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| AIDS Day Excelsior Correspondent Poonch Dec 1: In view of observance of world AIDS Day, the Department of Health and Family Welfare, Poonch organised a symposium on the theme....more BOSE
organises Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 1: In its continuing efforts to create awareness about AIDS, the Board of School Education under......more CCI
concerns over Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 1: The Chamber of Commerce and Industry has expressed grave concern over mismanagement in-apt handling and total chaos in the....more Maral
Overseas goes Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 1: Maral Overseas Limited (MOL), a unit of Bhilwara Group of Industries today added another feather in its cap......more Accounts
employees Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 1: A deputation of Jammu Kashmir Accounts Employees Association called on Mr M A Lala, Director Accounts and....more |
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Kanshi Ram
flags Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 1: Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) supremo and MP, Mr Kanshi Ram today lambasted the Central Government for its anti poor and anti Dalit policies.......more Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec. 1: Regional Research Laboratory (RRL), Jammu, a constituent unit of CSIR, celebrated its foundation day here today. .......more HC
directive to remove Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec. 1: Justice T S Doabia of the State High Court Jammu Wing has directed Union of India to see to it that whatever steps have been taken at Lakhanpur Barrier .......more Students
boycott classes Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 1: In a bizarre incident, an alleged kidnaper of a student of PG Economics Department appeared in the Campus and threatened the latter not to disclose................more |
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failed to give good governance: Mehbooba.. Promotion of local languages depends on intellingentia : Shafi.. Ministers to be available in Winter Secretariat.... Ban on sale of edible oil in loose form .... Record revenue by Sales Tax Deptt.... |
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Excelsior Correspondent Poonch Dec 1: In view of observance of world AIDS Day, the Department of Health and Family Welfare, Poonch organised a symposium on the theme "Men make a difference", here today. The District Development Commissioner, Mr. Khalid Hussain who is also the Chairman, District AIDS Society presided. As many as 12 students drawn from Degree College, Poonch and employees of Health Department participated in it. Mr. Asad Chouhan, Miss Anjum Ara and Mr. Rajiv Sharma were adjudged 1st, 2nd and 3rd respectively. Speaking on the occasion the DDC impressed upon the Doctors to take great care while transfusing of blood and giving injunction to patients. He directed that more and more such awareness camps should be organised in remote and backward areas for educating the masses about it. Later, the Chief Medical Officer presented a vote of thanks and delivered lecture |
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BOSE organises painting contest on World AIDS Day Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 1: In its continuing efforts to create awareness about AIDS, the Board of School Education under the leadership of its chairman Prof A R Charoo and state coordinator, Dr Veena Rajput of Population Education Project organised a painting competition at Tiny Tots Higher Secondary School, Sainik Colony. According to a press release, on the occasion, Dr Amar Singh Manhas, CMO, Jammu University delivered a very comprehensive lecture on AIDS. About 20 school children from Jammu region participated in the competition and there was great enthusiasm in the participants. At the end of the competition, Mr Vijay Saraf from the Institute of Music and Fine Arts adjudged the paintings in two groups, the secondary and higher secondary groups. the programme culminated with the prize distribution by the Director Prof A R Charoo. The chairman appreciated the efforts and the whole hearted participation of the students in the programme. State coordinator, Dr Veena Rajput also spoke on the occasion and apprised the efforts which the Board is making about the effective result oriented programmes which include Nukar Nataks, debates and other health awareness programmes. At the end, Mr Veena Handa, the Principal of the Tiny Tots HSS thanked the BOSE for organising the all important event in her school on the World AIDS Day. |
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CCI concerns over traffic mismanagement in Jammu Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 1: The Chamber of Commerce and Industry has expressed grave concern over mismanagement in-apt handling and total chaos in the traffic scenario today particularly at the Library Chowk, Kachi Chowni, Prade Ground, Bikarm Chowk and Gandhi Nagar Chowk leading to Swaran Theatre. According to a press release issued here today, general secretary of the CCI said that these were the glaring examples of total mismanagement of traffic system. Matadors are allowed to stop any-where any-time somewhere in three-four parallel lines. Auto rikshaws are observing no discipline and always try to rob the passengers because nobody is there to put check on them, the release add. He further alleged that Traffic cops were seen usually seen busy with their walkie-talkie, checking the 2 wheelers only and stopping load carriers at their will for obvious reasons. The release further added that traffic jam has became a routine almost in the entire city that includes New Plots, Canal Road, Hotel Asia Crossing and Ware House including the places already mentioned above. "One way traffic is hardly observed in the old city due to which the entire old city is always choked with traffic jams. VIP vehicles and police vehicles are mostly seen violating traffic rules" the release said. |
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Maral Overseas goes high tech, launches ERP system Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 1: Maral Overseas Limited (MOL), a unit of Bhilwara Group of Industries today added another feather in its cap by launching ERP system at its Bari Brahmana plant in Jammu. Principal Secretary, Industries and Commerce Mr Mohammed Shafi Pandit who was the chief guest on the occasion commissioned this system which would inter-connect all the major plants of the Group throughout the country on the computers and will provide all information related to the growth of the concern. The partial go live of Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) is expected to bring revolution in the Group by promoting its business, giving boost to the production, effectiveness and easy mode of delivery of the goods not only in India but throughout the world. The chief guest while congratulating the President of the Group at Jammu, Mr Anil Gandotra and his team here, expressed that the Group under the dynamic leadership of its vice-chairman Mr Shekhar Agarwal has undertaken a commendable and wise decision to introduce ERP. It will also make the Bhilwara Group a better partner in the nation building, he maintained. Mr Pandit further said that Information Technology has brought a revolution in every field and with the introduction of e-Commerce, trade and industry has also been benefitted a lot. He disclosed that India is presently exporting textiles to the tune of over eleven billion dollars and it may go up to 50 b. dollars by the end of next year. But the Chinese are gradually capturing the market in several Asian countries. It may give tough competition to the Indian market in the coming years. The emphasis may be laid to make our industry cost effective and give better and cheap product to the market, he added. Mr Gandotra while giving brief introduction about the system disclosed that ERP implementation will entail a capital outlay of Rs 16-18 crores on software, hardware and training for the Group as a whole. For Jammu unit, the Group has spent Rs 2.5 crores and Rs 20 lakhs will be required annually for the maintenance. The basic aim is to deliver goods in shortest possible time, get information/ status of any plant while sitting at one of the units inter-connected and to improve over-all performance of the Group. The system is expected to help the Group in meeting the challenge of globalisation and free trade in the new millennium. Mr Gandotra further emphasised that the new economy factors, fast response and transparency will be the key factors to the service of customers and to service the cut-throat competition of the market. He further pointed out that due to power crisis in J&K, the plant was suffering a lot and the goods were being damaged by unscheduled power cuts. He urged upon the chief guest to take up the matter with the CM who is also Minister concerned and ensure uninterrupted supply of electricity to the plant. Mr Gandotra disclosed that this Rs 1500 crores Group is providing job opportunities to around 1300 persons in Jammu only. He sought the cooperation of the Government for its promotion. Earlier, Mr Sanjay Pandit a representative of the Group briefed the gathering about the operations and technicalities of the system. The system is capable of providing timely and accurate 2-way information flow with cutomers, help in monitoring the product quality and effectiveness of execution throughout the order life cycle, provide repository of product, production and cost information, capture customer requirements-styles, fabric, processing, special instructions and delivery schedules etc. Director Industries Mr Salim Baig and Managing Director SIDCO Mr Wani were also present on the occasion. |
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Accounts employees depu meets Lala Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 1: A deputation of Jammu Kashmir Accounts Employees Association called on Mr M A Lala, Director Accounts and Treasuries here today and discussed the problems being faced by the employees of accounts cadre with him. As per a release, the delegation was led by Mr P P Singh Slathia, president of the Association. The delegation told Mr Lala that the main reason of the problems is that no administrative decisions are being taken by Directorate of Accounts and Treasuries. The Association leaders were of the view that the most of the cases relating to accounts personnel could have been settled by the Directorate itself but it has failed to do so. During the course of discussions a number of cases came under discussions which include declaration of quasi permanent, Insitu promotions, release of increments to the accounts employees who have qualified the exams in May 2000, reorganisation of accounts cadre, declaration of AAOs as gazetted, creation of new posts in various departments, rationalisation of transfer policy, clearance of cases under SRO 43, delegation of more financial and administrative powers to Deputy Directors Accounts and Treasuries for Jammu and Srinagar, raising of new building complexes for Directorate at Jammu and Srinagar simultaneously and clearing of all promotion cases of accounts assistants, assistant accounts officers and AOs. The Director Accounts and Treasuries assured the delegation all cooperation in settling the pending cases of the accounts cadre on priority basis. |
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Kanshi Ram flags off jeep
rally to Delhi, Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 1: Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) supremo and MP, Mr Kanshi Ram today lambasted the Central Government for its anti poor and anti Dalit policies. The BSP chief who was addressing a party rally at Janipur here today, warned the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) Government against its any move to change the basic fundamentals of the Indian Constitution. The BSP chief said his Party has launched a nation wide campaign to oppose the Centre’s decision to constitute the eight member Constitutional Review Committee as the same is inmical to the interests and rights of weaker sections in general and Dalits in particular. He said the Dalits constitute a majority in India and if they all will come on single platform they can definitely defeat the move of the Vajpayee led Government at Centre. Mr Kanshi Ram while declaring that his Party is the real representative of the weaker sections of the society said, we have serious apprehensions about the Centre’s move which is aimed at depriving the people belonging to these communities of their rights. He said BSP rallies from all over India will reach Union Capital where a massive rally will be held on December 6, the birth anniversary of Baba Sahib Bhim Rao Ambedkar in protest against the formation of Constitution Review Committee. The BSP chief while seeking the support of all the poor people and weaker sections of the society urged them to come under the fold of his Party to defeat the forces which are inmical to their cause. Later Mr Kanshi Ram flagged off the Jeep rally of his Party workers to Union Capital. Addressing the rally the state BSP chief Sheikh Abdul Rehman also made a strong dig at NDA Government at Centre which he alleged was persuing the anti poor and anti farmers policies. He said the privatisation and globalisation are main threat to the Indian economy as it will hit poorest of poor worstly. Lambasting at the NDA Government he said the prices of essential commodities have touched the peak and public distribution system is in complete shambles. Sheikh Rehman alleged that under NDA Government the capitalists and traders have taken much benefit while the weaker sections of the society are being deprived of their bread and butter. He said the globalisation and privatisation is a big conspiracy to deprive the poor and down trodden people of their rights. He however, warned the BSP will not allow it to happen at all cost and fight against the anti poor policies of NDA Government tooth and nail. |
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Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec. 1: Regional Research Laboratory (RRL), Jammu, a constituent unit of CSIR, celebrated its foundation day here today. To mark Research, Indian Institute of Sciences, Bangalore, who was present on this occasion, delivered lecture on the topic "Future of Traditional System of Medicine.'' The Director, Indian Institute of Chemical Technology, Hyderabad, Dr K V Raghavan presided over the function. In his presidential address, Dr K V Raghavan appreciated the excellent work done by RRL Jammu and remarked that the Laboratory will achieve new heights in the scientific field under the guidance of Dr G N Qazi, Director RRL, Jammu. On this occasion, DR Raghavan introduced Prof R Kumar, who was the Chief Guest of this function, to the audience. In his lecture, Prof Kumar dwelt at length on the topic Future of Traditional System of Medicine with particular reference to national and international market. He said that 80 percent of the population in developing countries is dependent on traditional drugs and there is global resurgence in the use of these drugs throughout the world. He added that India can play a leading role in the development of new drugs for world market as our country once of the best biologically diverse region of the world. Earlier, while welcoming Prof R Kumar and Dr K V Raghavan and other participants, Director RRL, Jammu, Dr G N Qazi eulogised Prof Kumar's contribution on the analysis of multiphase systems, development of two-stage model for fluid dispersion from a single submerged nozzle, development of first structural model for a foam-bed contactor and development of quantitative description for a batch sonochemical reactor. He described Prof Kumar as one of the highly decorated Scientists. About Dr K V Raghavan, Dr Qazi said that his contributions in the areas of Chemical Engineering, Organics, Drug Pharmaceuticals have been recognized at international level. Dr G N Qazi, highlighted the significant achievement of RRL during the past one year. He informed that RRL has developed two varieties of Cymbopogon, rich in Geraniol. He said that under the joint GOI/UNDP Umbrella Programme herbal drug activity has been institutionalized at RRL, Jammu as Knowledge Network on Medicinal Plants and National Centre for training and Technology Transfer. On this occasion, Prof R Kumar inaugurated recently installed Esquire-3000 Burker make LCMS/MS (LCMS) at RRL, Jammu. With the installation of this instrument, plant based programme of the institute on isolation and identification of new and bio-active molecules will get a boost. At the end, Dr O P Suri, Deputy Director, RRL, Jammu presented vote of thanks. |
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HC directive to remove encroachments at Lakhanpur Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec. 1: Justice T S Doabia of the State High Court Jammu Wing has directed Union of India to see to it that whatever steps have been taken at Lakhanpur Barrier are also taken regarding remaining stretch from Lakhanpur to Jammu. The encroachments whether moveable or immoveable, would be taken care by all concerned. While directing Union of India in a petition field by Sainik Cooperative Society, Mr Justice Doabia quoted the statement of Union of India regarding the steps taken by them. According to the steps taken by Union of India, it was mentioned that the limits of National Highway being maintained by CPWD is 75 feet either side from the central line of the road. The main reason for the traffic chaos at Lakhanpur have been identified. The problem is primarily because of clustering of all the State Government activities like Excise, Sales Tax, State Government Cafeteria, Matador stand, State Transport Office etc. located at the same place. These departments instead of creating their own facilities distanced from the national highway land are utilising the national highway land and this has resulted into the congestion of this junction. With these activities the commercial establishment have also come up consequently over a period of time. Some of them were licenced by the Notified Area Committee. A letter dated 22-11-2000 has been written to the District Collector, Kathua apprising him of these problems and suggesting the long term solution also. It has been suggested to the District Administration that they have to make their own arrangement for all these activities by creating their additional yards and spaces keeping the national highway land free of smooth flow of traffic. In the letter, it was also suggested that by making paint line right from the Railway bridge upto the end of Lakhanpur Junction. This demarcation line shall be of help to traffic police and it shall be ensured by the Traffic Police that there is no standing vehicles between these lines and space between central line shall be kept free for the moving traffic. The court fixed the hearing of this petition on December 20. Advocate Baldev Singh K K Jandial, M S Bhat and Advocate D Mahajan appeared in this petition and Traffic Inspector Mr M A Mirza was present in person. |
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Students boycott classes Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 1: In a bizarre incident, an alleged kidnaper of a student of PG Economics Department appeared in the Campus and threatened the latter not to disclose his identity. The University student namely Shafiq Mir, who was kidnapped by some unidentified persons on November 18 and released after some hours, got fainted and became unconscious when the same abductor appeared today with a sharp edged weapon on the Campus and threatened the former of dire consequences if he disclosed latter’s identity. The incident came to light when the unconscious student was spotted by some of his class mates who immediately informed the matter to Head of the Department. Soon after, Dean Students Welfare Prof N A Ganai alongwith SHO Gandhi Nagar Shamsher Singh Parihar and Chief Security Officer JU Major Harnam Singh also rushed to the Economics department. After inquiring the matter from the students and HoD police launched a major hunt to nab the alleged kidnaper. However, no success could be made to nab the accused. Police has registered a case in this connection. It may be mentioned here that Shafiq Mir, who is a fresher of PG Economics Department in JU and resident of Rajouri, was kidnapped by some unidentified persons near the Campus gate on November 18. The kidnappers took the student to some unknown place and tortured him severely. However, they released him at Gujjar Nagar after some hours. After the kidnapping incident, Shafiq returned to Rajouri and came to University only today after lodging a report before SSP Jammu. After the news of today’s incident spread in the Campus, the students of all department boycotted their classes in protest against the incident and held a demonstration. They moved to the office of Vice-Chancellor and apprised the JU authorities about the incident and urged them to take necessary action. Registrar JU Prof Zahoor-ud-Din assured the students that all steps would be taken to ensure security of the student in the Campus. Later, Chief Security Officer of JU Maj Harnam Singh told EXCELSIOR that all necessary steps have been taken to ensure the security of the Campus students. He further said that Shafiq Mir has been shifted from old campus hostel to new campus hostel in view of today’s incident. |
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NC failed to give good governance: Mehbooba Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 1: Senior People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and state vice president Ms Mehbooba Mufti today said that a Government which cannot provide a good governance should deserves no right to remain in the office. Talking to newspersons here today Ms Mufti said the National Conference Government headed by Dr Farooq Abdullah has miserably failed to ameliorate the lot of the people. The PDP leader said the National Conference Government wants to keep the pot of militancy boiling for its ulterior motives. She said the leaders of the ruling clique have developed vested interests and they would never allow the peace and normalcy to return to the militancy-infested state of Jammu and Kashmir. Referring to the unilateral cease-fire as announced by the Prime Minister Mr Atal Behari Vajpayee, Ms Mehbooba said infact this demand has been the main agenda of his party since long. She said that the militants, who had initiated the cease-fire earlier, (which, however mis-fired), should also come forward to reciprocate and contribute for restoration of ever-lasting peace in this part of the country. She said no Government worth the name was existing in the state and whatever meets the eye was rampant corruption and nepotism. Taking cue from news reports that State Government after coming to power has provided jobs to one lakh educated unemployed youth, which means that atleast a dozen youths of each village should have been provided with Government jobs, which was not the case and the NC leaders have sold out the jobs at high rates or got employed their own relatives in different Government Departments. The PDP leader said the people of the state in general and those living in far flung and remote areas have not seen any ray of hope since 1996 when the National Conference Government was thrusted upon them. She said during her tour of remote areas like Mahore, the poor people were unaware about the supply of ration to people living Below Poverty Line or other centrally sponsored schemes for their welfare. She added that during her visit to Mahore hospital she was astonished to know that what to talk of life saving drugs or other equipments, even cotton was not available in that hospital. She asserted that last year the Centre has provided Rs 3300 crores for different schemes but on ground no development worth the name was visible and the funds continue to be swallowed by the ruling leadership, because none is accountable in the Government. Ms Mehbooba said the political process started in the year 1996 has rendered and in-effective and has further alienated the people rather than bringing some encouraging results, which has given rise to disillusionment among the masses. Others present in the press briefing included senior PDP leaders Messrs Master Tassaduq Hussain, Ved Mahajan, Trilok Singh Bajwa and Ms Shanti Devi. |
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Promotion of local languages
depends Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 1: The Minister for Education, Mr Mohammad Shafi has sought the cooperation of the intellectuals in the implementation of the State Government decision to introduce local languages in schools from the primary level. Addressing a function organised by the Dogri Sanastha Jammu to felicitate short story writer of Dogri, Dr Manoj and release of short story collection by Prof Nilamber Dev Sharma here last evening, the Minister emphasised the need for promotion of regional languages. Describing the Government’s decision of introducing the regional languages in the schools from the coming academic session as an historical one, Mr Shafi said the Government can only implement such decision for the promotion of local languages but their actual development depends on intelligentsia and the society as a whole. Dr Manoj was felicitated on his being awarded by "Katha" (Delhi) organisation for his book titled "curfew". The Education Minister released a short story collection titled "Kahani Di Talash" of Prof. Nilamber Dev Sharma. Present on the occasion were Prof. Zahoor-u-Din, Prof. Lalit Mangotra, Mr M Y Taing, Ms Padma Sachdev, Prof Ram Nath Shastri and Mr Balwant Thakur. |
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Ministers to be available in Winter Secretariat Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 1: For the convenience of the people, the Chief Minister, Dr Farooq Abdullah has directed that Ministers will remain available at Winter Secretariat, Srinagar on weekly rotation basis. According to a circular, the Minister for Health and Medical Education, Mian Altan Ahmad and Minister of State for Forests, Mr B A Nengroo were to attend the Winter Secretariat from November 27 to December 3,2000. The Minister for Tourism, Mr S S Slathia and Minister of State for Education, Aga Syed Mehmood will be headquartered at Srinagar from December 4 to December 10, 2000. Similarly, the Minister for Works, Mr Ali Mohammad Sagar and Minister of State for Home, Mr. Mushtaq Ahmad Lone will be in Srinagar from December 11 to December 17, 2000. The Minister for Revenue, Mr Abdul Qayoom and Minister of State Works & PDD, Mr Qamar Ali Akhoon from December 18 to December 24, the Minister of State for Food and Supplies, Mr Ajay Sadhotra and Minister of State for Agriculture, Mr Tsetan Namgyal from December 25 to December 31. The Minister for Agriculture, Ch Mohammad Ramzan and the Minister of State for Works, Ms Sakina Itoo will remain in Srinagar from January 1 to January 7, 2001 whileas Minister for Industries and Commerce, Dr Sheikh Mustafa Kamal and Minister of State for Agriculture, Mr Ram Paul will remain in Srinagar from January 8 to January 14, 2001. The Minister for Education, Mr Mohammad Shafi and the Minister of State for Food and Supplies, Mr Ajay Sadhotra will be in Srinagar from January 15 to January 21, 2001, the Minister for Finance, Mr A R Rather and Minister of State for Works and PDD, Mr Qamar Ali Akhoon from January 22 to January 28, 2001, the Minister for Social Welfare, Mr B A Kitchloo and the Minister of State for Education, Aga Syed Mehmood from January 29 to February 4, 2001, the Minister for Law and Parliamentary Affairs, Mr P L Handoo and Minister of State for Home, Mr M A Lone from February 5 to February 11, 2001 and the Minister for Housing and Urban Development, Mr Ghulam Mohi-ud-Din Shah and Minister of State for Works, Ms Sakina Itoo from February 12 to February 18, 2001. |
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Ban on sale of edible oil in loose form Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 1: The Minister of State for Food and Supplies, Mr. Ajay Sadhotra said that the Government has decided to impose ban on edible oil sold in loose form. The step, he said, is being taken in view of complaints about the poor quality of edible oil sold in loose form. Presiding over a high level meeting here yesterday, Mr Sadhotra said that this progressive step would help to ensure sale of quality products to the consumers and it will be implemented with immediate effect. In the first instance, the ban on the sale of edible oil in loose form in the cities of Jammu and Srinagar, town and notified areas will be effective from 15th January, next year. Thereafter the position will be reviewed after three months and if necessary the ban will be extended to rural areas as well. The main purpose on imposing ban on edible oil is to check the use of spurious and adulterated edible oil. The meeting also decided that edible oil will henceforth be sold only in standard packings of 50 ml, 100 ml, 200 ml, 500 ml, 1 liter, 2 liters, 5 liters and 15 liters packs. The packs will bear the name of the manufacturer, date of packing and maximum retail price. The meeting among others was attended by Mr Ghulam Nabi Naik, chairman, Khadhi and Village Industries Board, Principal Secretary Industries and Commerce, Divisional Commissioner, Jammu, Commissioner Secretary Food and Supplies, Additional Secretary Food and Supplies, Directors of Food and Supplies, Srinagar and Jammu and senior representatives of edible oil manufacturers, Chamber of Commerce, Jammu and members of State Consumer Protection Council. |
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Record revenue by Sales Tax Deptt Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 1: The Sales Tax Department is expected to make a record revenue collection of over Rs. 300 crores during this financial year. This was stated at the second quarterly review meeting of Sales Tax Department-Jammu Division- held here today under the Chairmanship of Finance Minister, Mr. Abdul Rahim Rather. The collections made by the department during the April-October 2000 in the State have been of the order of Rs. 218.78 crores which is Rs 59.62 crores more than the realization effected during the corresponding period last year. This increase in the seven months of current year has been the highest ever registered by the department during any such period so far. Streneous efforts, better tax management, vigorous recovery drive, effective supervision, constant monitoring have led to the quantum jump in the revenues, the meeting was told. The Principal Secretary Finance, Mr Jalil Ahmed Khan, Commissioner Sales Tax, Mr A R Mubaraki, Special Secertary Finance, Mr K M Wani, and senior functionaries of the Sales Tax department-Jammu Division-were present in the meeting. While expressing satisfaction over the achievements of the first two quarters of the current financial year, the Finance Minister however, cautioned the functionaries against any complacency. He called for firm determination, greater dedication, and effective co-ordination by the revenue collecting agencies to boost the State’s revenues. The trend in the increase registered so far this year has not only to be maintained but efforts have to redoubled to generate more revenues. Sales Tax department being one of major revenue collecting agencies has to play a very crucial and effective role in mopping up the resources. He said steady increase in State’s revenues is imperative for boosting the overall economic development and initiating more welfare programmes for the betterment of the people. Mr Rather called for vigorous and sustained efforts for effecting sales tax recoveries. The special drive launched for recoveries should continue unabated. Wherever persuations fail other legal remedies should be resorted to. Clear message should go to the defaulters that no leniency, whatsoever, would be shown and that they have to deposit the arrears or face stringent action. The Finance Minister said that it should be fully ensured that ‘current recoveries’ do not fall in arrears at any cost. Any such lapse would be viewed seriously, he added. The Minister exhorted upon the tax assessing authorities to be very judicious and impartial in the assessments. Every assessing authority for the purpose has to make advance planning and definite schedule which has to be strictly adhered to, he added. The day long in-depth review of the targets and achievements of Jammu division revealed that total revenues collected in Jammu Division by the department were Rs 176.24 crores ending October during the current financial year. This represents 41.16% increase over the last year’s collections of Rs 124.85 crores. The collections made in the division this year include Rs 118.18 crores as General Sales tax, Rs 54.52 Crores as Motor Spirit tax, Rs 315.27 lakhs as Passenger tax and Rs 37.39 lakhs as property tax. The Special recovery drive launched in the two divisions, the meeting was told has given a re-birth to the culture of tax compliance and more traders are coming toward to deposit the arrears. On an average Rs 60-70 lakhs are being collected per month in Jammu division during the past two-three months. Though persuations continue the legal remedies were also resorted to. Attachments of properties was made in respect of 21 defaulters and nineteen persons were detained. The recovery process has been streamlined and it is hoped that a major portion of the recoverable sales tax arrears will be realized during the current financial year.. The meeting was told that the increased vigilance and effective surveillance at the Lakhanpur Sales Tax Check Post has led to the detection of over 11,000 cases under the section 15 A(9) of Jammu & Kashmir Sales Tax Act. 1962 and over 17,200 cases under section 15 A(4) during April- September. The Appeals Wing of the Sales Tax Department it was stated has disposed off 134 appeals during the period July-September. The meeting was informed that priority has been accorded to the old appeals and the backlog is being cleared in a methodical manner. The review of other wings of the Department in the division was also made and number of decisions was taken to effect further improvements in the working of these wings. The Finance Minister stressed for greater transparency, accountability in the working of the Department. He said every functionary should be made accountable. Functionaries with greater devotion and dedication and those who help in mopping up more revenues would be suitably encouraged, he added. |
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Grand rally marks World AIDS Day Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 1: In connection with the World’s AIDS Day, an impressive rally was organised here today to create mass awareness about the dreaded disease of AIDS. The Health and Medical Education Department organised the rally in collaboration with J&K State AIDS Prevention and Control Society. The Minister for Health and Medical Education, Mian Altaf Ahmad flagged off the rally at Mini Stadium, Jammu. Speaking on the occasion, Mian Altaf called for awareness about the disease and said that we should motivate men and women for taking prevention measures so that the fast increasing number of HIV positive is checked. The Minister said that everyone is aware of the fact that the dreaded disease is not curable but could be checked by adopting the preventive measures. He enjoined upon the NGOs and students community to come forward and supplement the Government’s efforts in creating consciousness about the disease and check it from spreading in our society. He further said that the Government alone can not achieve the results in absence of the co-operation of the masses. The rally comprising various voluntary organisations, NGOs and large number of students drawn from various colleges and schools, commenced from the Mini Stadium and after passing through various bazars concluded at M A Stadium. The participating students and others were holding the placards carrying slogans against the dreaded disease amongst which the conspicuous was "Men make a difference". On the occasion, Principal Secretary Health and Medical Education, Mr H L Kadalbuju, Director Health Service, Dr R K Goel, Principal Government Medical College, Dr H L Goswami and senior functionaries of the health and medical department and a large number of prominent citizens, NGOs, heads of educational institutions were present. |
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Religious teachings can check AIDS: Altaf Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 1: As part of World’s AIDS Day, a symposium was organised by the Health Education Bureau, Directorate of Health Services in collaboration with J&K State Society. The topic of the symposium was "AIDS - Men make a difference". The Minister for Health and Medical Education, Mian Altaf Ahmad was the chief guest on the occasion. In all, twelve students of different professional colleges of the Jammu division participated in the symposium. Every speaker highlighted the need to create awareness among the masses and educate them about the demerits of the dreaded disease. The Health Minister while speaking on the occasion stressed the need for educating the people and motivate about the disease and said that men and women should discuss about sex, causes of dreaded diseases like AIDS, drug use, etc and become mature enough to take precaution against disease. If we follow religious teachings, then there is little danger about the spread of these diseases. He appealed to the people to be cautious, exercise restrain and maintain high character which can prevent spread of AIDS. The Principal Secretary Health and Medical Education, Mr. H. L. Kadalbuju who also spoke on the occasion and said that whole world is engulfed with this dreaded disease and stressed for taking preventive measures. The Minister gave away the prizes among the best speakers, who were adjudged first, second and third. First prize went to Miss Anita Koul, Government College of Education, Jammu, second prize was won by Mr. Ashish of Khalsa College, Jammu and the third prize went to Mr. Sunil Yadev of Shashtri Memorial College, Jammu. Director Health Services, Jammu, Dr R K Goel, Principal Government Medical College, Jammu, Dr H L Goswami, Additional Secretary, Health and Medical Education, Mr Parmar and other senior functionaries of the Health and Medical Education were present on the occasion. Besides, senior functionaries of Health and Medical Education a large gathering of prominent citizens and students of various colleges and schools were also present on the occasion. |
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