JDA's plea to owners of Ware House Trading Complex

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Apr 22: The owners of the Ware House Trading Complex who are in forceful and unlawful possession of the shops even after providing of alternate shop sites at Transport Nagar, have been asked by the Board of Directors of the Jammu Development Authority to negotiate with the JDA for final and amicable settlement of the existing commercial sites at Ware House.

Instructions in this regard were practically issued to the office bearers of the Chamber of Commerce, Jammu who were called by the Board during its meeting on 2nd day today.

The president of the Chamber of Commerce, Mr Ram Sahai was asked to sit with the Vice Chairman of the JDA alongwith other members of the Chamber of Commerce so that the problem being faced presently by the JDA as well as by the Ware House Traders could be solved once for ever.

The Directors informed that none of the builder/trader or any individual allotted land or shop in JDA Complexes shall be allowed to run workshop/business in the space falling under such complexes.

The Board decided that the land strips lying vacant at various JDA housing colonies could be allotted to such of the allottees who have already raised their houses adjacent to these strips. These strips would be allotted on the prevailing market rates while strips falling under category colonies would be allotted on 25 per cent less cost. At present there are about 200 such strips available in Shastri Nagar, Trikuta Nagar, Railway Head and Roop Nagar, housing colonies. In future, no such strips of land shall be left-over while allotting the land to the people, the Board decided.

The Board also decided that any allottee of the JDA land/plot, who is unable to construct a house within two years period will have to pay a handsome amount as penality as it felt that such vacant plots become dumping ground and create civic problem for other allottees.

The meeting decided that allotment cases of the JDA plots in favour of the handicapped persons should first be submitted to the Chief Minister before it is decided by the Board of Directors.

It was revealed at the meeting that the JDA realises record rent of Rs 4 crores annually from its assets like that of housing and shopping complexes.

The Directors of the Board appreciated the role of the JDA for raising various housing and official complexes in Jammu city and lauded the Vice Chairman JDA for being conscious enough in saving unnecessary expenditure and land of the JDA.

Addressing the meeting, Mr Shah said that there is need of holding negotiations with certain parties in whose favour land was earlier allotted and possession not taken so over far due to some reasons. He said deals must be finalized with such parties to avoid further delay and loss of revenue. He asked the JDA authorities to maintain and make more transparent the system of allotment and there should be no discrimination with any section of the society while allotting the JDA land to the needy people.

Mr Shah advised the allottees also not to violate rules fixed for construction of houses under Housing Act in the State adding that JDA authorities will become helpless to take necessary action for demolition of such un-authorised constructions.

The dignitories who attended the meeting include, the Principal Secretary, Planning Mr J A Khan, Principal Secretary Housing, Mr S L Sailova, Principal Secretary Housing, Mr S L Sailova, Principal Secretary, Finance, Mr Ajit Kumar, the Vice Chairman, JDA, Mr R K Handa, Chief Town Planner, Mr C L Koul and the Chief Architect, Mr H K Mangotra.

WWF honours Jandial, others for distinguished services

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Apr 22: The World Wide Fund for Nature India J&K chapter today honoured three renowed personalities of the State for their distinguished services in various fields of bio-diversity. They include Mr K B Jandial, Director of Information (ex-Administrator Jammu Municipality), Mr R K Gandotra, retd Chief Conservator of Forests and Mr Ayjaz Ahmed Malik, Member Environmental Tribunal of India.

Mr Jandial has been honoured with the award of the Clean Man of the Year for his outstanding service and dedicated efforts in improving civic amenities to the people of Jammu during his tenure as Administrator, Jammu Municipality. Mr Jandial, got applause from the people for achieving unprecedented results in streamlining the functioning of the Civic institution and introducing a number of innovative schemes for keeping the city neat and clean through night scavanging, removal of encroachments, campaign against use of polythene bags, improving the revenue of Municipality and door to door collection of garbage. The Industries Minister, Dr Mustafa Kamal presented the award to Mr Jandial.

Mr Raj Gandotra was honoured with the award of Green Man of the decade for his outstanding service towards afforestation and plantation of more trees on waste land and other available vacant patches of the city. Peerzada Ghulam Ahmed Shah, Forest Minister presented the award to Mr Gandotra.

Mr Ayjaz Ahmed Malik was bestowed with the Best Environmental Award.

These awards were presented to the distinguished personalities at the Earth Day - 2000 function organised by the State Committee of World Wide Fund to Nature India at Jammu club today. The Chairperson World Wide Fund, Mr Y R Malhotra also attended. Mr Mohammad Shafi Pandit, Principal Secretary and president Youth Hostel Association of India, Mr B S Jaswal, Commissioner/Secretary, Forests were also present.

The prize distribution function was also attended by a number of volunteer environmental organisations, prominent citizens, number of environmentalists and a galaxy of academicians and students.

Comprehensive development plan being implement soon

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Apr 22: A comprehensive development plan for border areas has been formulated and is being implemented in the State very soon.

This was stated by the Minister for Tourism, Youth Services and Sports and Gardens and Parks, Mr S S Slathia while addressing a largely attended public meeting at village Dablehar in R S Pura tehsil of Jammu district here today.

The Minister of State for Agriculture, Mr Ram Pal, Minister of State for Power, Mr Gh Hassan Bhat and MLA Mrs Bimla Luthra were also present.

Mr Slathia said that the Government is fully aware of the difficulties being faced by the people especially the people of border areas. He said the Government has formulated a development plan for the border areas of the State and the maximum expenditure of the budget will be made on the development of border areas for upgradation and improvement of road communications, construction of school buildings, lanes and drains, supply of safe drinking water, construction of buildings for dispensaries, electricity, provision of adequate supply of medicines besides chemical fertilizers and high yielding varieties of seeds of various crops.

The Minister said that the Government have provided free seeds and fertilizers to the farmers of border areas especially living near the Indo-Pak Border and LOC besides free tractorisation facilities. He said that the compensations to the farmers who could not cultivate the land due to unprovoked firing from across the border would also be provided.

Referring to the killings of innocent people at Chhati Singhpora and drivers at Qazigund in Kashmir valley, Mr Slathia said that the militants have been frustrated and the militancy as its last leg. He said that militants do not belong to any religion as all the religions teach us lessons of brotherhood, fraternity and peace. Mr Slathia also expressed his sympathies with the families of Karnail Singh Driver of the village Dablehar who was killed by militants at Qazigund last month. He handed over the appointment order to his wife.

The MLA Bimla Luthra also spoke on the occasion.

Later, the Minister of State for Agriculture and Power distributed blankets among the destitute and poor women on the occasion.

Prof Gupta inaugurates Heart Care week

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Apr 22: The Heart Care Week being organised by Vasisht Ayurved Hospital & Heart Centre, Rehari, Jammu was inaugurated today by the Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation, Prof Chaman Lal Gupta in Regional Research Laboratory, Jammu. The J&K Minister for Health and Medical Education, Mian Altaf Ahmad was also present on the occasion.

Speaking on the occasion Prof Gupta lauded the efforts of the organisers in organising the Week so as to make people aware about the growing menace of Heart Diseases, Prof Gupta lamented that not much attention has been given for promoting the use of Ayurvedic System of medicine which has resulted in its downfall. He said that there is an urgent need to revive the Ayurveda System of Medicine and all associated with this System of Medicine will have to work hard for its promotion. The minister said that as heart diseases are on the rise, the time has come when we should work for integrating the Allopathic and Ayurvedic System of Medicines so as to provide better and effective care to the heart patients. He said that it is unfortunate that people who are aware that Ayurvedic System of Medicine is without any side effects still prefer to go for the Allopathic System of Medicine. He urged the organisers to analyse the reasons for this and work for popularising the Ayurvedic System of Medicine. He assured full cooperation to the organisers from the Central Government in promoting and popularising the use of Ayurveda. Prof Gupta said that it is unfortunate that nothing concrete has been done by the State Government in giving fillip to the use of Ayurvedic System of Medicine in the State and added that an Ayurvedic College which was set up in the State has been closed by the Government. He urged the State Government to take steps for re-opening the said College which can help in reviving the Ayurvedic System of Medicine. Prof Gupta further said that as various kinds of herbs are found in abundance in J&K State, steps should be taken to make their proper use in preparing various drugs which can prove effective in curing various diseases.

In his address the J&K Minister for Health and Medical Education, Mian Altaf Ahmad, lauded the efforts of the organisers in holding this programme in Jammu and asked them to organise a similar programme in Srinagar for the benefit of people there. He said that the State Government is keen to revive the Indian System of Medicine in the State.

A renowned Cardiologist Dr K K Aggarwal, who had come specially from New Delhi to attend the function, said in his lecture that "Prevention is the best care" to prevent the heart diseases. He urged the doctors to work for strengthening the Ayurvedic System of Medicine and said that time has come when we have to work for integrating the two system of medicines (Ayurvedic and Allopathic) so as to provide better medical care to the heart patients. He lamented that many young people are falling prey to many types of heart disease in India.

Earlier, Dr Sunil Vasishth, Organiser Heart Care Week welcomed the chief guest, Prof Chaman Lal Gupta, Mian Altaf Ahmad, J&K Minister for Health & Medical Education and other distinguished guests. He spelt out the aims and objectives of organising this week.

The main aim of organising this Heart Care Week in Jammu is to create awareness amongst the people about the rise in heart diseases. The week long programme includes a workshop on Heart Diseases, free Heart Camps, an exhibition and a rally. The Week is being organised for the first time in Jammu. Many renowned cardiologists are attending the week long programme.

Dr Brijbala Vasishth, president, Heart Care Week, later thanked the distinguished guests and other participants.

Noted diabetologist Dr Jitender Singh spoke on the subject of ‘Diabetes & Coordinary Heart Diceases’. While observing that majority of the persons suffering from heart attack below the age of 40 are diabetics. Dr Singh explained that not only the diabetes are more volunarable to heart attack but they are likely to suffer from ‘silent’ heart attack which means that a diabetics may suffer from a heart attack without experiencing any pain or symptom and therefore may get deprived of the treatment which is required immediately.

Noteable thing he pointed out that unlike in the case of non-diabetic, the womens diabetics are as much valunarable of heart attacks on men diabetics. Dr Jitender Singh also mentioned relevance of Yoga and life style modification along with other modern alopathic measures for prevention of heart diseases.

Christians celebrate Easter

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Apr 22: The Christian of J&K celebrated Easter with enthusiasm and with gaiety here.

They marched through the main bazars and chowks on last palm Sunday on April 16 which means the entry of Jesus Christ into the Jrushhal-lam and today they are wishing one another "Happy Easter".

Master William Gill president and vice president Romi and general secretary Babu John of "All J&K Christians Body Volunteer Welfare Association Jammu (AJKCBVWA) wished "Happy Easter" to all the Christians and Citizens of J&K State.

Mr William Gill, has also appealed to all Christians to make their lives in the intimation of the Lord Jesus Christ who brought mercy to this suffering world.

It was the Lord Jesus Christ who died for the sins of all the mankind. His cross reminds every Christian to tread in his footsteps and serve mankind, Gill said.

Gill appealed to all people and especially to Christians purify their hearts and to be united and serve mankind and fight for the just cause of their rights at the same time not forgetting their duties not only to their own kith and kin but also to all people of the world and be disciples of our Lord Christ in world and deed.

Governor, CM greet people on Easter

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Apr 22: Governor, Girish Chandra Saxena and Chief Minister Dr Farooq Abdullah have extended greetings and good wishes to the people of the State on the occasion of Easter.

In his message, the Governor said that Easter which is celebrated to mark the resurrection of Lord Jesus Christ after his crucifixion is symbolic of the triumph of good over evil and of humanism over the forces of inhumanity and violence. He added that Ester is a day of peace and joy and is an occasion for reiterating our faith in the Almighty.

In his message, the Chief Minister, Dr Farooq Abdullah today greeted people on the Easter.

"The occasion marks the resurrection of Lord Jesus Christ three days after his crucifixion, thus symbolizing victory of good over evil", Dr Abdullah said in a message.

The Chief Minister hoped the day would be celebrated with true spirits of our composite culture and prayed for peace and prosperity to the State.

Mustafa Kamal calls for conserving resources

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Apr 22: The Minister for Industries and Commerce, Dr Mustafa Kamal today called for integrated approach to conserve natural resources saying that concept of global village is meaningless unless the community of nations share each others experiences on vital global issues.

"Conservation of Forests, Preservation of water bodies and maintenance of ecology have attained great significance in the Pollution-Choked World," he said, adding that tampering with Nature's bliss has caused havoc and posed grave threat to mankind.

Dr Kamal was addressing a function held in observance of Earth Day-2000 organized by the World Wide Fund-Nature India, J&K Chapter here today.

Expressing concern over growing pollution, he said, only in the national capital of Delhi, 30 per cent children complain of chest disease. Such an alarming situation has to be addressed with sincerity of purpose and ways are to be found to rid the humanity of this menace.

Dr Mustafa said the reserves like precious water is fast dwindling and the researches have to find answer to solve such problems. He referred to the recycling of water in Britain which is quite safer for human consumption.

"If we fail to rise to the occasion and take earnest measure to address the problems of pollution and deforestation, posterity will never forgive us", the Minister cautioned. He said effective measures are needed for conservation and preservation of natural resources with particular reference to water and air which are vital inputs for survival of life..

Working hours in Govt offices to change from May 1

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Apr 22: The working hours in State Government offices in Jammu division shall be observed from 8.15 am to 1.45 pm from Ist May to September 30, 2000.

According to a circular issued by the Divisional Commissioner, Jammu, Mr Anil Goswami the other day. The educational institutions will function from 8 am to 1.30 pm and the State Government offices located at tehsil Banihal, Bhaderwah, Kishtwar, Thathri, Niabat Bani and Niabat Batote will continue to perform their work from 10 am to 4 pm as usual.

Justice Mishra stresses for protection of human rights

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Apr 22: Mr Justice Ranganath Mishra, former Chief Justice of India and former chairman of National Human Rights Commission today said Pakistan should be declared terrorist country and economic support stopped to it from the world community.

Justice Mishra stated that democracy cannot survive and sustain itself without respect for human rights and held that sincere efforts should be made to promote and protect them.

Mr Mishra, who is the president of All India Congress Committee Human Rights Department, said this while addressing one day convention of Human Rights Department of Pradesh Congress committee organised here under the chairmanship of Mr Janak Raj Gupta, state chief of HRD of Congress Committee: He said

He dwelt at length about the wide spectrum of human rights and stated that the concept of human rights in India stretches back to the age of Vedas and Puranas. He added that the pivotal position of the individual citizen has been an inherent component of various religious philosophies that have flourished in this land since time immemorial.

Justice Mishra said the framers of the Constitution of India also reflected this primacy while handing down to us our Constitution under which we have practised democracy for half a century.

He added that the Universal Declaration also had standardized Human Rights which pronounced the Rule of Law and laid the foundation of fundamental liberties like social justice, economic and political, liberty of thought, expression, belief, faith and worship. He dwelt at length about Universal Declaration of Human Rights and stated that its articles from 1 to 28 deal with rights of individuals, Article 29 defines the duties and the Article states that nothing in this declaration be interpreted as implying for any State, group of persons any right to engage in any activity or to perform any act aimed at the destruction of any of the rights and freedoms of human beings.

Justice Mishra said advertantly or inadvertently the human rights of the persons have been and continue to be violated in the country in one way or the other. Hence there was a need to make the people aware about the human rights. He said God helps those who respect the human rights of others.

Mr Mishra said after attaining freedom from the foreign clutches the weightage was not given to building of human character. He laid stress on collective efforts to safeguard the human rights of one and all and added that the process should start from every home. He asserted that collective approach to any event gives extra flow to the same and takes lesser time to send the right signals about any subject. He stated that shortest possible route should be chosen for attaining any goal.

Justice Mishra said instead of making available one person at the party head office to listen to the grievances of the people about human rights violations, the Congress party should have atleast one person in each village to record violations of human rights and report the same to their block offices, which through proper channel bring the same to the notice of state body so that the matter could be taken expeditiously with National Human Rights Commission for an early redressal of the grievances.

He stated that in a democracy the people’s will holds sway and their decision is final.

Earlier various Pradesh Congress leaders addressed the convention. Former MP and PCC vice president Mr Dharam Pal Sharma stated that the people of J&K state were fed up with misrule of National Conference, which has only given corruption and unemployment to the people and put a halt to all developmental activities. He said further that civilians were being brutally killed along borders by the unprovoked firing from across the borders and kandi areas of Jammu region were faced with drought like conditions with acute shortage of drinking water. He said the State Government was playing the card of Autonomy report to divert the attention of the people from the core issues confronting them. He demanded that the term of state assembly, should be made for five years as else where in India. He said only the Congress party can be an alternative to the present regimes of NC in Jammu and Kashmir and of NDA at the Central level to safeguard the interests of the common people.

Mr Janak Raj Gupta, former MP who has been appointed as state president of Human Rights Department of Pradesh Congress Committee, had organised the convention. While speaking on the occasion he read out a message sent by All India Congress Committee president Mrs Sonia Gandhi about her willingness to attend the convention but regrets for not coming to Jammu due to her pre-commitments elsewhere. Mr Gupta expressed concern over pitiable condition of the people of border areas who have, after their migration in the wake of unprovoked firing from across the border areas, been languishing in make shift camps in different parts of Jammu region and the State Government has not provided them with adequate compensation or relief so as to ensure their honourable sustenance and that they be paid all amenities by the Government till their suitable rehabilitation.

He stated that the human rights groups of the Pradesh Congress Committee would make extensive tours of all the blocks in the state to ascertain the position of human rights violations and bring the same to the HRD, AICC for an early redressal of the same.

Those who spoke in the convention included Messrs Choudhary Mohd Aslam, PCC president, Ms Mehmooda Ali Shah, Madan Lal Sharma, former minister, Beli Ram Kundal, Peerzada Mohd Syed, Mrs Lakshmi Dutta, Mrs Prem Lata Bakshi, S Prudman Singh Azad, Beli Ram Kundal, Mirza Muzzaffar Beigh and others.

| home | state | national | business| editorial | advertisement | sports |
| international | weather | mailbag | suggestions | search | subscribe | send mail |