Jammu-a divided region; with different directions!

JAMMU BANDH TODAY

*When it comes to fight for common cause and people start going in different directions for their own interests, affiliations and associations; agitations or the strikes die halfway without attaining the results/goals for which they are started.

Ajmer Alam Wani

JAMMU, AUG 9: It is imperative to have mass support, complete backing by one and the all, maximum participation of people irrespective of age, sex eye on the goal and disassociations from all the political affiliations etc with one aim and cause, to make an agitation or strike successful. But when it comes to fight for the common cause and people start moving in different directions for their own interests, affiliations and associations; agitations or the strikes die halfway, without attaining the results/goals for which they are started.

See, if we are talking of entire Jammu region, people of the region including Rajouri, Poonch, Doda, Kishtwar etc are divided over the issue of Central University while the Kashmiri people are watching the whole situation silently.

In Jammu region, demands are being raised in every district for setting up Central University, which indicates that Jammu region is not united, every part, leader and the association is going in different directions are been dictated by their bosses.

This indicates one more thing that those who go for agitations or strikes either have less public support or their ideology is conflicting with those of others who do not support them.

It was required that entire Jammu region should have united on the issue of Central University but the result as seen is contrary. The reasons are many. Few are like (1) Political players have succeeded in creating inter-regional divides by provoking people to raise the demands for Central University as PDP has done in Rajouri-Poonch and Kishtwar districts.

(2) People of Jammu regional (Jammu, Rajouri, Poonch, Udhampur, Doda, Kishtwar, Ramban, Banihal, Samba, Reasi, Akhnoor etc) have communication gap so are easily misled by opportunists. (3) People of Jammu region have affiliations with several political parties and groups and every party has their own interests and ideologies so they mobilize people in their own way. (4) Political leaders of Jammu region are divided in two categories- (i) Those in power speak different as dictated by their bosses while (ii) Those out of power speak exactly what the people wants to hear (but interestingly when the same leaders were in power, never spoke like this). There are many more reasons. See the Transporters of Jammu have refused to observe Jammu Bandh and sought security from administration for safe playing of vehicles. The decision of transporters invites clashes between students and transporters on Monday as some elements will try to create law and order problem in Jammu. This will not only weaken the agitation/struggle but also create a divide and wedge among different sections.

Moreover, the Central University Andolan Samiti (CUAS) Jammu Bandh has not been only opposed by transporters but fissures among the student bodies have also surfaced, which indicates division has been created by the claver players and the agitation has been confined.

The student wings of the ruling National Conference (NC) and the Congress - the National Conference Students Union and the National Students Union of India have disassociated themselves from the agitational politics over the issue.

NSUI members’ are of the opinion that if the government has assured that the Central University will be set up in Jammu so there is no need for the agitation.

However, CUAS has called for complete Jammu shutdown on Monday over the ‘vague’ statements made by the Jammu and Kashmir Government regarding setting up a Central University near Jammu, the state's winter capital.

The shutdown call comes even as the Omar Abdullah Government on Wednesday said the first CentralUniversity in Jammu and Kashmir will come up near Jammu. There was simmering discontent among student organizations who were protesting the government's reported move to shift the Central University to the Kashmir Valley.

The Jammu shutdown on Monday is to press for the issue opined CUAS, a group of various students' and social organizations that spearheaded the agitation.

According to CUAS Convenor, Pavitar Singh, retired Judge, the government is vague in its utterances and statements on the issue. HE told media that it has not been specified where and when the Central University will be set up.

After the Union Government announced that a Central University will be established in Jammu and Kashmir, the state government had identified a place close to Samba. 40 km from Jammu, for the site of the institution, but later, there was a proposal to shift it to the Kashmir Valley, triggering a series of demonstrations in Jammu by student groups, who were supported by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and some trade bodies.

Though the Samiti lead led by Sunil Sethi, Bar President held talks with Revenue Minister, Raman Bhalla and officials of the District Administration made efforts to persuade Samiti to withdraw Bandh call, yet Samiti has decided to go ahead with its proposed programme.

Revenue Minister repeatedly assured delegation that CU is being set-up in Jammu and a team of HRD officials is shortly going to finalize the site for its creation.

IF sources are believed, Bhalla has mentioned that he would be last man to allow Central University to be shifted to Kashmir Valley.

Samiti members continued insisting Bhalla to give in writing that CU would be established in Jammu and at Samba only, sources added.

Referring to CU being subject of Union Government, Bhalla mentioned that assurance of five cabinet ministers is far more credible than that of something written on a piece of paper.

Only Article-370 can save J&K from burning again

Two Central Universities for JK; reality or an illusion?

*No decision on the issues taken so far, let us hope for justice, equality and regional balance: Sibal

*As per Central University Act one state can have only one Central University: Goni

*All Valley based politicians; BJP leaders at Centre are backing the demand for setting up Central University in Doda: Wani

*Under Article-370 J&K enjoys special status so the state is likely to get benefit of it by getting two Central Universities: Bhalla

Ajmer Alam Wani

JAMMU, AUG 6: Though, the Jammu and Kashmir Government is pursuing hard to get two Central Universities one for Kashmir while another for Jammu division but if one goes by the Central University Act, the attempt seems an illusion more than a practical reality. However, Union Human Resource Development (HRD) Minister, Kapil Sibal when contacted cleared that no decision on the issues has been taken so far, yet, he mentioned, “Let us hope for justice, equality and regional balance.” When asked about the possibilities of establishment of a Central University in Jammu region in erstwhile Doda district, Sibal said, “At the movement no comments”, However, he added that matter has been discussed with the J&K Govt and ‘hopes are there’.

When contacted, Political Advisor to the Union Minister of New and Renewable Energy Dr. Farooq Abdullah and senior National Conference (NC) leader and former Advocate General to J&K Govt (law luminary) Mohammed Aslam Goni said, “According to the provision of Central University Act, one sate can have only one Central University.” However he added that J&K Govt has taken the matter with Prime Minister (PM) Dr. Manmohan Singh seeking two Central Universities for the state and the PM has shown passivity.

Relevant to mention here that in January this year, the Central University of Jammu and Kashmir was established by an Act of Parliament while to establish two Central Universities in Jammu and Kashmir amendment to the Central University Act will be needed. If so is done other states will also raise the vice for more than one university. However, possibility of two Central Universities in Jammu and Kashmir State can not be completely ruled-out but indications are that it seems more illusion than a practicable reality.

But if one goes by the version of Revenue Minister, Raman Bhalla, than J&K will get two Central Universities on for Jammu while the other for Kashmir regions to end the regional disparities.

When asked about the Central University Act, according to which J&K state can have only one Central University, Bhalla said, “leave that aside, J&K enjoys special status under Article -370 and the issue has been discussed with the Prime Minister (PM), HRD Minister and others and the response is positive”. He mentioned that Jammu as well as Kashmir, both the regions will get the Central Universities.

Bhalla added, I visited the proposed site at Samba today and now we are ready with details of 3916 kanal land which has been proposed for setting up Central University.

Here, the people of Jammu and Kashmir should realize the benefits of Article -370. It is the only article which can help in establishing two Central Universities in the Jammu and Kashmir State. If this article (which grants special status to J&K) would have not been in place, than no one will be able to stop Jammu and Kashmir State from a big regional divide and violent clashes at both the regions, (Jammu, Kashmir) were invited.

Those who had been opposing the Article-370 and demand its abrogation should now realize that this is the only ‘Article’ which will save the state from burning again.

Sources said that JKPCC Chief Saif-ud-Soz has received a latter from PM and Union HRD Minister, Kapil Sibal assuring regional balance which indicated that the chances for J&K of getting two Central Universities are maximum.

The positive response from the Centre is the outcome of the meeting between a delegation of J&K Govt and PM Dr. Manmohan Singh, Congress President, Sonia Gandhi and Human Resource Development Minister Kapil Sibal on Monday in which two Central Universities for the state - one each for Jammu and the Kashmir region were sought by the delegation. CM who was leading a delegation of the State Ministers and Members of the Parliament (MPs) from the State, urged the PM to establish two Central Universities in J&K one in Jammu region and the other in Kashmir region. The delegation included Dr. Farooq Abdullah, Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy Resources, Prof. Saif-ud-Din Soz, President J&K PCC, Tara Chand, Deputy Chief Minister J&K, Members of Parliament Mohd Shafi Uri, Madan Lal Sharma, Ch. Lal Singh, Shrief-ud-Din Shariq, Dr. Mehboob Beg, State Ministers Peerzada Mohammad Sayeed, Ali Mohammad Sagar, Taj Mohi-ud-Din, S.S Salathia, Sham Lal Sharma, Raman Bhalla, Abdul Gani Malik, R.S Chib and Political Advisor to Chief Minister, Devender Singh Rana.

It will be worthwhile to mention here that the University Grants Commission (UGC), which maintains standards for university education in India, formulated National University Act for the establishment of 30 Central Universities in the country. During the 11th Five-year plan (2007-12), the government proposes to establish one Central University in each state (where it does not have one) and provide assistance for establishing one college in each district with a low Gross Enrolment Ratio in higher education. The financial requirement for these universities is estimated at Rs 4,800 crore during the 11th Plan period. Currently, around 20 per cent of the budgeted expenditure on higher education is met by the Central Government. Functioning of these Central Universities will be modeled on the lines of the New Delhi-based Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU). The government is planning to have world-class standards for the Central Universities, which would be located in or near selected large cities. The universities will be multidisciplinary with a national and international faculty pool.

The state government had identified a place close to Samba near Jammu for the site of the Central University. But later there was a proposal to open it in the Kashmir Valley triggering a series of demonstrations by student groups, who were supported by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and some trade bodies.

Central University Andolan Samiti (CUAS), a group of various students’ and social organizations that spearheaded the protests, had threatened to hold mass agitation if the matter was not resolved by Aug 7.

Though some demands from others parts of the Jammu region are being raised for the setting up of Central University but the possibilities and feasibility are remote keeping in view several aspects like connectivity, feasibility, atmosphere and the reach.

Former Minister, senior Congress leader and Member Legislative Assembly (MLA) Doda, Abdul Majid Wani claimed that a resolution has been submitted to Central Government seeking the establishment of Central University in erstwhile Doda district.

According to Wani, all Valley based politicians, Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders at Centre and the others are backing the demand for setting up Central University in Doda district (in Jammu region). When asked about the Jammu based politicians including majority of BJP MLAs, Wani said, “They have not supported the demand and will not support it.”

Wani said Jammu, Srinagar and few other cities have already well-established universities, whereas the Chenab Valley Region in Jammu region (erstwhile Doda district) lacks facilities of higher education.

Wani mentioned that for the last six decades, Doda district remained neglected as far as overall development except works started during last five years. Surprisingly, Doda district does not catch the attention of planners.

Backing Wani’s demand, Political Advisor to Dr Farooq Abdullah, Aslam Goni said that that if the Central University is established in erstwhile Doda district, what will be wrong in that. Doda is a vast district, centrally located form Kashmir as well as Jammu and needs educational boost so if a Central University is established in the erstwhile Doda district, it will help in minimizing the educational backwardness, Goni added.

ANGANWARI: Many go defunct, yet Itoo contemplates more

* Number of Anganwari Centres in far-flung area of Doda are functioning on papers only while the reality is that many Anganwari Workers in far-flung areas of the district are married to other locations and shifted, many have shifted to cities, yet on papers they are working in these Anganwari Centres and are getting all the benefits. But the reality is otherwise. They visit these Anganwari Centres seldom. It will not be wrong to say that such Anganwari Centres have gone defunct.

The liberal funding from the Central Government to the Government of Jammu and Kashmir seems have made the state politicians, administration and the functionaries from top to bottom least accountable and those required to ensure proper functioning of several centres, act irresponsibly thus the result/outcome is lack of desired results. Such attitude of state government functionaries has led to huge losses to the state exchequer yet some the ministers are planning to go for more. Yes, the point in the case is to raise the issues pertaining to the present day functioning of Anganwari Centres in the state and the relevance of yesterday’s statement made by Minister for Social Welfare, Sakina Itoo. She mentioned that the government is contemplating to set up more Anganwari Centers under ICDS in the far off and uncovered areas of the state. Even she has issued instructions to the authorities concerned to conduct early survey of the left out villages in this regard.

The statement made by the minister is very good and every one should welcome it but has any minister so-far focused on making the available Anganwari Staff accountable to perform their duties. The answer is a big ‘NO’. Sources said that a number of Anganwari Centres in far-flung area of Doda are functioning on papers only while the reality is that many Anganwari Workers in far-flung areas of the district are married to other locations and shifted, many have shifted to cities, yet on papers they are working in these Anganwari Centres and are getting all the benefits. But the reality is otherwise. They visit these Anganwari Centres seldom. It will not be wrong to say that such Anganwari Centres have gone defunct.

This indicates that in many cases, administration in Jammu and Kashmir state functions on papers only instead on ground. And the result of such casual attitude of officials concerned is loss to the state exchequer.

Besides monetary loss to government, children are suffering badly as they are not getting pre-school education at these centres. As every one is aware, that the emphasis in Anganwari Centres is on the all-round development of children, in the age group 0-6 years by providing health, nutrition and early childhood stimulation.

Apart from preparing children for primary education, Anganwari Centres provide support services to working mothers with responsibilities of child care. One of the biggest programmes with an early childhood care and education component is the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) scheme with centres, spread across the country. These are also Balwadis and Day-Care schemes managed by Department of Women and Child Development/Social Welfare and Voluntary Organizations, as well as pre-primary schools run by local bodies and some State Governments. It would be useful only if the Minister could have a look at the manner of implementation of the schemes at the field level, more particularly with a view to achieve synergies that could be expected by such convergence.

The aim of raising these points here is to invite minister’s attention towards the implementation of Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) and giving it more effective direction.

Minister may also consider setting up suitable coordinating mechanism at the State and District levels to bring about and sustain such coordinated functioning of these schemes.

No doubt the minister impressed upon the officers and field functionaries to work with missionary spirit and dedication to make the welfare schemes more beneficial to the deserving people but she is far away from the reality and does not know what happening in far flung area of Jammu region is.

Sources revealed that the ration that comes for particular Anganwari Centres is manuplated at many places in connivance with the Tehsil level officials.

Though she has said that this would go a long way in achieving the objectives of improving the lot of the weaker sections of the State but how if accountability is not made imperative.