.Ed Narinder Singh alleged that "our names in matriculation marks sheet are correct and added that they had filled the accurate spellings of their names in the examination form".
When contacted in the Registration Section of Jammu University, they said that those students who are blaming us themselves carelessly have created mistakes while filling their forms. However, they accepted that there are so many cases of mistakes of names in mark sheets.
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Recent protest in the Central Library of the University of Jammu by the research scholars of various departments for the alleged issuance of only two books to the research scholars and charging high cost of Xerox copies from the Central Library was countered by the officials of library by saying, that they have been issuing at-least five books to research scholars while two books are issued to the students.
They also informed that teachers are given ten books whereas for other staff members only two books can be issue. They said that this is up to the scholar's whether they want to draw all the five books as per rules of less than maintained.Later, they also added that the matter regarding the cost of per Xerox copy will be discussed with the higher authorities and the final decision will be taken accordingly.
While justifying the cost of per Xerox copy, they clarified that they have been using special quality papers as compared to the market.They again specified that their policy have been based on no profit and not loss therefore they have not earning any profit from this Xerox machine in the Central Library.
Syed Namaz Shah
A renovated building of Academic Staff College and a Computer Laboratory were inaugurated of Vice-Chancellor Prof Amitabh Mattoo today. The Academy Staff College and Computer Laboratory have been established in the General Zorawar Singh Auditorium Complex.
The hi-tech computer laboratory has at-least 24 computers and all of them are connected with the internet through LAN. This computer facility would not only be used by the teachers who will attend various courses in the Academy Staff College but also by other departments of the University.Prof Mattoo appreciated the role of Academic Staff College in providing quality training to the teachers and Academic administrators and complimented the Director, Academic Staff College Dr. P S Pathania and Assistant Director Ranjeet Kalra for making the said college a vibrant institution of higher learning.Dean Academic Affair Prof B P S Sehgal, Registrar of University G S Sambyal, Director College Development Council Dr Meenakshi Kilam, Controller of Examinations Desh Bandu, Prof. Abha Chauhan and number of other heads of various departments attended the function.
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Number of students from other states who were pursuing one year degree course of B.Ed have been complaining about the mistakes in their names or their parents' names which they alleged were wrongly written by the concerned department.
The also alleged that officials give them a specific time for receiving the corrected marks sheet but there is always a delay and added that they have been facing this situation since the last four days.
While talking to Kashmir Times, one among the aggrieved students of B.Ed Narinder Singh alleged that "our names in matriculation marks sheet are correct and added that they had filled the accurate spellings of their names in the examination form".
When contacted in the Registration Section of Jammu University, they said that those students who are blaming us themselves carelessly have created mistakes while filling their forms. However, they accepted that there are so many cases of mistakes of names in mark sheets.
******
Recent protest in the Central Library of the University of Jammu by the research scholars of various departments for the alleged issuance of only two books to the research scholars and charging high cost of Xerox copies from the Central Library was countered by the officials of library by saying, that they have been issuing at-least five books to research scholars while two books are issued to the students.
They also informed that teachers are given ten books whereas for other staff members only two books can be issue. They said that this is up to the scholar's whether they want to draw all the five books as per rules of less than maintained.Later, they also added that the matter regarding the cost of per Xerox copy will be discussed with the higher authorities and the final decision will be taken accordingly.
While justifying the cost of per Xerox copy, they clarified that they have been using special quality papers as compared to the market.They again specified that their policy have been based on no profit and not loss therefore they have not earning any profit from this Xerox machine in the Central Library.
Engineering students demand re-evaluation
Syed Amjad Shah
JAMMU, Dec 11: Engineering students organised a day long massive protest, demanding re-evalution of examination papers, They staged a dharna in front of the Administrative Block.
A large number of protesting students from various engineering colleges, including Government College, of Engineering and Technology, Mahant Bachiter Singh College and MIET College gathered in front of the Administrative Block, University of Jammu this noon and staged massive protest in support of their demand i.e provisions of re-evaluation in Engineering.
Whereas official sources maintained that there is no provision of re-evaluation in engineering since they have been given "re-checking and supplementary examination". He, however, informed that tomorrow they have scheduled a meeting of the representatives of agitating students with Deans, two principals and other concerned officials to sort out the whole issue.
He again added that whatever decision would be taken during the meeting it would be implemented accordingly. He further said that earlier, two years back during the tenure of Prof Amitabh Mattoo engineering papers were re-evaluted following allegation of partial checking of examinations papers by a particular teacher.
"After checking the papers, around 12 to 15 students passed their examinations". The agitating students claimed that under the recent results declared on December 1, around 70 percent have been failed in various subjects. While taking to Kashmir Times one of the students, said that "I am confident enough that I am pass, since I have did good in exams".
He said that in Automata subject of semester 6th large number of students have been failed. While some officials came out to pacify the protesting students but failed to convince them.Late this evening, the protest was on and 18 students sat on dharna for the whole night in front of Administration Block of the varsity.
They have decided to sit on hunger strike from tomorrow to presswise the administration to accept their demands. Meanwhile, Jammu University Research Scholars Executive Association (JURSEA) and National Conference Students Union have also extended their support to the agitating students.
JAMMU, Dec 11: Engineering students organised a day long massive protest, demanding re-evalution of examination papers, They staged a dharna in front of the Administrative Block.
A large number of protesting students from various engineering colleges, including Government College, of Engineering and Technology, Mahant Bachiter Singh College and MIET College gathered in front of the Administrative Block, University of Jammu this noon and staged massive protest in support of their demand i.e provisions of re-evaluation in Engineering.
Whereas official sources maintained that there is no provision of re-evaluation in engineering since they have been given "re-checking and supplementary examination". He, however, informed that tomorrow they have scheduled a meeting of the representatives of agitating students with Deans, two principals and other concerned officials to sort out the whole issue.
He again added that whatever decision would be taken during the meeting it would be implemented accordingly. He further said that earlier, two years back during the tenure of Prof Amitabh Mattoo engineering papers were re-evaluted following allegation of partial checking of examinations papers by a particular teacher.
"After checking the papers, around 12 to 15 students passed their examinations". The agitating students claimed that under the recent results declared on December 1, around 70 percent have been failed in various subjects. While taking to Kashmir Times one of the students, said that "I am confident enough that I am pass, since I have did good in exams".
He said that in Automata subject of semester 6th large number of students have been failed. While some officials came out to pacify the protesting students but failed to convince them.Late this evening, the protest was on and 18 students sat on dharna for the whole night in front of Administration Block of the varsity.
They have decided to sit on hunger strike from tomorrow to presswise the administration to accept their demands. Meanwhile, Jammu University Research Scholars Executive Association (JURSEA) and National Conference Students Union have also extended their support to the agitating students.
Monday, April 20, 2009
Pvt schools leave parents in lurch; Fee hike goes unchecked
JAmmu, Apr 20: Working as autonomous bodies, some reputed private schools have once again left the parents of their students in lurch with sudden raise in their fee structures in the winter capital of Jammu and Kashmir, causing great financial crises to the parents whose children are pursuing studies in such schools.
The parents in such reputed schools have admitted their children so that they may grow as respectable citizen of the society but now it has almost become impossible for many to continute their wards in such schools due to the sky rocketing increase in the fee structure.
Mohammed Farooq, one of the aggrieved parents, says that he admitted his son and a daughter at Nagbani School with the hope that by receiving standard education from Nagbani School, future of his wards would be bright.
“However, today I feel helpless as I cannot afford fee”, Farooq, who is a constable in Jammu and Kashmir Police and gets salary of Rs 8,500 per month, told.
Another parent Mukesh Sharma had the same feelings. He said that sudden hike in fee structure have made him to think to admit his child in a government school since, “I cannot bear the more financial burden”.
“Parents have been blackmailed on the name of their children by the school authorities” Santosh Kumari mother of a student said. Meanwhile, MHAC Nagbani School Parents Association also held a press conference here today and urged the Nagbani school administration not to increase their fee structure.
Addressing reporters, officer bearers of MHAC Nagbani School Parents Association said that more that 90 percent tuition fee has been increased on the plea that salary of staff was to be raised according to the sixth pay commission.
Association told reporters that massive hike in fee structure is unjustifiable as most of the parents of the students are small scale businessmen, private employees, Kashmiri migrants, and poor villagers who would not be able to bear this abnormal hike.
The Association members also expressed concern over the crowded class rooms, and alleged more than 60 students have been taught in a single class room. They said that due to the crowded class rooms’ teacher are unable to adequately teach the students. Hence, average students who need attention from the teacher remain unattended whereas superior students easily grasp which is being taught in the crowded classes.
“This results into the deterioration of education standard as proper attention is not being paid to the individual students, adding said strength of a section should not be more than 30 students as per CBSE guidelines”, the office bearers said. They again alleged that most of the schools in Jammu have been offering 25 percent of rebate in tuition fee for real brother/sister studying in the same school instead at Nagbani, they said adding, offering only ten percent rebate for the same.
The parents urged the administration that they should give them 25 percent rebate in tuition fee for real brother/sister studying in the said school. In this connection, Shiv Sena Hindustan staged a protest in front of Press Club of Jammu against the CBSE schools and urged the state government Director School Education to maintain proper check on the recent fee hike, annual charges, besides other things which are being done by the said schools on their own.
Furore in JU over council decision taken 9 months ago
Syed Amjad Shah
JAMMU, Nov 27: Nine months after the council resolution order changed the hierarchy within Jammu University, it has raised eyebrows. The resentment among the faculty members erupted over the 'abolition' of post of pro-chancellor and more powers the post of 'Quality Assurance and Strategic Planning'.
According to order of council resolution 67-119 notified by the University of Jammu vide notification number 2 of 2008 on November, 17, 2008 the post of 'Pro-Chancellor' has not been maintained in the new hierarchy of administration. Faculty members alleged that undue powers have been given to 'Quality Assurance and Strategic Planning' in decision making and administration demanded its revocation and rescind.
Jammu University Teachers Association (JUTA) in a general body meeting today criticised the decision and averred that 'Quality Assurance and Strategic Planning' cannot be above the conveners of the boards, Deans as well as other administrative bodies like Dean Academic Affairs (DAA), Registrar, Controller of Examinations and the Heads, Directors or any other such equivalent positions.
JUTA members further appealed that the 'Centre for Quality Assurance and Strategic Planning' should be a facilitating body and not an executing body of planning and management. Various speakers alleged that the said centre has been made to work as a 'super-structure' above all the existing bodies of the varsity against the Kashmir and Jammu Universities Act 1969.
The JUTA members also resolved that the responsibilities to be fixed for not routing the draft statute through various bodies of the university resulting in stark and gross violation of the academic norms and dignity of the teachers.The resolution was adopted with a request to the Chancellor of the varsity to rescind the above said council resolution with immediate effect.
The teacher's community has also been supported by some student organisations, including Sangharsh and Progressive Students Association (PSA).Sangharsh today staged a protest and extended its full support to Jammu University Teachers Association (JUTA). While talking to Kashmir Times, JUTA president, Prof Tripathi maintained that "we would work according to the aspirations of faculty members who have elected the office bearers of JUTA".
He informed that tomorrow they are going to organise a march from the University campus to the Governor House to submit a memorandum before him and highlight their demands. According to the official hand out from the University of Jammu it has been mentioned that 'Quality Assurance and Strategic Planning' responsible for review and monitoring of new and existing quality initiatives and planning of new projects.
The Quality Assurance unit works as an in-house consultant suggesting and working out strategic interventions to bring in an element of efficiency in the systems and processes, the statement said.
"The Centre is not another hierarchical structure, record keeper or an administrative arm but a unit for ushering in an era of 'Total Quality Management' through planning and monitoring process. With these initiatives the University has been able to transform the University into an institution with a culture of transparency, accountability, self-evaluation and continual improvement for enhanced stakeholder focus and participation", the handout clarified.
Campus Notes:
JU's taps go missing
Syed Amjad Shah
While on the one hand Jammu University is making efforts to surge ahead in the field of academics, it has run into a strange problem of 'Missing water taps'.Hundreds of water taps from across the campus in different departments have gone missing and the university authorizes are completely clueless.Various meetings have been held and even Vice-Chancellor Prof Amitabh Mattoo has been briefed, Students have been complaining that the issue has taken an alarming turn with many areas getting flooded and slush all around.
The taps in the toilets too gave gone missing.When contacted the concerned officials in the Works Departments, admitted that there are complaints but they expressed their inability to tackle with the problem.
Official informed that in a recently held meeting of 'Management Review Meeting' it was decided that once the required work is done it would be the responsibility of Head of the concerned Department for the security of the water taps of toilets.In this connection, office of the Vice-Chancellor has issued order authorizing the Executive Engineer of Jammu University Works Department to execute the repair work of toilets in various departments of the varsity on the current year budget allocation.
The departments which would be included in the repair work included Department of Law, Department of Hindi, Department of Geography, Department of Buddhist Studies, Department of Home Science and Department of Psychology including Dean Students Welfare and Examination besides others.
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The Department of Students Welfare University of Jammu has planned to organize a 'Solo Dogri Dances' programme on May 9 at the Brigadier Rajinder Singh Auditorium. In this connection, entries have been invited from the various departments from the Jammu University. **** For the very first time 'School of Visual and Performing Art, Design and Architecture' will organize a lecture. The lecture titled 'Digital Technology on Indian Films' will be delivered by the Pushpa Kushal from Auitel Post Studios Ltd, Bombay on May 6 at the General Zorawar Singh Auditorium.
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While on the one hand Jammu University is making efforts to surge ahead in the field of academics, it has run into a strange problem of 'Missing water taps'.Hundreds of water taps from across the campus in different departments have gone missing and the university authorizes are completely clueless.Various meetings have been held and even Vice-Chancellor Prof Amitabh Mattoo has been briefed, Students have been complaining that the issue has taken an alarming turn with many areas getting flooded and slush all around. The taps in the toilets too gave gone missing.
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The Department of Students Welfare University of Jammu has planned to organize a 'Solo Dogri Dances' programme on May 9 at the Brigadier Rajinder Singh Auditorium. In this connection, entries have been invited from the various departments from the Jammu University.
****
For the very first time 'School of Visual and Performing Art, Design and Architecture' will organize a lecture. The lecture titled 'Digital Technology on Indian Films' will be delivered by the Pushpa Kushal from Auitel Post Studios Ltd, Bombay on May 6 at the General Zorawar Singh Auditorium.
Syed Amjad Shah
While on the one hand Jammu University is making efforts to surge ahead in the field of academics, it has run into a strange problem of 'Missing water taps'.Hundreds of water taps from across the campus in different departments have gone missing and the university authorizes are completely clueless.Various meetings have been held and even Vice-Chancellor Prof Amitabh Mattoo has been briefed, Students have been complaining that the issue has taken an alarming turn with many areas getting flooded and slush all around.
The taps in the toilets too gave gone missing.When contacted the concerned officials in the Works Departments, admitted that there are complaints but they expressed their inability to tackle with the problem.
Official informed that in a recently held meeting of 'Management Review Meeting' it was decided that once the required work is done it would be the responsibility of Head of the concerned Department for the security of the water taps of toilets.In this connection, office of the Vice-Chancellor has issued order authorizing the Executive Engineer of Jammu University Works Department to execute the repair work of toilets in various departments of the varsity on the current year budget allocation.
The departments which would be included in the repair work included Department of Law, Department of Hindi, Department of Geography, Department of Buddhist Studies, Department of Home Science and Department of Psychology including Dean Students Welfare and Examination besides others.
*****
The Department of Students Welfare University of Jammu has planned to organize a 'Solo Dogri Dances' programme on May 9 at the Brigadier Rajinder Singh Auditorium. In this connection, entries have been invited from the various departments from the Jammu University. **** For the very first time 'School of Visual and Performing Art, Design and Architecture' will organize a lecture. The lecture titled 'Digital Technology on Indian Films' will be delivered by the Pushpa Kushal from Auitel Post Studios Ltd, Bombay on May 6 at the General Zorawar Singh Auditorium.
***
While on the one hand Jammu University is making efforts to surge ahead in the field of academics, it has run into a strange problem of 'Missing water taps'.Hundreds of water taps from across the campus in different departments have gone missing and the university authorizes are completely clueless.Various meetings have been held and even Vice-Chancellor Prof Amitabh Mattoo has been briefed, Students have been complaining that the issue has taken an alarming turn with many areas getting flooded and slush all around. The taps in the toilets too gave gone missing.
*****
The Department of Students Welfare University of Jammu has planned to organize a 'Solo Dogri Dances' programme on May 9 at the Brigadier Rajinder Singh Auditorium. In this connection, entries have been invited from the various departments from the Jammu University.
****
For the very first time 'School of Visual and Performing Art, Design and Architecture' will organize a lecture. The lecture titled 'Digital Technology on Indian Films' will be delivered by the Pushpa Kushal from Auitel Post Studios Ltd, Bombay on May 6 at the General Zorawar Singh Auditorium.
Sunday, April 19, 2009
J&K employees strike work, dozen injured in cane-charge
Musavirr Wani/Syed Amjad Shah
JAMMU/SRINAGAR, Nov 20: More then twelve protesting government employees were injured when police resorted to cane charge to prevent them from laying a siege of the civil secretariat here today. The protests were part of the one day strike call given by various unions of the employees both at Jammu and Srinagar.
About five lakh employees of Jammu and Kashmir today struck work in almost all government departments, including hospitals and educational institutions, demanding implementation of 6th Pay Commission Report, removal of pay anomalies of clerical cadre and increase in the retirement age. The call for strike had been given by Joint Consultative Committee alongwith some other organisations. Joint Consultative Committee is an amalgam of all gazetted and non-gazetted associations of the state besides unions of all three regions.
It was supported by all other unions of the employees across the state. The employees were protesting against the delay in implementing the agreement reached between government and various unions of the employees regarding the pay anomalies and retirement age issue. In Jammu, the protests were led by State Coordinator of Ram Kumar Sharma while in Srinagar; they were led by Khursheed Alam.
The agitating employees in Jammu gathered outside the exhibition ground and started proceeding towards the civil secretariat. They were shouting slogans against the governor’s administration.
When the agitating employees reached near the Shalimar Chowk, a strong contingent of police led by SP (City) Randeep Kumar tried to stop them from moving towards the civil secretariat. The agitators were urged not to violate section 144 which comes into force around the civil secretariat once the Durbar is in Jammu. Police officials maintain that when the employees did not heed to their pleas, they had to resort to use of “mild force” to disperse the agitators in which around twelve employees were injured.
Later, talking to mediapersons Ram Kumar Sharma condemned the action of the police and affirmed that the agitation of the clerical cadre would continue until their demands are not met. “They cannot browbeat us by the use of force. We are the backbone of state machinery and if our problems are not redressed, official work would not only suffer but come to a complete halt,” added Sharma. In Kashmir valley, emergency service in the hospitals and teachers on examination duty were exempted from the strike.
All the government offices were wearing a deserted look forcing even their higher-ups to take a break from the routine official work. However, an official of the General Administration Department while contradicting the reports of complete strike claimed “All the offices were not deserted.” Referring to the essential services, he said that employees associated with these services were present on their duties.
But at SMHS (Srinagar), the hospital staff was missing. Dozens of ill people had to leave towards their homes without any treatment. Mohammed Rafiq Bhat who was injured in a road accident approached SMHS hospital but had to return without any consultation.While talking to KTNS, he said, “I was injured in the morning. I reached the hospital but there was no one whom I could have consulted. I had to come back home and then get my wounds dressed by a local practitioner.”
Except Kashmir University, schools and colleges either remained closed or witnessed thin attendance. Meanwhile in other universities of the valley, attendance of scholars was negligible. Convener Joint Coordination Committee (JCC) of Jammu and Kashmir civil secretariat employees Nazir Ahmed said that the employees want speedy implementation of the report of 6th Pay Commission and enhancement of retirement age from 58 to 60 years. “Government of India approved the sixth pay commission for five million central government employees in august while the same is being delayed here,” said Nazir.
He threatened that if the state government fails to respond, agitation would be intensified. Senior union leader of employees Khursheed Alam said that strike in all government and semi-government departments across the valley was cent percent.
He added that all the five lakh employees joined the strike in Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh region in support of their demands.“We had held three meetings with Governor N N Vohra on our demands, but nothing has come out so far”, he said adding the next step would be more forceful. He alleged that the administration was deliberately delaying the implementation of the promises made with the employees on implementation of 6th Wage Board recommendations and increase in the retirement age to 60 years from the present 58 years.
“We are being told that Election Commission of India (ECI) has not yet approved the recommendation of the state administration on this issue,” he said and added that the retirement age in the whole country was 60 years and there was nothing new in it.
When the state government could get approval of the ECI in transfer and other cases, why it cannot do so in this case, he questioned. He said there were other issues, including about daily wagers, contractual appointees and labourers which were also pending before the government.Meanwhile, president of Civil Secretariat (Non-Gazetted) Employees Union led by Farooq Ahmed Zargar held a meeting in the premises of Legislative Assembly.
He was joined by the leaders of Employees Joint Action Committee, Jammu and Kashmir Civil Secretariat Lower Grade Employees Union, State Motor Garages Union and Legislative Association and Council Employees Union. Speaking on the occasion, Showkat Ahmed Mir, Chand Bhat, Mohammed Afzal, Ghulam Mehdi, Mushtaq Hussain Khan, Abdul Majid Bhat, Ghulam Rasool, Mehraj-ud-din, Javed Ahmed and Farooq Ahmad urged the employees to forge unity among their ranks for achieving success in their struggle for the fulfillment of their just demands.
Nazir Ahmed Mir appealed the government not to go in for confrontation with the employees but to concede their demands without any further delay.
Those who addressed the gathering of protesting clerical employees included Mohamed Gafoor Dar, Balwan Singh Jamwal, Ganesh Khajuria, Sayeed Bano, Babu Hussain Malik, Dev Nand Gill, Popinder Singh, Jagmohan Sadhotra, Dharminder Singh, Balwinder Singh, Shahzadi Gill, Madan Sangral, Arik Singh Susan, Anar Singh, Susheel Pawar, Subash Chander Sharma, Krishan Singh, Muneer Ahmed, Ram Pal, Arun Moza, Rattan Doshi, Bharat Bhushan, Raj Nath Koul and Om Parkash Sharma. Besides, reports reaching here maintained that clerical employees of Ladakh gathered at the Leh Polo Ground under the leadership of Tahir Hussain, who in his address urged the government to implement the sixth pay commission recommendations without any further delay.
JAMMU/SRINAGAR, Nov 20: More then twelve protesting government employees were injured when police resorted to cane charge to prevent them from laying a siege of the civil secretariat here today. The protests were part of the one day strike call given by various unions of the employees both at Jammu and Srinagar.
About five lakh employees of Jammu and Kashmir today struck work in almost all government departments, including hospitals and educational institutions, demanding implementation of 6th Pay Commission Report, removal of pay anomalies of clerical cadre and increase in the retirement age. The call for strike had been given by Joint Consultative Committee alongwith some other organisations. Joint Consultative Committee is an amalgam of all gazetted and non-gazetted associations of the state besides unions of all three regions.
It was supported by all other unions of the employees across the state. The employees were protesting against the delay in implementing the agreement reached between government and various unions of the employees regarding the pay anomalies and retirement age issue. In Jammu, the protests were led by State Coordinator of Ram Kumar Sharma while in Srinagar; they were led by Khursheed Alam.
The agitating employees in Jammu gathered outside the exhibition ground and started proceeding towards the civil secretariat. They were shouting slogans against the governor’s administration.
When the agitating employees reached near the Shalimar Chowk, a strong contingent of police led by SP (City) Randeep Kumar tried to stop them from moving towards the civil secretariat. The agitators were urged not to violate section 144 which comes into force around the civil secretariat once the Durbar is in Jammu. Police officials maintain that when the employees did not heed to their pleas, they had to resort to use of “mild force” to disperse the agitators in which around twelve employees were injured.
Later, talking to mediapersons Ram Kumar Sharma condemned the action of the police and affirmed that the agitation of the clerical cadre would continue until their demands are not met. “They cannot browbeat us by the use of force. We are the backbone of state machinery and if our problems are not redressed, official work would not only suffer but come to a complete halt,” added Sharma. In Kashmir valley, emergency service in the hospitals and teachers on examination duty were exempted from the strike.
All the government offices were wearing a deserted look forcing even their higher-ups to take a break from the routine official work. However, an official of the General Administration Department while contradicting the reports of complete strike claimed “All the offices were not deserted.” Referring to the essential services, he said that employees associated with these services were present on their duties.
But at SMHS (Srinagar), the hospital staff was missing. Dozens of ill people had to leave towards their homes without any treatment. Mohammed Rafiq Bhat who was injured in a road accident approached SMHS hospital but had to return without any consultation.While talking to KTNS, he said, “I was injured in the morning. I reached the hospital but there was no one whom I could have consulted. I had to come back home and then get my wounds dressed by a local practitioner.”
Except Kashmir University, schools and colleges either remained closed or witnessed thin attendance. Meanwhile in other universities of the valley, attendance of scholars was negligible. Convener Joint Coordination Committee (JCC) of Jammu and Kashmir civil secretariat employees Nazir Ahmed said that the employees want speedy implementation of the report of 6th Pay Commission and enhancement of retirement age from 58 to 60 years. “Government of India approved the sixth pay commission for five million central government employees in august while the same is being delayed here,” said Nazir.
He threatened that if the state government fails to respond, agitation would be intensified. Senior union leader of employees Khursheed Alam said that strike in all government and semi-government departments across the valley was cent percent.
He added that all the five lakh employees joined the strike in Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh region in support of their demands.“We had held three meetings with Governor N N Vohra on our demands, but nothing has come out so far”, he said adding the next step would be more forceful. He alleged that the administration was deliberately delaying the implementation of the promises made with the employees on implementation of 6th Wage Board recommendations and increase in the retirement age to 60 years from the present 58 years.
“We are being told that Election Commission of India (ECI) has not yet approved the recommendation of the state administration on this issue,” he said and added that the retirement age in the whole country was 60 years and there was nothing new in it.
When the state government could get approval of the ECI in transfer and other cases, why it cannot do so in this case, he questioned. He said there were other issues, including about daily wagers, contractual appointees and labourers which were also pending before the government.Meanwhile, president of Civil Secretariat (Non-Gazetted) Employees Union led by Farooq Ahmed Zargar held a meeting in the premises of Legislative Assembly.
He was joined by the leaders of Employees Joint Action Committee, Jammu and Kashmir Civil Secretariat Lower Grade Employees Union, State Motor Garages Union and Legislative Association and Council Employees Union. Speaking on the occasion, Showkat Ahmed Mir, Chand Bhat, Mohammed Afzal, Ghulam Mehdi, Mushtaq Hussain Khan, Abdul Majid Bhat, Ghulam Rasool, Mehraj-ud-din, Javed Ahmed and Farooq Ahmad urged the employees to forge unity among their ranks for achieving success in their struggle for the fulfillment of their just demands.
Nazir Ahmed Mir appealed the government not to go in for confrontation with the employees but to concede their demands without any further delay.
Those who addressed the gathering of protesting clerical employees included Mohamed Gafoor Dar, Balwan Singh Jamwal, Ganesh Khajuria, Sayeed Bano, Babu Hussain Malik, Dev Nand Gill, Popinder Singh, Jagmohan Sadhotra, Dharminder Singh, Balwinder Singh, Shahzadi Gill, Madan Sangral, Arik Singh Susan, Anar Singh, Susheel Pawar, Subash Chander Sharma, Krishan Singh, Muneer Ahmed, Ram Pal, Arun Moza, Rattan Doshi, Bharat Bhushan, Raj Nath Koul and Om Parkash Sharma. Besides, reports reaching here maintained that clerical employees of Ladakh gathered at the Leh Polo Ground under the leadership of Tahir Hussain, who in his address urged the government to implement the sixth pay commission recommendations without any further delay.
Kashmir Times Campus Notes
JURSEA election process underway at JU
Syed Amjad Shah
The election date for next body of Jammu University Research Scholars Executive Association (JURSEA) is drawing nearer. The list of the 'Departmental Representatives' (DR) from most of the departments has been received by the Department of Students Welfare (DSW), informed Dean DSW Prof Dhian Singh Bhau. Prof Bhau said that within few days, the meeting of all the elected DRs would be organised to chalk out a plan for holding election for the new office bearers of Jammu University Research Scholars Executive Association (JURSEA).
Prof Bhau added that the new elected body would be asked to form the constitution of JURSEA, adding if needed, the help of a law teacher would also be provided to them.
*********
Though the University of Jammu has announced the curtailment of syllabus for the under-graduate students following agitation by the students yet the rural students are still ill-informed about the decision. Some of them are still under this impression that 'open choice' has been given. In fact, the varsity has only reduced the syllabus.
Under this relaxation, the choice would be there in four units while unit one would be compulsory. While taking to The Kashmir Times, Raghav Gupta from a city college maintained, "The students lost their precious time first during Jammu agitation then in assembly elections and finally in student agitation." Shazia Khan from a city women college stated, "There is great confusion among the students especially among those haling from rural areas vis--vis reduction in syllabus."
*****
A large number of candidates, who have filled up forms to appear in the examination for the post of 'Naib-Tehsildar' (NT) to be conducted by Service Selection Recruitment Board (SSRB), today staged protest demonstration against the Board for not issuing the 'roll numbers'. The protest was organised in front of the Central Library (CL), University of Jammu.
Shouting slogans against the SSRB, the candidates alleged that the Board had not issued roll number for the examination scheduled to be held on February 8. Shamsher Singh told KTNS that he belonged to a far-flung area and could not collect his roll-number on time. Whereas Hanif Mohammed told KTNS that on a number of occasions, 'examination dates' have been changed.
Syed Amjad Shah
The election date for next body of Jammu University Research Scholars Executive Association (JURSEA) is drawing nearer. The list of the 'Departmental Representatives' (DR) from most of the departments has been received by the Department of Students Welfare (DSW), informed Dean DSW Prof Dhian Singh Bhau. Prof Bhau said that within few days, the meeting of all the elected DRs would be organised to chalk out a plan for holding election for the new office bearers of Jammu University Research Scholars Executive Association (JURSEA).
Prof Bhau added that the new elected body would be asked to form the constitution of JURSEA, adding if needed, the help of a law teacher would also be provided to them.
*********
Though the University of Jammu has announced the curtailment of syllabus for the under-graduate students following agitation by the students yet the rural students are still ill-informed about the decision. Some of them are still under this impression that 'open choice' has been given. In fact, the varsity has only reduced the syllabus.
Under this relaxation, the choice would be there in four units while unit one would be compulsory. While taking to The Kashmir Times, Raghav Gupta from a city college maintained, "The students lost their precious time first during Jammu agitation then in assembly elections and finally in student agitation." Shazia Khan from a city women college stated, "There is great confusion among the students especially among those haling from rural areas vis--vis reduction in syllabus."
*****
A large number of candidates, who have filled up forms to appear in the examination for the post of 'Naib-Tehsildar' (NT) to be conducted by Service Selection Recruitment Board (SSRB), today staged protest demonstration against the Board for not issuing the 'roll numbers'. The protest was organised in front of the Central Library (CL), University of Jammu.
Shouting slogans against the SSRB, the candidates alleged that the Board had not issued roll number for the examination scheduled to be held on February 8. Shamsher Singh told KTNS that he belonged to a far-flung area and could not collect his roll-number on time. Whereas Hanif Mohammed told KTNS that on a number of occasions, 'examination dates' have been changed.
Tension in JU campus after students' clashes
Syed Amjad Shah
JAMMU, Dec 6: The claim of foolproof security in the Jammu University campus once again proved false when some students along with the 'outsiders' entered the Jammu University Boy's Vivekanand Hostel and allegedly beat up some hostelers on Wednesday night.The incident took place at around 7 PM in the Vivekanand Boys Hostel when some miscreants entered the boy's hostel and started beating the inmates, shouting slogans against a particular community and forcing them to sing 'Vandematram'.
The hostelers also alleged that the said miscreants included Pawan Kumar alias Manu a student of MP.Ed, Lavjeet Singh Jimmy student of Buddhist Studies Department, Amit Saini a resident of Pathankot and Balwinder Singh Jasrotia alias BSF. They also forcibly got some blank pages signed by the victims.
Those who refused to do so were severely beaten.It is pertinent to mention here that warden of the said hostel Gurdev Singh was also present there buthe chose not to intervene as a particular group of students were harassed.All the victims, who refused to disclose their names, said that "they fear that they will again be harassed if their names came up".
The students of various departments today congregated in front of the Administration Block of Jammu University to lodge their protest against the incident demanding strict action and enquire into the incident.The agitators were also joined by number of other student union organizations.
They were shouting slogans against the administration for it's failure in providing security in the campus day-to-day such incidents.Dissatisfied over the reaction of the authorities no body came out of the office to answer the queries of the agitating students. Students broke the window panes, paintings and other items in the said block. However, when University Vice-Chancellor Amitabh Mattoo was contacted he said," we are taking serious note of the incident in the Vivekanand Boys hostel in the campus and the Administration Block added that a written complaint has also been given to Superintendent of Police (South) in this connection". He again said that those who were involved in the incident, if found guilty will be punished according.
He disclosed that university is planning for opening a Police Post in side the campus of the University for avoiding such incidents in future on the pattern of Kashmir University where a Police Station has been established inside the campus.'University Authorities are also planning for arranging twenty-four police patrol party in the campus so that such incident can be checked' informed Public Relation Officer Jammu University Dr. Pritam Singh.However, a committee has also been framed under the headship of Head of Department Prof Naresh Padha to probe into the incident by the authorities of Jammu University.
Looking into the gravity of the situation varsity authorities have suspended two students who were involved in the incident including Pawan Kumar and Lovejeet Singh.
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