Guv not even allowed to hold press meet: Malik

JAMMU: Jammu and Kashmir Governor Satya Pal Malik on Tuesday said the position of a governor in the country is very weak as he does not have the right to hold a press conference or talk his heart out. He also reiterated his statement that a section of wealthy people in the country are like “rotten potatoes” because they do not do charity or come forward to help improve the education system.

SRINAGAR: Students in Jammu and Kashmir, particularly in the Valley, are in a dilemma as authorities have decided to go ahead with annual examinations for various classes according to schedule but almost half of the syllabus is yet to be completed due to the closure of schools post August 5.

The school administrations have also charged fees from the students for these non-working months, parents allege. Now, the authorities have announced the schedule for the annual examinations without any relaxation in syllabus, they say.

Parents as well as students are wary that if the examinations are conducted on schedule without any reduction in the syllabus, the students may not secure good marks, but if the annual examinations are not conducted, a precious year would be lost.

Students say they are distressed by the prevailing circumstances and they have studied only around half of the prescribed syllabus. “We have been inside our homes since August 5. There has been no classes and studying in the prevailing atmosphere has been very difficult. How can we prepare for the examinations,” asks Nyla, a student of class 12 at a private school.

Employees to get salaries as per 7th Pay Commission

Government employees of the new Union territories -- Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh -- will get salaries and other benefits as per the recommendations of the 7th Pay Commission from October 31, the Union Home Ministry said on Tuesday.

The Home Ministry has issued the necessary orders in this regard. Union Home Minister Amit Shah has approved the proposal of payment of all 7th CPC allowances to the government employees of Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir and Union Territory of Ladakh, which shall come into existence from October 31, an official statement said.