Fresh impetus to Co-operative Movement

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Dec 7: The Government is making concerted efforts to give fresh impetus to the cooperative movement which received a severe jolt during the last 12 years of militancy in the State. For this purpose, the election to the Co-operative Institutions is being held shortly after a gap of 22 years.

In an interview, the Registrar Cooperatives, Dr G A Dar said that there are presently 765 Multi Purpose Co-operative Societies at primary level, 102 Co-operative Marketting Societies at secondary level and 6 Cooperative Institutions at Apex level. In addition, three Central Co-operative Banks and four Urban Banks are functioning in the State at present.

The Co-operative Societies have a three-tire structure linked with each other. The consumer sector has the CONFED at Apex level, District Consumer Sector at the secondary level and the Multipurpose Co-operative Society/Consumer Societies at the primary level. These institutions are engaged in the distribution of fertilizers to the farmers besides involved in credit delivery system and supply of some essential commodities. These societies also take care of short, medium and long-term credit requirement of farmers. The Co-operative Institutions have advanced loans amounting to about Rs.13 crores during 1999-2000 while the business turn over on account of sale of retail consumer goods had been of the order of Rs.19 crores during the same period. During the current financial year, these Societies have sold consumer goods worth Rs.11.30 crores in just six months, besides, 56,082 metric tons of chemical fertilizers in 1999-2000 and 25,000 metric tons during the first six months of the current financial year.

Dr Dar said that the Government is also making endeavours for revival of non-functional Co-operative Societies. The Societies have been directed to increase their membership to help build up share capital for the Societies, provide micro credit to the farmers through Multi Purpose Co-operative Societies and introducing credit system linkage with marketting. Steps have also been taken to restore democratic character to the management of the Cooperative Societies. Out of 369 Multi Purpose Co-operative Societies, 49 Marketting Societies and 208 other Co-operative Societies in Jammu division, election to 266 Multi Purposes Co-operative Societies, 28 Marketting Societies and 46 other Societies have already been conducted by October this year while notification for holding such elections in respect of the remaining institutions have either been issued or is in the process.

The Self-Reliant Co-operative Act of 1999 is being implemented vigorously, which would go a long way in restoring the democratic character of the Co-operative Institutions. During 1998-99, accounts of 375 Cooperative Societies were audited in Jammu division while the number of societies audited upto September 2000 was 144.

WMD realises fine

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Dec 7: A sum of Rs 7.40 lakh has been recovered as fine from the Auto Rickshaws, Tank Lorries and Traders who were challaned for violating the Weights and Measures Act.

The Weights and Measures Department, Jammu in its continuing extensive checking and surprise raids drive against various traders including Auto Rickshaws and Tankers, the Department has challaned 834 traders so far during the current financial year and a fine of about Rs 3.25 lakh has been realised from 670 defaulters who were compounded for the lapses.

As many as 359 traders were challaned during September and October, 2000 alone and a fine of about Rs. 1.90 lakh has been realized against 475 challans from April to August this year thereby making a recovery of Rs 1.35 lakh as fine.

Similarly, 1110 Auto Rickshaws and 882 Tankers were calibrated during first seven months of the current financial year and a sum of Rs 2.20 lakh was realised. Besides, 178 Auto Rickshaws have been challaned and a fine of about Rs 0.36 lakh has been recovered as fine from them.

As a result of this drive, the Department has realised Rs 2.56 lakh as fine from the defaulters of Auto Rickshaws and Tankers during first 7 months of the current financial year as against Rs 3.66 lakh during the preceding year 1999-2000.

Herbal gardens would be laid in State

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Dec 7: Jammu and Kashmir has achieved the distinction of being number two State in the country in the successful implementation of pulse polio immunization programme, the Prime Minister, Mr Atal Behari Vajpayee has complimented the Chief Minister, Dr Farooq Abdullah for achieving distinction.

This was revealed by the Minister for Health and Medical Education, Main Altaf Ahmed here yesterday. He said that the State has achieved hundred per cent targets in the administration of pulse polio drops to the children. During the first seven months of the current financial year over 1.42 lakh children were administered polio drops whereas during last financial year 2.50 lakh children were provided polio drops. He said that as a part of national polio vaccine programme, polio drops are being administered to the children on 10th December,2000 and 21st January, 2001 at 7285 pulse polio posts in the State. He appealed the people to avail benefits of the programme.

Mian Altaf Ahmed said that in the Indian system of Medicines, the Centre has launched Vanaspati Van Scheme. Under this scheme, he said herbal gardens will be laid in different areas of the State with medicinal herbs to be cultivated which are climatically suitable. The scheme, besides providing medicinal herbs would provide employment to the locals. He said such herbal garden projects in Basohli and Doda have already been finalised. Similarly, he said, project report for laying such gardens in Kathua, Kupwara and Srinagar districts are being prepared. The centre, he said, will provide an aid of Rs one crore for the scheme.

The Minister said that there were 247 Ayurvedic and 171 Unani dispensaries functioning in the State. He said the Government plans to set up a 50-bedded Unani Hospital in Srinagar. In Jammu the 25-bedded hospital has been shifted to new building..

Governor launches drive for Flag Day Fund

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Dec 7: The Governor, Mr Girish Chandra Saxena today launched the drive to raise money for Armed Forces Flag Day Fund at a function held at Raj Bhavan.

Speaking on the occasion, the Governor said that a heavy responsibility is cast upon us to raise funds generously for Armed Forces Flag Day Fund which is spent for the welfare of the families of martyrs and others who either sustained injuries and became disabled or need people’s help. He said that nation is indebted to gallant soldiers who are guarding our borders and ensuring national security in difficult and trying conditions.

The Governor said that the Flag Day Fund has acquired a special significance in our State as during last one decade many of our gallant soldiers have laid down their lives while others sustained injuries guarding our borders or carrying out operations against Pak backed terrorists. He urged the people, particularly the affluent sections of the society, to come forward with generous donations. He enjoined upon the members of Sainik Welfare Board to explore more conducive fund-collection-methods where willing people could donate substantial amount for the welfare of the war widows and other needy families. He suggested prompt acknowledgement of substantial amount of donation.

Former Minister, Mr Rajinder Singh Chib, Maj Gen (Retd), G S Jamwal (MLC) and Mr Gulchain Singh Charak, who were present on the occasion, said that Fund raising spree should be carried out throughout the year. It is a wrong impression that the Fund raising is for today only. They also urged that occasional programmes like Mehfil-e-Mousiqi, Mushaira and symposia should be conducted to make people aware about the Flag Day Fund.

The Director, Zila Sainik Board, Brig (Retd), Suchet Singh while briefing about the significance of the Flag Day, said that Rs 1.72 lakh were raised by District Development Commissioner, Udhampur, followed by Rs 1.68 lakh by District Development Commissioner, Jammu. An amount of Rs 1.38 lakh was collected by Principal Secretary, Home.

Earlier, the Governor gave mementos to Principal Secretary, Home, District Development Commissioner, Udhampur and District Development Commissioner, Jammu for their concerted endeavours. The Governor also presented awards to Special Secretary, Home, Mr Jeet Lal Gupta and Zila Sainik Officer, Jammu Lt Col (Retd), S L Gupta for their work towards the Fund.

Among others, Lt Gen (Retd), P S Vadehra, Commissioner, Civil Liaison, Mr S C Meena, Maj Gen (Retd), B N Dhar, Maj Gen (Retd), R N Chhiber and Mr Jugal Kishore Mahajan were present on the occasion.

CM for generous contribution

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Dec 7: The Chief Minister, Dr Farooq Abdullah today made impassioned appeal to the people, especially the affluent ones, to donate generously towards the Flag Day Fund and make contribution for a noble cause and help those who offered their lives for safeguarding the solidarity of the country.

Speaking after contributing Rs 11,000 towards the Fund, the drive for which has commenced today, Dr. Abdullah said that it is people’s moral responsibility to help the families of those who did not hesitate to sacrifice their lives for the nation. He hoped that the people of the State in general and well off individuals in particular would prove their credentials by making substantial donations. He said donations for such a cause, especially in the holy month of Ramzan, will be a virtuous act. He said, he would organise charity shows to raise money for the Fund.

A target of Rs 34 lakh has been fixed for the Fund this year.

A drive to raise money for the Fund took off to a tumultuous start this morning with groups of small children carrying donation boxes in their hands fanned out in the city stopping vehicles and seeking contributions for the noble cause. A substantial money has been raised through this effort today.

A team of ex-servicemen led by Maj Gen (Retd), Goverdhan Singh Jamwal and Mr R S Chib alongwith Director, Sainik Welfare, moved room to room in the Secretariat and sought donations. The contributors include the Ministers, Chief Secretary, senior officers and employees.

Poonch district plan

Excelsior Correspondent

POONCH, Dec 7: Over Rs 1447 lakh out of proposed district plan of Rs 3596.35 lakh have sofar been spent in district Poonch till ending November 2000.

It was revealed in the meeting of the officers held here under the Chairmanship of District Development Commissioner, Mr Khalid Hussain yesterday. Reviewing the sector wise achievements, it was stated that an amount of Rs 93.22 lakh have been incurred under R&B sector and 3 Jhulla foot bridges at Mangnar, Behramgalla and Noorichhamb have been completed. Besides, Betar bridge under State sector is also nearing completion and 37 roads are under construction.

An amount of Rs 118.73 lakh has been spent under PHE sector and construction work on 4 collection tanks is in progress.

Under Agriculture sector, an amount of Rs.11.38 lakh has so far been incurred. Over 421 quintals of high yielding variety seeds of Oil and Maize, and 394.80 tons of chemical fertilizer have been distributed among the farmers. Rs.20.19 lakh have been utilized under Horticulture sector and 2.395 metric tons fruit production has been processed in fruit preservation and extension centres.

Under Animal Husbandry sector, Rs 38 lakh have been incurred and 3615 animals provided artificial insemination, 72500 animal heads vaccinated and 77903 doses against various intestinal and liverfluke worms given.

Rs 16.97 lakh have been spent under Sheep Husbandry sector and production of 3 lakh kg of wool and 6 lakh kg of mutton recorded till the ending November 2000 in the district.

Speaking in the meeting, the DDC impressed upon the officers to bring complete transparency in the execution of the developmental works. He asked them to work with zeal & zest and dedication so that the suffering of the public is mitigated. He also directed officers to provide lists of works/schemes to all the MLA’s and MLC’s, being executed in their respective constituencies.

Nullah water floods into Krishana Nagar temple

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Dec 7: Due to the negligent of the UEED department and Jammu Municipality over-flowing water of a Nullah flooded into the temple of Krishana Nagar. It was only after the repeated requests of the residents, a team of the Jammu Municipality lead by its Executive Engineer, Mr Kiran Watal rushed to the spot and flushed out from after two hour operation.

Mr Kiran Watal who had supervised the entire operation to clear the water from temple shifted blame on the UEED department for the entire episode and said that UEED department has not issued funds to the Municipality for clearance of all nullahs.

Earlier, a deputation of the Shiv Sena (Bal Thakrey) led by Mr Rakesh Gupta met Administrator, Jammu Municipality and apprised him about the sanitation condition of Mohalla Krishana Nagar where filthy water entered into a temple.

The leader apprised the Administrator about the blockade of water in a adjacent nullah of the Krishana Nagar which has accumulated the water is now flowing into the houses of the inhabitants.

Shiv Sainik also took out a procession at Krishana Nagar in which leaders of the Shiv Sena warned the Municipal authorities for its failure.

Provincial president of the Akhil Bharatiya Shiv Sena, Mr Sanjay Kumar Sawhney has also criticised the Municipality authorities for its failure protect sanitity of the temple.

Power workers list demands

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Dec 7: Power Workers Association (PWA) in a meeting held here under the presidentship of Ashok Kumar, listed various problems being faced by the Electric employees. The meeting was presided over by Surinder Kumar, senior voice president of the Association.

Speaking on the occasion , Mr Ashok Kumar regretted that one Madan Lal, Lineman, daily wager, who was seriously injured while working in the line, had to be amputated. He was carrying a bag of discharge and urine which has been attached to his body, but no action under SRO 43 has been taken for his appointment.

The meeting warned to resort to agitational path if the officialls at the helm of affairs don’t take pains in providing justice to Madan Lal, the PWA release issued here said.

The meeting said that in order to save the exchequer the Association fully supports the cause of privatising sale of electricity. The release also condemned statements of some so-called leaders who have given call for the strike and said that such elements for their vested interests were trying to exploit the poor class.

Meanwhile, Mr Zahoor Ahmad Wani, convener ITI Diploma Holders Srinagar has also condemned the call given by some so-called leaders. Among others who spoke during the meeting included Davinder Singh of Mediator Readers Union, B B Sharma, Pradeep Kumar Bhagat, president Division Number-II, Ram saran, president R S Pura, Chaman lal, chief organisor, Abdul Karim, organising secretary and Surinder Singh, president District Kathua.

CM exhorts youth to broaden visison
Legislation for making elementary education compulsory soon: Shafi

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Dec 7: Chief Minister, Dr Farooq Abdullah today called upon students to broaden their vision and gear up for the challenges, the new millennium and technological advancement has unfolded for them.

Dr Abdullah said that he would be inviting country’s big industrial and business houses to the State to counsel students in professional colleges about courses to be pursued to prepare for global job market.

He was speaking after launching the World Bank Project for strengthening the Government Polytechnics in the State and inaugurating a new auditorium at Government Polytechnic here this morning.

Dr Abdullah impressed upon students to have national and global vision and aim for bigger objectives and said the world has undergone a sea change and so have the job requirements. ‘Aim high and work hard to achieve it’, he advised youth and said that new areas of job opportunities in private sector have opened up and they must be prepared and trained to compete for such openings. He said that need for technocrats in the advent of technological development has increased manifold and the institutions imparting vocational training have to gear up to meet the challenge.

The Chief Minister stressed for close rapport and interaction between private and government polytechnics in order to benefit from latest trends and shape their courses according to requirements of the job markets. He said India is a vast country and pass -outs in various disciplines have many openings. ‘You must have a broad vision and feel at the top of the world’, he asked the students.

The CM favoured opening of more B.Ed colleges to have trained teachers in the schools on the pattern of Himachal Pradesh and Punjab. In case the academic standard has to be given further boost, qualified and trained teachers are necessary to achieve this objective. He regretted dwindling status of a teacher in the society while recalling the reverence they enjoyed just a few decades ago and urged teaching community to introspect and ponder what has went wrong. He said a dedicated, sincere and hard-working teacher always commands respect, howsoever worst conditions he may be faced with.

Stressing for strengthening colleges at district levels to cope up with the growing influx of students, the Chief Minister said the colleges at Srinagar and Jammu can no more withstand the ever increasing pressure of new entrants that is swelling every session.

He said physical education along side academics is imperative for overall growth. He advised girl students to participate in competitive exams in larger numbers as the State had a very few women officers at top slots. He said women empowerment is necessary so that they can supplement to their family income that is necessary for happy and prosperous family units.

While praising the auditorium he inaugurated, Dr Farooq called for its air conditioning. He also suggested for earmarking a maintenance grant for up-keep of government buildings.

Speaking on the occasion, the Minister for Education, Mr. Mohammed Shafi announced elementary education for all would be made compulsory in Jammu and Kashmir and a legislation in this regard would be brought soon.

He said illiteracy in the State would be totally eradicated in next five years. He said 30 per cent girls and 20 per cent boys are found to be drop-outs before fifth class. The State government is proposing measures to check this trend and ensure universalization of education in next 5 to 10 years. In respect of poor students, the government is also thinking of giving to them free books and uniforms to ensure that they continue to pursue their studies in the schools. Coupled with it, thrust would be given on non-formal education that will help in achieving the goal, he added.

Mr. Shafi referred to the launching of World Bank Project and said that Rs. 65 crore would be utilised for strengthening four polytechnics of the State. He said another project is being launched with NABARD funds to meet the minimum requirement of buildings for primary schools in the state. With this all government primary schools in the state would be having their own buildings.

The Education Minister said that last 10 years turmoil has caused immense damage to education sector at all levels in the state. The government has analyzed the grey areas and took strong measures to put it back on the rails. He said about 600 schools, which were closed down during this period, have been reopened. With the help of Rehber-e-Taleem scheme, teachers were provided in the closed schools that helped to reopen these. Under staffed schools were also strengthened through this scheme in shortest possible time. Impressed by the success of this scheme, some states have shown keen interest in it and made enquiries, he said.

The Principal Secretary, Education, Ms. Sushma Choudhry called upon professional institutions to assimilate the fast pace of technology and strive for producing adequate manpower to meet the demand in the wake of growing information technology. Against the requirement of one and a half million technocrats in 10 years, the country is producing just 60,000 trained personnel every year, she observed.

Ms Choudhry said the technical education has undergone a sea change over the years and the state can’t afford to lag behind on this front. ‘We have to keep pace with the fast moving world’, she said and referred to Sher-i-Kashmir Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah, describing him as a great visionary, who envisioned spread of education on modern lines as an instrument of change.

The Principal Secretary said the technical education could greatly help in poverty alleviation by making youth empowered and creating relevant skills. ‘Subsidies and doles will no longer help eradicate poverty’, she said and added that a society based on sound technological knowledge would be answer to many difficulties.

She said that measures would be taken to make the Board of Technical Education self supportive and professional institutions vibrant to meet the market requirements. Existing trades would have to be restructured to make these institutions professional ones, she added.

Director, Technical Education, Mr. Basharat Ahmed announced that eight new courses are being introduced in professional institutions of the state and ITIs are being revamped.

He said the World Bank has approved a project involving about Rs 65 crore for modernization and strengthening of the four polytechnics in the state, each at the cost of about Rs 16 crore each. Of the total amount, 90 per cent is being released in the shape of assistance.

The Director said the first phase of the newly constructed Women Polytechnic has been completed at Shakhtinagar here and faculties that were functioning for the last 15 years from barracks, are being now shifted to newly constructed complex. He said 580 beds strength is being created for students in hostels of the polytechnics. The Government Polytechnic has completed 40 years of its existence in the state, he added.

Among others present on the occasion were the Minister for Works, Mr. Ali Mohammed Sagar, Minister of State for Works and Power, Mr. Qamer Ali Akhoon, Chief Whip Mr. Mubarak Gul, Deputy Chairman, Legislative Council, Mr. Harbans Singh, Chairman Public Service Commission, Mr. H H Tyabji, academicians, legislators, senior officers and students.

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