SRINAGAR: Union Minister for Roads, Highways and Transport, Nitin Gadkari Tuesday said that on the 45 km stretch of Srinagar-Jammu highway, five tunnels will come up of which one has been inaugurated while work on other four is going on. He said once all the tunnels will be completed, the travel distance on Srinagarr-Jammu highway, the life-life between J&K and the rest of the country will reduce to just three hours.
Talking to reporters on the sidelines of a function in Srinagar, Gadkari, who was accompanied by MoS PMO Dr Jitendera Singh, said that of the total 245 km stretch of Srinagar-Jammu highway, there will be five tunnels coming up on 45 km stretch. “Today, we have achieved a breakthrough on one tunnel and next three will be completed by March next year. The fifth tunnel is a bit difficult and that may take a bit of time,” the Union Minister said.
He said that a resort will also come up on the highway where Kashmiri handicrafts will be showcased. He said once the highway and tunnels will be ready, the road will get connected with the Katra and then to Delhi. “This way, J&K will get connected with the rest of the country,” he said.
On Monday, Gadkari had stated that in the next ten years, JK roads will match with the United States. “We aim that the Srinagar to Jammu distance will be covered in three hours, Katra to Delhi in six hours and Delhi to Srinagar in 8 hours,” he said, adding that better roads will help socio-economic growth of the J&K UT and generate lots of employment through tourism. “Tourism is set to increase four times once we have quality roads and highways,” he said. (KNO)
SRINAGAR: Mujeeb Ahmad (name changed), a government school teacher’s world came crashing down a decade after his appointment in the department when the government’s flip-flop policy debarred him from promotion to lecturer level.
Mujeeb isn’t alone though. Like him, scores of teachers in the education department having Master’s degrees in Environmental Science through distance mode have been rendered ineligible for promotions as well as from pursuing Master in Philosophy (MPhill) and Doctorate of Philosophy (PhD) courses.
Recently, the School Education Department acting on the recommendations of a High-level committee of the University of Kashmir stated degrees acquired by the candidates in science subjects via distance mode are neither eligible for appointment as lecturers at plus-2 level nor for admissions to M.Phill or PhD programmes.
The decision landed Mujeeb and others in the doldrums as earlier governments had upheld their degrees making them eligible for promotions and other benefits which now have been scuttled.
The issue was raked up in December last year when the School Education Department Kashmir wing’s Joint Director (JD) sent a letter to Chief Education Officer (CEO) Baramulla saying that it will not consider degrees pursued via distance mode for seniority or promotion. The letter created panic among teachers leading to Director School Education Kashmir (DSEK) withdrawing the letter and attaching of the in-charge Joint Director Shams-ud-Din for “misrepresentation” of facts.
Earlier, the department withdrew the placement order of 72 in-charge lecturers in the discipline of Environmental Science (EVS) citing the reason that the degrees obtained in distance mode in science subjects are not at par with the regular mode and the incumbents have not obtained proper permission from the competent authority.
The present stand of the government vis-à-vis distance mode degrees in the science stream comes in stark contrast to the earlier stands by the previous Jammu and Kashmir governments. In 2011, a high-level committee was constituted under the Chief Secretary which laid the criteria regarding the validity of distance mode degrees in Jammu and Kashmir.
An order vide number 252-HE-2012 was issued by Higher Education Department giving validity to degrees obtained through distance mode of education to the courses approved by the Distance Education Council and University Grants Commission (UGC).
The clause-VI of the said order states that the degree awarded by the universities whether situated within or outside the state through distance mode in the subjects falling in the science stream, where practical portions are a part of the curriculum and are conducted from within the respective campuses of UGC recognised universities shall be recognised as equivalent to the corresponding degrees awarded through regular mode by the state universities.
The order further states, “However, only if practicals are not conducted within the campus, the degree is not considered equivalent to the corresponding degree in regular mode.”
According to the Ministry of Human Resource Development guidelines 1995, if a university offers courses through distance education, it must be approved by the Distance Education Council (DEC). In 2013, the authority was handed over to UGC, Distance Education Bureau (DEB).
In 2017, the Jammu and Kashmir government in compliance with clause-XI of the 2012 order, issued order number 940-Edu-2017 which mentioned that to have a specific mechanism to ascertain the validity of distance mode degrees to bring them at par with regular mode degrees.
The order stated that for the courses in science subjects where practicals are a part of the curriculum, the concerned university shall certify that the practicals have been conducted from the main campus of the university.
In another clause, it states that the promotion of in-service candidates including distance mode degree holders shall be performance-based and their regularisation will be affected strictly as per their last three years’ performance in their respective discipline.
The order also stated that the teachers who have pursued their post-graduation (PG) during service and fulfil the criteria as envisaged in order 940-Edu-2017 shall be included in the seniority list.
On the recommendations of the Directors of School Education Jammu and Kashmir, the School Education Department elevated hundreds of PG Masters/Teachers in different disciplines having regular or distance mode degrees. The PG masters/teachers were elevated in the year 2019 as per the State Administrative Council’s (SAC) decision to create new posts to accommodate RRT Grade II teachers.
After a gap of nearly three years, the School Education Department issued Government Order number 2189-JK(EDU)-2022 withdrawing the placement orders of I/C lecturers in the discipline of Environmental Science who have obtained their degrees via distance mode.
The reason behind the withdrawal from seniority lists/ promotion orders of the said teachers was stated to be that they have not obtained proper permission and do not follow order 940 of 2017. However, the Masters /Teachers argue to have valid degrees obtained from UGC /DEC-approved universities of India with all the permission from competent authorities.
Mujeeb Ahmad, an Environmental Science teacher with a Master’s degree via distance mode said, “I have a valid degree as the department verified the degrees of PG Masters/Teachers at least times five times and submitted the same to the administrative department for inclusion in seniority list and for the purpose of promotion.”
The authorities encouraged teachers to continue their studies mentioning that permission is not required through circular instructions released in 2000 and 2005. However, a condition was put in that the leave taken for the purpose has to be added to the service book. Orders of the same nature were also released in 2006, 2011, and 2014.
Liaqat Ahmad (name changed), another EVS stream teacher said, “I have obtained proper permission from DDO/CEO as mandated in administrative department instructions dated December 30, 2005, and Director School Education circular instructions in 2000 and 2012.”
“Government says that we should have taken the study leave from the competent authority first, but study leave does not implement on us. Study leave is required in case of regular, technical or professional studies and not for academic studies.”
“The Masters /Teachers are entitled commutation leave under Clause 29-C of Jammu and Kashmir Leave Rules 1979 which can be availed by the Teachers/ Masters to complete the course in different intervals to attend the practical classes and examination in the university and we opted for that when needed,” Liaqat added.
Both Mujeeb and Liaqat have pursued their Master’s degrees from Bharathiar University Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu which is UGC recognised university.
Meanwhile, the reason given by the government behind the withdrawal from seniority lists/ promotion orders of the said teachers was stated to be that they have not obtained proper permission and do not follow order 940 of 2017. However, the Masters /Teachers argue to have valid degrees obtained from UGC /DEC-approved universities of India with all the permission from competent authorities.
Director of School Education Kashmir Tassaduq Hussain didn’t meet in the office or respond through the Public Relations Officer on the issue even after repeated attempts.
Srinagar, Feb 16: School Education Department Wednesday said that a high level committe at University of Kashmir has categorically resolved that degrees acquired by the candidates in Science subjects via distance mode are neither eligible for appointment as lecturers at Plus-2 level nor for admissions to M.Phill or Ph.D programmes.
Principal Secretary, School Education Department, Alok Kumar said this in reference to the petitions filed by different respondents seeking inclusion in the seniority list of Environmental Science discipline and for promotion to the post of Lecturer Environmental Sciences.
The news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) has leant that the department has said, “It has been found that the claim of the petitioners does not merit consideration based upon the observations and findings and as such the claim of the petitioners for their inclusion in the seniority list of Environmental Science discipline and consequent claim for promotion to the post of Lecturer Environmental Sciences is hereby rejected.”
“Environmental Sciences falls within the category of Science Stream where practical are the part of curriculum and therefore such degrees are necessary to be obtained through regular mode only unless such courses are allowed specifically through Distance Mode by Distance Education Council (DEC) or All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE),” reads the judgement.
It also said that the issue regarding validity of degree acquired through distance mode was taken up with the University of Kashmir.
In reference to referral, the Department was conveyed that, “The University in this regard has categorically communicated the decision regarding the distance mode degree, it is resolved by the high level committee that candidates holding masters degree in science subjects awarded through the distance mode from other universities are neither eligible for appointment as lecturers in the Higher Education Department (Plus-2) level nor for admissions to the M.Phill or Ph. D programmes.”
Stating the reason as to why the degrees cannot be perused, KU has said, “The laboratory component which forms an indispensable part of the curriculum and requires a continuous guidance for the whole period of 4 semesters is not given its due importance in the distance mode learning.”
“Hence in light of the facts, it is clearly evident from the records and rules that the distance mode degree of PG in Ecology and Environment is neither recognized by the University nor equivalent to the corresponding PG Degree of Environmental Science, University of Kashmir, Srinagar,” it reads—(KNO)
SRINAGAR: School Education Department Wednesday said that a high level committe at University of Kashmir has categorically resolved that degrees acquired by the candidates in Science subjects via distance mode are neither eligible for appointment as lecturers at Plus-2 level nor for admissions to M.Phill or Ph.D programmes.
Principal Secretary, School Education Department, Alok Kumar said this in reference to the petitions filed by different respondents seeking inclusion in the seniority list of Environmental Science discipline and for promotion to the post of Lecturer Environmental Sciences.
Quoting department news agency KNO reported that, “It has been found that the claim of the petitioners does not merit consideration based upon the observations and findings and as such the claim of the petitioners for their inclusion in the seniority list of Environmental Science discipline and consequent claim for promotion to the post of Lecturer Environmental Sciences is hereby rejected.”
“Environmental Sciences falls within the category of Science Stream where practical are the part of curriculum and therefore such degrees are necessary to be obtained through regular mode only unless such courses are allowed specifically through Distance Mode by Distance Education Council (DEC) or All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE),” reads the judgement.
It also said that the issue regarding validity of degree acquired through distance mode was taken up with the University of Kashmir.
In reference to referral, the Department was conveyed that, “The University in this regard has categorically communicated the decision regarding the distance mode degree, it is resolved by the high level committee that candidates holding masters degree in science subjects awarded through the distance mode from other universities are neither eligible for appointment as lecturers in the Higher Education Department (Plus-2) level nor for admissions to the M.Phill or Ph. D programmes.”
Stating the reason as to why the degrees cannot be perused, KU has said, “The laboratory component which forms an indispensable part of the curriculum and requires a continuous guidance for the whole period of 4 semesters is not given its due importance in the distance mode learning.”
“Hence in light of the facts, it is clearly evident from the records and rules that the distance mode degree of PG in Ecology and Environment is neither recognized by the University nor equivalent to the corresponding PG Degree of Environmental Science, University of Kashmir, Srinagar,” it reads.
Should Cruz ultimately bow out of a GOP presidential primary, he’ll likely have plenty of company among fellow senators. Both Sens. Rick Scott (R-Fla.) and Josh Hawley (R-Mo.), also seen as potential 2024 White House contenders, say they plan to run for reelection in their states. And Sen. Tom Cotton (R-Ark.) said he’s also taking a pass.
It’s a notable divergence from 2016, when four Republican senators jumped into the primary. As GOP lawmakers contend with the tricky dynamics of a polarizing former president’s third White House bid, many in their party are also eager to see an alternative candidate — and there’s a growing awareness that a crowded GOP field could clear the way for Donald Trump. Potential presidential candidates are also watching what other prominent GOP figures like Ron DeSantis will do, letting the Florida governor absorb Trump’s early attacks.
Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), who recently endorsed Trump and attended a South Carolina campaign rally with him, suggested that Cruz may be among the crew of potential candidates who will make a call after more deeply assessing the former president’s strength, especially among the party base.
Cruz “has a lot of support, he’s a strong conservative voice in the body,” Graham said. “I think he’d be one of the people who will sort of look and see how Trump does and see what happens.”
Cruz’s focus on his Senate bid follows a tough 2018 reelection fight against former Democratic Rep. Beto O’Rourke, who lost by 2.6 points. Combined, the two candidates raised close to $115 million, with O’Rourke bringing in more than $80 million. And Cruz may face another fight in 2024, with Texas and Florida the only conceivable pick-up opportunities for Democrats in a cycle that will have them mostly on defense — 23 of the party’s seats are up next year.
O’Rourke did not respond to a request for comment on whether he was considering a second Senate run against Cruz. After losing his gubernatorial bid against Texas Gov. Greg Abbott in 2022, he told the audience in his concession speech that “this may be one of the last times I get to talk in front of you all.”
But plenty of others are considering a Cruz challenge. A person close to former Housing and Urban Development Secretary Julián Castro said that he is weighing a run. Democrats in the state are also watching Rep. Colin Allred (D-Texas); state senator Roland Gutierrez, who represents Uvalde, the town devastated by a school shooting; and state Rep. James Talarico, who sparred with Fox News host Pete Hegseth in 2021, according to a Texas Democratic strategist.
A senior adviser to Cruz, granted anonymity to speak candidly, said he plans to make his formal Senate run announcement within the first half of the year. They added that Cruz would make additional staff hires during that period and that he’s already started raising money, including “revamping completely the small-dollar operation.” Cruz currently has $3.4 million cash on hand.
Democrats acknowledge that Texas has not been an easy state for the party. But they argue that Cruz is more vulnerable than his other GOP counterparts, citing the close 2018 race and his castigated 2021 trip to Cancun while Texas underwent a power-grid emergency due to a winter storm.
“We look forward to our Democratic nominee retiring Ted Cruz from the U.S. Senate and finally allowing him some time to finally relax at his preferred Cancun resort,” said Ike Hajinazarian, a spokesperson for the Texas Democratic Party. “That is, of course, should he even choose to run for reelection, which would be strange considering his newly-introduced legislation to limit U.S. senators to two terms.”
Cruz, who would be running for a third term, told reporters this week that he doesn’t support unilateral term limits, but would “happily comply with them if they applied to everyone.”
When he first came to the Senate in 2013, Cruz quickly started causing trouble for GOP leadership. That year, he infuriated his Senate colleagues over a joint effort with House Republicans to defund Obamacare, which led to a government shutdown. More recently, he supported Sen. Rick Scott’s (R-Fla.) challenge to Minority Leader Mitch McConnell amid frustration over the GOP’s disappointing midterm performance.
This Congress, his allies say he’s focused on his role as the incoming top Republican on the Senate Commerce Committee, his first stint as a panel’s party chief. His Democratic counterpart, Chair Sen. Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), said Cruz will be “hopefully productive.”
As the Texan hones in on his Senate race, his adviser indicated Cruz still has the infrastructure — if needed — for a future presidential run. Under Texas’ so-called LBJ law, the senator could technically run for both reelection and the White House at the same time.
“Unlike some names that are being floated, he has a built-in organizational strength, national name ID and the conservative bona fides where” he doesn’t need to be one of the first names to enter the race to be competitive, the adviser said.
Still, Cruz’s colleagues say his approach to a White House run is notably different than eight years ago, when he rolled out his first presidential bid in March 2015. Cruz campaigned as a political outsider and invested heavily in his ground game in Iowa. He went on to win the Iowa caucus and stayed in the GOP primary until May of 2016, after it essentially became a two-person race with Trump.
While Trump and Cruz had a bitter rivalry during that campaign, with the New Yorker nicknaming his foe “Lyin’ Ted” and Cruz calling Trump a “pathological liar,” they eventually became allies.
Trump campaigned for the Texan during his 2018 Senate race; Cruz challenged President Joe Biden’s win in 2020 and later was among the senators who advised Trump’s lawyers during his second Senate impeachment trial.
“We haven’t heard a lot from him,” said one Senate Republican, granted anonymity to speak candidly about a colleague. “By this point, in 2015, I think he was fairly open about what he was doing. But there are a lot of things about this time that are different.”
With Biden widely expected to seek reelection, all eyes are on the GOP primary. Senate Republicans aren’t sure how many members of their conference will end up running, with many noting that it’s still early in the cycle. Sen. Tim Scott (R-S.C.) is widely seen as the most likely of them to run.
Cruz, for his part, only observed that the 2024 presidential cycle is “unusual” because “neither side has any idea who their nominee will be.”
“I don’t think Joe Biden’s going to run,” Cruz said. “Donald Trump has announced he’s running. I think it’s clear there are a number of people who are preparing to jump in, and I don’t know what will happen in that race. I feel confident it won’t be boring.”
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( With inputs from : www.politico.com )
