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| Bulgarian Agri Minister calls on Omar Abdullah Excelsior Correspondent NEW DELHI, Nov 8: Mr Ventsislav Varbanov, Minister for Agriculture and Forestry, Government of Bulgaria today called on Union Minister of State .....more Vigilance books Director Horticulture, another Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 8: State Vigilance Organization has registered a case FIR 47/2000 in Police Station Vigilance organization Kashmir under Prevention of Corruption Act, 2006...more NDS
organises Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 8: In connection with organization of Dogri Sahitya Sammelans in rural areas by Nami Dogri Sanstha....more Civil-military
liaison Excelsior Correspondent RAJOURI, Nov 8: A joint civil-military liaison group meeting was organised by Ace of Spades Division here today. The meeting was chaired......more J&K
Sikh Unity Forum Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 8: All J&K Sikh Unity Forum has demanded a judicial inquiry into the custodial death of Amritpal Singh Rommi and also requested the Director General of Police......more |
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NC rejects
trifurcation Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 8: Provincial President National Conference Jammu Mr Bodh Raj Bali has strongly rejected the tripartite division of Jammu and .......more All India
Jojra Biradari Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 8: All India Jojra Biradari is holding annual conference at Devsthan of Baba Mangal Dass Jee Maharaj........more Vigilance
books Director Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 8: State Vigilance Organization has registered a case FIR 47/2000 in Police Station Vigilance......more Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU,
Nov 8: Describing
National Conference Government as ‘worst-ever
corrupt regime’ the |
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rally organised Shiv Sena warns to disrupt JKLF ‘peace march’ in city..... Tribal Foundation hails decision to start Gojri news..... Chain
hunger strike into 25th day Judicial employees elect body.... Panther, BJP MLAs walkout from Distt Dev Board meeting.... JD-U’s ‘Aman Yatra’ in Jammu.... |
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Bulgarian Agri Minister calls on Omar Abdullah Excelsior Correspondent NEW DELHI, Nov 8: Mr Ventsislav Varbanov, Minister for Agriculture and Forestry, Government of Bulgaria today called on Union Minister of State for Commerce and Industry, Omar Abdullah to discuss various agricultural issues in the light of forthcoming special session of WTO Committee on Agriculture at Geneva. Both the leaders discussed the issue relating to high agricultural tariffs and tariff peaks being supplied by some WTO members. Mr Abdullah stressed the need to have a reasonable level of tariff protection for taking care of India’s food security and rural employment concerns. He sought the clarifications while referring that during the course of implementation of obligations, a number of member countries, particularly from the developing world, have experienced in calculating and notifying their Aggregate Measurement of Support (AMS) on account of the financial constraints and lack of clarity in the agreement with regard to the treatment of negative AMS and excessive inflation. The Minister conveyed that as along as the export subsidies are to be given by any country above the de minims limit provided under WTO’s subsidies and Countervailing measures agreement, India should also have a right to give export subsidies upto an appropriate level. Mr Abdullah said that need to provide employment opportunities in the predominantly rural agrarian areas is one of the main NTCs which India would like to see addressed. It was pointed that since the bio-technology inventions are increasingly affecting agricultural production and trade, new genetically engineered varieties of crop have increased productivity, but at the same time, there are environmental concerns which need a cautious approach in this regard. The Minister extended India’s cooperation in the field of Information Technology (IT), software, small scale industry, food processing and textiles. The Bulgarian side offered assistance in the filed of agricultural equipments, ware-housing, food-grains, horticulture and other joint ventures. |
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Vigilance books Director Horticulture, another Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 8: State Vigilance Organization has registered a case FIR 47/2000 in Police Station Vigilance organization Kashmir under Prevention of Corruption Act, 2006 against Mr G A Dar, the then Director Horticulture and Mr M M Muzaffar, the then Chief Canning Officer. As per an official communique the case owes it origin to a complaint received by Vigilance Organization alleging that the officers had made some purchases to the tune of Rs 50 lakh in violation of codal formalities in order to confer pecuniary benefit to themselves. In the course of preliminary enquiry it came to light that the officers had purchased canning equipment, apple basket press, foot operated crown corking machines, bornors etc during 1996-97. The enquiry revealed that substandard equipment had been purchased which was not even useable and thus the State exchequer was put to loss by the officers for ulterior motives. Since the allegations were proved in the course of inquiry, accordingly a FIR case was registered for thorough investigation. In the meantime the Vigilance Organization has produced challan in case FIR No 10/99 Police Station Vigilance Jammu against SGC Mohammed Naseer of the Fire Services for commission of offences punishable under section 5(2) Prevention of Corruption Act, 2006 read with section 161 RPC. The case relates to the demand and acceptance of Rs 30,000 by the accused as illegal gratification from the complainant in the year 1994 on the pretext of getting the complainant appointed in Fire Services. The investigation had prima facie established the charges against the accused. On receipt of prosecution sanction, the challan was produced in the court of Special Judge, Anti-Corruption, Jammu for judicial determination. |
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NDS organises Programme at Aghar Jitto Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 8: In connection with organization of Dogri Sahitya Sammelans in rural areas by Nami Dogri Sanstha, a programme was organised at Aghar Jitto. Prof Shiv Nirmohi presided over the function while Mr Jagjivan Lal, former Minister and sitting MLA from Reasi was the chief guest. Celebrated writers like Jitendra Udhampuri and trade unionist Subash Shastri were the guests of honour. A composite programme was Geet Sangeet, Nukad Nataks and Kavi Ghoshti were presented on the occasion. At the outset inhabitants of Aghar Jitto felicitated Jitendra Udhampuri for his literary services and authoring Maha Kavya on Baba Jitto. His new book, a collection of Dogri Gazals "Dil Darya Khali Khali" was also presented to the chief guest and Prof Nirmohi. Then a siropa and memento was presented to Prof Shiv Nirmohi by NDS for his field and research oriented literary works. NDS also felicitated Mr Gopal Krishan Komal, a young and versatile local poet and writer and Mrs Ayodhya Rani "Gamkhar" for her dedicated services and commitment for the endeavours of NDS. Navratra Festival Committee Aghar Jitto distributed prizes to the children, local artists for their active participation in the recent Navratra celebrations. A ‘Mata Ki Bhaint’ written by Gopal Krishan Komal was presented by Surinder Singh Manhas. The Geet Sangeet programme was presented by Mrs Jitrender Kour, Marina Jamwal and Bishan Dass spell bound the audience. Munshi Ram and Party presented Dogri Bhakh. Mrs Jitender Kour was the main star attraction of the programme. NDS Aghar Jitto branch was announced and introduced to public, which included Mr Bishan Dass Agharia as president, Kartar Singh as vice president, Gopal Krishan Komal as general secretary, Romesh Kumar as joint secretary, Raj Kumar Kohli as Sahitya Mantri, Rajkumar Sharma as Prachar mantri, Balgotra as cashier and Messrs Ramesh Chander Sammotra, Jagdish Raj and Darshan Kumar as executive members. A grand Kavi Sammellan was organised in which Miss Usha Kiran ‘Kiran’, Mrs Satya Sharma, Raj Kumar, Kartar Singh, Pritam Singh, Mulakh Raj Khajuria, Avtar Krishan Soni, Wazir Karan Singh, Bishan Dass Gharia, Rajesh Ajnabi, Hukum Chand and Capt Lalit Sharma recited their poems. The artists of Ghou Manhasan branch of NDS presented a street play based on political satire in which the artists included Ajay Saini, Sanjeev Singh, Yuvraj Singh, Rakesh Jamwal and Gharu Ram. A book cum cassette exhibition lead by Dr Gian Singh was displayed by J&K Academy of Art Culture and Languages. Dr Gian Singh assured the audience of such exhibitions in future also. Messrs Jagjivan Lal, Prof Shiv Nirmohi and Subash Shastri in their address emphasized upon the need to immediate inclusion of Dogri in the 8th Schedule of Indian Constitution. Mr Shastri termed the delay on this part as discriminatory attitude of the Central Government. Mr Jagjivan Lal assured that he would move a Bill in the State assembly in the next session regarding inclusion of Dogri in the 8th Schedule of the constitution. He said if the languages like Konkani and Nepali with lesser credentials can be included in the 8th Schedule then the case of Dogri language is just and right for inclusion in the 8th Schedule. Dr Nasib Singh Manhas, general secretary NDS conducted the marathon programme and Dr Harish Kaila, president NDS extended vote of thanks. He congratulated newly elected office bearers of NDS branch Aghar Jitto and advised them to start their literary and cultural activities in their area of responsibility. |
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Civil-military liaison group meeting held Excelsior Correspondent RAJOURI, Nov 8: A joint civil-military liaison group meeting was organised by Ace of Spades Division here today. The meeting was chaired by Maj Gen N S Pathania and attended by all high ranking officers of Army, Police and civil administration of Rajouri and Poonch districts, besides the officers of intelligence agencies. The meeting reviewed the present situation in the twin districts and strategies to check the terrorist activities during the winter season. The General Officer complimented all the agencies for excellent results achieved during the past four months in keeping the terrorists on the run. The views of General Officer, Ace of Spades Division were also echoed by all civil dignitaries who pledged to continue the excellent work and work towards achieving peace in the area. Maj Gen Pathania expressed his satisfaction over the excellent liaison between the security agencies and civil administration in winning the hearts and minds of the people. He also expressed the hope that this cooperation will continue to flourish and all mischievous attempts by Pakistan to play with the lives of innocent people of the State will be checkmated. |
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J&K Sikh Unity Forum
demands probe Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 8: All J&K Sikh Unity Forum has demanded a judicial inquiry into the custodial death of Amritpal Singh Rommi and also requested the Director General of Police Mr Gurbachan Jagat to see the cases of custodial deaths personally to find out the facts behind these. As per a release the Forum pleaded that if this was not done, it would be compelled to approach the National Human Rights Commission as also the Apex Court of the country. A meeting of the Forum was held today under the chairmanship of S Rajinder Singh, convenor, while others present in the meeting included Messrs S Gurmeet Singh, spokesman, Dr Trilok Singh, Dr Kirat Singh and S Jaswant Singh, who all condemned the custodial death of Late Amritpal Singh Rommi by Hira Nagar Police. They criticised the negative attitude of J&K police with Sikh community and held the same fully responsible for violation of law by killing a person in their custody without any information to his parents within 24 hours. The Forum held that in Kashmir valley the dreaded militants are being asked by the authorities to surrender while in Jammu the innocent people were being killed by police. They held that only a judicial probe could assuage their heart feelings. |
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NC rejects trifurcation of J&K Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 8: Provincial President National Conference Jammu Mr Bodh Raj Bali has strongly rejected the tripartite division of Jammu and Kashmir State and instead given a call for further stregthening the uniform and integral character of the State. as a whole of which Jammu is an integral constituent. As per a release Mr Bali said territorial partition has done more harm than good and held that we should learn lesson from our past experiences. He said Indian Sub-Continent would have emerged stronger today, had it not been partition of the country on the eve of independence of the country. Mr Bali was addressing a get-together of Party functionaries at Sher-i-Kashmir Bhavan this morning. Those who participated in the meeting included Messrs Rattan Lal Gupta, vice president, Sheikh Bashir Ahmed secretary, Jugal Mahajan, treasurer, Brij Mohan Sharma, joint secretary and Lt Col D S Trehan, joint secretary. Mr Bali underlined the need to meet the growing requirements of the people in far flung areas of the division by building up a close rapport with them in rural areas where real Jammu and Kashmir dwells. He added that "we have to fulfill the promise made to the people as envisaged in N C Manifesto. He however expressed satisfaction that remarkable development in the State was visible during the past four years despite financial crunch. He called upon the party rank and file to gear up their resources and stand solidly behind their leader Dr Farooq Abdullah, who has waged war against poverty, disease and ignorance since 1996 when the present Government came into being. Mr Bali said further that with the meagre resources at its disposal, the NC Government has been building up various sectors of the State’s economy as also meeting the challenges of the enemy from across the border. He asserted that the need of the hour was to forge unity of purpose in ourselves and work for socio-economic well being of the people. |
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All India Jojra Biradari holding 3 day conference Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 8: All India Jojra Biradari is holding annual conference at Devsthan of Baba Mangal Dass Jee Maharaj, deity of Jojra Biradari at village Flora in R S Pura. As per a release the three day conference at the devsthan is an annual affair to discuss the past achievements of the community and to formulate the future plans in the best interests of nation. The intellectuals of the community share their ideologies to eradicate social evils creeping up into the society. The delegates from Delhi, Bombay, Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, Chandigarh, Punjab and other parts of the country are expected to participate in the conference. Jojra Biradari coordinator Dr Ashwani Jojra and chief organisor of Sri Baba mangal Dass Dev Sthan Samiti explained that this year the conference is focussing on the major subjects like "role of youth and women in the next millennium" under the mature guidance of seniors and elderly community leaders for over-all development of the community, society and nation at large, because the youth and the women have to play a vital role in the process of building up of a value based society. The annual conference shall follow the annual congregation of Jojra Biradari. |
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Vigilance books Director Horticulture, another Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 8: State Vigilance Organization has registered a case FIR 47/2000 in Police Station Vigilance organization Kashmir under Prevention of Corruption Act, 2006 against Mr G A Dar, the then Director Horticulture and Mr M M Muzaffar, the then Chief Canning Officer. As per an official communique the case owes it origin to a complaint received by Vigilance Organization alleging that the officers had made some purchases to the tune of Rs 50 lakh in violation of codal formalities in order to confer pecuniary benefit to themselves. In the course of preliminary enquiry it came to light that the officers had purchased canning equipment, apple basket press, foot operated crown corking machines, bornors etc during 1996-97. The enquiry revealed that substandard equipment had been purchased which was not even useable and thus the State exchequer was put to loss by the officers for ulterior motives. Since the allegations were proved in the course of inquiry, accordingly a FIR case was registered for thorough investigation. In the meantime the Vigilance Organization has produced challan in case FIR No 10/99 Police Station Vigilance Jammu against SGC Mohammed Naseer of the Fire Services for commission of offences punishable under section 5(2) Prevention of Corruption Act, 2006 read with section 161 RPC. The case relates to the demand and acceptance of Rs 30,000 by the accused as illegal gratification from the complainant in the year 1994 on the pretext of getting the complainant appointed in Fire Services. The investigation had prima facie established the charges against the accused. On receipt of prosecution sanction, the challan was produced in the court of Special Judge, Anti-Corruption, Jammu for judicial determination. |
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Implementation of Mandal
Commission Report demanded Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU,
Nov 8: Describing
National Conference Government as ‘worst-ever
corrupt regime’ the Addressing a press conference, state president of the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), Sheikh Abdul Rehman said that National Conference Government has utterly failed on all fronts. "There is virtually chaos both at political and administrative level. Chief Minister has doled out licenses to his Ministers and other ruling elites to loot public exchequer", he said, adding "agony of the State can be gauged from the fact irresponsible and non-serious persons are at the helm of the affairs". "Corruption is a routine affairs and during the last four years especially after installation of Farooq Government corruption has been rather legitimised", he alleged. "Those who donot know how to administer oath have been given important portfolios to mitigate miseries of the masses", BSP chief regretted and accused Chief Minister of fostering corruption at higher level. Dubbing State Government as anti-weaker sections, he charged NC of meting-out step motherly treatment with Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and Other Backward Classes (OBCs). "OBCs in entire country getting 27 percent reservation under Mandal Commission Report but State Government has not implemented same in the State, despite directions from the Apex Court", he regretted and accused the State Government of denying legitimate rights to OBCs. He also criticised State Government for not giving genuine shares to the SC and STs for which they are very much entitled. Demanding implementation of Mandal Commission Report in the State for giving 27 percent reservation to the OBCs, he also demanded reservation for Scheduled Tribe in the political institutions. Coming down heavily on BJP for, what he called, maintaining a criminal silence over the mis-deeds of the ruling National Conference, Mr Rehman also criticised Central Government for discriminating with Jammu and Kashmir. He expressed that annual plan of the State yet has not finalised despite the fact 6 months of the current financial year have been passed. "Due to non-availability of funds, hill and snow bounds areas of the State would be badly effected as it is difficult rather impossible to execute any development work in these areas during winter", he said. BSP state president also accused NDA Government of discriminating with State in allotting funds for rural development and other schemes for the betterment and welfare of rural people. Mr Rehman disclosed that state BSP has decided to launch a mass agitation against anti-people policies of both State and Central Government in next month. |
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Protest rally
organised Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 8: The city unit of the Shiv Sena today organised a massive demonstration to lodge protest against decision of Mr Yasin Malik, chairman Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front to hold ‘peace-march’ in the City of Temples. Shouting slogans against Yasin Malik, the demonstration started from the Shiv Sena office, Purani Mandi and culminated at Raghunath Chowk after passing through main bazars of city. "Bharat Mata Ki Jai", "Yasin Malik Murdabad" and "Yasin Malik Hai Hai" and "Bal Thackrey Zindabad" slogans repeatedly rented the air by the activists of Shiv Sena. The city president of Shiv Sena, Sanjay Mahey warned the JKLF—mouth peace of Inter Service Intelligence (ISI)—of dire consequences if it resorted to shift its activities to Jammu and attempted to foment communal tension. Speaking on the occasion, Mr Mahey said that the proposed ‘peace march’ by the JKLF would disturb the peace in the city and urged the administration not to allow the JKLF to take out march in Jammu city. He said that Sena will take the challenge head on and will defeat the evil design of ISI and its agents. He appealed to the people to remain vigilant and support Shiv Sena to thwart anti-national activities of organisations like JKLF which are hell bent to create communal tension in the Jammu to further aggravate the situation. He asserted that under no circumstances State would be allowed to become independent and they will not allow enemy to accomplish its nefarious design. He warned that if the rally will be allowed to take out it will create trouble in the peaceful City of Temples and the administration will be held responsible for any untoward incident. Later, the effigy of Yasin Malik was burnt amidst slogans against JKLF, Pakistan and ISI. A large number of police personnel were also present at the demonstration site to prevent occurrence of any untoward incident. The vehicular traffic on both sides of the temple remained standstill due to the demonstration and traffic was restored after about one hour. Prominent among others who participated in the demonstration included Messrs Rakesh Gupta, Ranjit Singh Bali, Kuldeep Luthra, Shashi Abrol, Anil Gupta, Rajinder Gupta, Dimple Kohli, Gautam Gupta, K L Verma, Avinash Bhatia, Vipin, Yogeshwar, Yogesh, Vaishno Dass, Ashwani Gandotra and Raj Kumar. Meanwhile tension gripped at Bye-Pass Narwal Chowk where posters of JKLF were found pasted on the wall of a store just infront of the Police Post Narwal. The posters, however, were torn by the residents but anguish still prevailed in the area. |
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Tribal Foundation hails decision to start Gojri news Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 8: Tribal Research and Cultural Foundation hailed the decision to restart the broadcasting of Gojri News Bulletin from Radio Kashmir, Srinagar and expressed its gratitude to Sushma Swaraj, Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting besides, Harish Awasti, Director General News Parsar Bharti Corporation. Speaking in a meeting of Gujjar writers, poets and intellectuals, Javaid Rahi, Secretary of Tribal Foundation said that this Gojri News Bulletin would help to counter the baseless propaganda from across the border to mislead the tribal population of Gujjar and Bakerwals in the name of religion. He said that in addition to this, the Bulletin will also provide a suitable platform to the third largest ethnic group of the State to highlight their problems and aspirations. The member of the Foundation also expressed their concern over the delaying tactics of vested interest people to defer the implementation of division to telecast the Gojri news Bulletin from Kashir Channel of Doordarshan, despite the clear instruction from Union Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. Regarding Balti News Bulletin, Mr Rahi said that this tribal language has rich treasure of folklore and lakhs of people across the border are being benefitted and their cultural heritage would be preserved through this Balti programmes and news, which are being treated as Muhajar in Gilgit and Askardo area of POK. Others who spoke on the occasion included Messrs Mushtaq Qaddri, Abdul Gani, Khaliq Firdose, Javed Rana Haqla and Zahir Haqla and said a release issued here today. |
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Chain
hunger strike into 25th day Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 7: Leaders of different Kashmiri Pandit factions today warned the Government that entire community will come on streets in support of the struggle launched by the camp college students demanding revocation of order regarding their merger with evening colleges in case the Government sticks to its present stand on the issue. These Kashmiri Pandit leaders who on 25th day of chain hunger strike of camp college students today joined the dharna to show their solidarity with them resolved that the entire community will fight tooth and nail against the policies of the State Government which they alleged are prejudicial to the cause of the KPs. "We will not let the struggle of the students to go waste and take the present agitation to its logical end", said Dr Ajay Chrangoo, chairman Panun Kashmir while addressing the agitating students today. Terming it a black order he said it has long term ramifications and warned that any onslaught on the rights of the community will be resisted with full might. Dr Chrangoo said no doubt the community has been demanding that an autonomous institution be created here under Jammu University but after the normal functioning of the Kashmir University for last two years we modified our stand. He while criticising the Government questioned its authenticity of merging the camp colleges with evening colleges and said when the KU has been functioning normally for last two years what was the need of this decision. Terming it a big conspiracy he alleged that after succeeding in hounding out the KPs from the Valley the forces who want the total Islamisation of Valley are trying to snap the community’s last links with Kashmir. He while taking the State Government to task alleged that the security of KP employees posted in Valley has been removed and they have been asked to defend themselves. He said in another example of anti Kashmiri Pandit policies the migrant students have been thrown out of the Camp Engineering College and asked to study in Jammu College of Engineering. He said this all is being done by the NC Government to trouble the displaced community and create an instability among them. He warned that the community will not be cowed down by such machinations of the Government but will intensify the struggle to give a befitting reply to it. Mr Amarnath Vaishnavi president All State Kashmiri Pandit Conference (ASKPC) said that displaced student community was unnecessarily being harassed by the Government. He said the Government’s negative and discriminative attitude towards the hapless students has resulted into their sufferings. Terming the merger decision a "black order" he demanded its immediate withdrawal failing which the community will intensify the struggle, he warned. Mr O N Trisal, president All Kashmiri Pandit Solidarity Conference (AKPSC) while taking a strong exception of the Government’s decision alleged that Kashmiri Pandit community will frustrate all designs of converting Kashmir into an Islamic State. He said the Government’s decision is aimed at cutting the roots of the KPs who are aborigines of the Valley. He urged the student community to maintain the unity at all levels so that the designs of the Government are thwarted with full might. Among the students who participated in today’s chain hunger strike include Messrs Rahul Dhar, Amit Raina, Vinod Pandita and Sujit Matoo. Meanwhile, the Kashmiri Pandit Sabha Ambphalla, Jammu in a statement has expressed serious concern over the silence maintained by the State Government on the issue. The Sabha in a handout issued here today urged the Government to redress the grievances of the camp college students who have already lost three precious months of the academic year. |
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Excelsior Correspondent POONCH, Nov 8: The district body of the Judicial Employees Federation was constituted here the other day under the chairmanship of Mr Khem Raj Bali. As per a release, Mr Intezar Hussain was unanimously elected as president, Khadim Hussain, vice-president, Madal Lal Verma, general secretary, Asgar Ali, joint secretary, Sukhdev Singh, cashier and Mohd Asam as its organisor. The members of the working committee were also declared which included Sunil Sharma, Mohd Akram and Jaidev Sharma. |
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Panther, BJP MLAs walkout from Distt Dev Board meeting Excelsior Correspondent UDHAMPUR, Nov 8: Shiv Charan Gupta, MLA, Udhampur, who is also a leader of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP )in the State Assembly, alongwith Chenani MLA Prithvi Raj Chand and Panther Party MLA Ramnagar, Harsh Dev Singh today walked out of the meeting of the District Development Board Udhampur in protest against the participation of a nominated member of the ruling party from Hiranagar, in this meeting. In a statement here, Shiv Charan said that the District Development Board meeting was a show of the ruling National Conference, as nominated members of the party were allowed to participate, although they didn’t represent the public of Udhampur district. It was pointed out that only the elected members were entitled to attend the meeting and project the problems of the people before District Development Board. He regretted that the Draft District Plan has been formulated without holding prior discussion with the Board members. He alleged that before the formulation of District Draft Plan, the Board members, particularly the MLAs of Chenani and Ramnagar were not taken into confidence. |
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Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 8: " Aman Yatra" of Pradesh Janata Dal (United), which started from Uri, Kashmir on November 3, reached here yesterday under the convenorship of Ghulam Mohammed Shah and supervision of former Union Minister of State for Home and President State JD-U, Mohd Maqbool Dar. The yatra that reached Gandhi Chowk, Satwari today, was received by Ved Parkash Bhagat, Dr A K Kharu, S P Magotra and Kamal Suri . Dar, alongwith other JD-U leaders, garlanded the statue of Mahatma Gandhi. Addressing the party workers, the former Union Minister alleged that the militancy in the State has increased after the installation of National Conference Government headed by Farooq Abdullah. He regretted that corruption and nepotism were at peak and favoritism had engulfed the State. Avenash Kakde, All India National Yuva Janata Dal (U) president in his address said that the youth is the pillar of the nation and can contribute too much in restoration of peace in the troubled-torn State of Jammu and Kashmir. Convener of Aman Yatra, Ghulam Mohammed Shah said that the message for love and peace throughout the State has gone to the people through this Yatra. |
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RKJ organises impressive Folk music concert Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 8: An impressive programme of folk music of northern India was organised by the Radio Kashmir, Jammu at Abhinav Theatre here this evening. Eminent folk musicians and artists from Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir presented the popular traditional folk lore of Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Haryana and Jammu and Kashmir enthralling the audience. The Chief Minister, Dr Farooq Abdullah, who was chief guest at the concert, praised the artists for scintillating performance and said they are really preserving our rich cultural heritage. The art, he said, is the food for the soul and it soothes and nourishes our mind. Complimenting the artists, Dr Farooq Abdullah said India had a rich cultural treasure which has flourished due to the commitment and hard work of artists over the years. The music knows no barriers and the biggest reward for the artist is greater appreciation of art by the audience. The Chief Minister appreciated that the Radio Station, Jammu has arranged the folk music and dance items of the neighbouring States of the country. He expressed the hope that Jammu will become the hub of cultural activities. These cultural expressions promote unity and integrity of the nation, Dr Farooq Abdullah said adding that our artists will project the Indian culture throughout the world. Dr Ashok Jerath, Director, Radio Kashmir, Jammu, in his speech said that folk music concert has been organised to preserve and promote our cultural heritage. He had a good word for the artists for their best performance this evening. The two items by famous Punjabi singer Serbjeet Kaur won high applaud from the audience. Gurmeet Kaur Bawa regalled the audience while Barkat Sidhu’s item were repeatedly applauded. The presentation of the programme started with singing of Bhajan of Mata Vaishno Devi by Ghulam Mohammad and his team while Shiv Samvad by artists of Haryana was also liked much. The performance of Kashmiri musicians and dancers as also Dogri items were lustily cheered. The programme was attended by a number of legislators, prominent citizens and music lovers. |
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Rural water supply project
of Rs 25-cr sanctioned for district Excelsior Correspondent Udhampur, Nov 8 : Current year’s plan for Udhampur district is of the order of Rs. 6656.01 lakhs. The plan was approved at the District Development Board meeting here today under the chairmanship of the Minister for Information and Transport, Mr. Ajatshatru Singh who is also the Chairman of the District Development Board. Meanwhile, 75 per cent of the plan funds have already been released and the development activities are already going apace. Of the total District Plan, Rs. 2718.31 lakh will be the capital component which includes Rs. 1134.54 lakh, the expected Central share. Addressing the meeting, the Minister exhorted upon the officers to have regular interaction with the masses. He asked the District Officers to visit the remote and far flung areas of the District to assess problems of the people. Referring to the complaints of incomplete works in certain sectors Mr. Singh emphasised the need for ensuring transparency and accountability by the executing agencies. He said that due to the decade long militancy, the pace of development had retarded. But since the present Government took over, the priority has been given to the accelerated pace of devcelopment. He asked the officers that they should visit remote and far flungs areas to ensure that the problems of the people are attended to. He called upon the District Officers to take MLAs into confidence while formulating the District Plan to avoid wastage of time and duplicacy. The Minister regretted the walk out by three MLAs, namely Lala Shiv Charan Gupta ,and Prithvi Chand of B.J.P. and Harash Dev Singh of Panther Party from the meeting in protest against the presence of Mr. Nand Lal Vice Chairman Scheduled Caste Advisory Board in the meeting being not a member of the Board. He said that political affiliations should not come in the process of development especially when scheduled caste problems were to be highlighted by the Vice Chairman. Besides District Officers, M.L.As Messrs Jagjivan Lal , Abdul Wahid Shan, Abdul Gani Malik, M.L.Cs Messrs Chuni Lal Khajuria and Haji Buland Khan and Mr Nand Lal, Vice Chairman Scheduled Caste Advisory Board were present in the meeting. Giving the break up of allocations and physical targets the District Development Commissioner, Udhampur, Mr. Mohammad Sayeed Khan said that the highest allocation of Rs. 1408.98 lakh has been made under Education sector. 93,000 uniforms will be distributed free of cost among the deserving students, while 1125 students in Primary schools will be provided merit scholarships. An amount of Rs. 1241.16 lakhs under Roads and Bridges sector including Rs. 808 lakhs as loan assistance to be raised from NABARD has been earmarked. A target of improvement and upgradation of 14.50 kilometres road has been fixed. Rs. 715.41 lakhs have been earmarked under Public Health Engineering sector followed by Rs. 583.93 lakh under Health sector. Nearly 11 mohras are likely to be provided drinking water supply. Rs. 347 lakhs have been earmarked under Agriculture sector 8014 quintals of high yielding variety seeds of wheat and other crops and 5413 tonnes of fertilizers will be distributed among the farmers. Besides, 10,486 hectares of area under plantation will be covered. 75,000 improved agriculture implements on 33 per cent subsidy will be provided to the farmers. Sixty-three beehives and 66 bee colonies will be distributed for apiculture development. 4600 span bottle of mushroom will be distributed besides setting up 8150 mushroom trays. 4500 kitchen garden kits will be distributed for vegetable development. Thirty-three farmers will be given training on latest techniques of farming. Rs. 279.13 lakhs have been earmarked under Employment Assurance Scheme followed by Rs. 166.73 lakh under Swaranjayanti Gram Swarojgar Yojana and Rs. 135.46 lakh under Jawahar Gramin Swarojgar Yojana and Rs. 108.04 lakh under Indira Awas Yojana. Rs. 479.68 lakhs have been earmarked under Drought Prone Area Programme. (DPAP). Rs. 136.54 lakhs have been earmarked under Animal Husbandry sector and Rs. 61.86 lakh under Sheep Husbandry. Besides providing health coverage to livestock, 1000 backyard poultry units will be established and 200 rams of exotic breed will be distributed among the farmers. Rs. 186 lakh including loan component of Rs. 100 lakh from NABARD has been earmarked for creating additional irrigation potential for 178 hectares. Under Horticulture sector, an additional area of 202 hectares will be covered with plantation of 35,500 fruit plants for which an amount of Rs. 69.60 lakhs has been earmarked, followed by Rs. 40.51 lakh under Social Forestry, Rs. 61.84 lakh under District Industry Centre and Rs. 59.92 lakh under Handicraft and Handloom sectors. Similarly, Rs. 52.70 lakhs have been earmarked for Social Welfare of scheduled caste and other backward classes followed by Rs. 48.90 lakh under Nutrition. Rs. 60.40 lakh have been earmarked for Self Employment followed by Rs. 38 lakh for urban development and Rs. 47.31 lakh for promotion of sports. Rs. 25 lakhs have also been earmarked under non-functional building schemes. A hall for board meetings is proposed to be constructed near Dak Banglow, Udhampur. Rs. 10.92 lakh have been earmarked under Sericulture sector followed by Rs. 4.32 lakhs under Rural Sanitation and Rs. 35.86 lakh for development of Gujjar and Bakerwals and Rs. 29 lakhs for soil conservation development. Giving resume of last year’s achievements, the District Development Commissioner revealed that an amount of Rs. 5931.41 lakhs was allocated under District Plan against which an amount of Rs. 4664.58 lakh were spent on implementation of various schemes. Besides Rs. 71.64 lakhs were also allocated as Special Central Assistance under Scheduled Tribe and Rs. 28.40 lakh under Scheduled Caste component against which Rs. 70.35 lakhs and Rs. 18.79 lakhs were spent for the purpose respectively. Under Agriculture sector, 3000 hectares of area was brought under cultivation and 41,200 tonnes of vegetables produced. 3976.56 quintals of high yielding variety seeds were distributed among the farmers. There was production of 22.07 lakh metric tonnes of maize, paddy and wheat. Under Horticulture sector, 12,700 hectares of area was brought under fruit production resulting in producing of 10,300 metric tonnes of different kinds of fruit. 5.79 lakh sheep and goat population was given health coverage through 95 sheep extension centres. A record production of 7.76 lakh kilogrammes of wool and 20.65 lakh kilogrammes of mutton was recorded. 3.24 lakh cases of animals treated besides artificial insemination with frozen semon to 12,000 animals were recorded in Animal Husbandry sector. An irrigation potential of 54 hectares of area was generated. 148 small scale industrial units and 112 other units were provisionally and formally registered and 188 units under Prime Minister’s Rozgar Yojana were sanctioned. 2.21 lakh kgs of cocoon were produced with the distribution of 6115 numbers of Ozs of silk-worm seed. 11.81 lakh mulberry plants were planted. Under Roads and Bridges sector, 773.24 kms. of road length was upgraded. Besides, 281 bridges out of the total inhabited villages of the district were connected by roads. Under Education sector, 23 primary schools and eight schools with 6th class have been opened and upgraded respectively. Besides 385 students were supplied free uniforms and 909 students were given merit scholarships. 12,116 students belonging to scheduled caste and other backward classes were given pre-matric scholarships followed by re-inbursement of examination fee to 295 students. 16,000 children and pregnant women were provided nutritious diet. 298 cases were sponsored to various banks under Self Employment Programme, out of which 111 sanctioned. 562 spill-over schemes generating 3.24 lakh mandays were completed under Employment Assurance Scheme while 261 works were completed under JGSY generating 0.85 lakh mandays. 347 persons were benefitted under Indira Awas Yojana, while 24 beneficiaries were considered for upgradation of their shelter. 12,274 students of Gujjar and Bakerwal communities were provided scholarships. 42 house-hold latrines were constructed in addition to 56 bathing and washing platforms, 70 meters of lanes and drains were also constructed under Rural Sanitation programme. During the current year, the District Development Commissioner stated that 268 teachers under Rehbar-i-Taleem have been engaged. 68 schools closed for want of teachers have been made functional. 68 school buildings have been constructed through Rural development Department under Employment Assurance Scheme. 168 schemes in Roads and Bridges sector are presently under execution at a cost of Rs. 12559 lakhs. Ramnagar-Dudu-Sudhmahadev road after construction of a vital bridge at Dudu was thrown open for traffic. Besides another important bridge at Thanpal was completed. A pilot project under Centrally sponsored Rural Water Supply Programme at a cost of Rs. 25 crores has also been taken in hand in Udhampur district. 188 number of cases have been sanctioned under PMRY, an all time record in last three years. 346 houses have been sanctioned under Indira Awas Yojana and 4.95 lakh mandays were generated by taking up various works. 2286 beneficiaries are being provided old age pension, 28 beneficiaries covered under National Family Benefit Schemes and 296 beneficiaries under NMBS. The Power Development Department has electrified two villages, eight hamlets and four harijan basties. Besides 20 hamlets were electrified under Tribal Sub Plan and five hamlets under SCA to SCP. For the first time sectorwise achievements of Udhampur district were highlighted on the screen through slide projector which were highly appreciated. |
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