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| High-level delegation of JKPCC calls on Sonia Excelsior Correspondent NEW DELHI, Sept 30: A high level delegation of Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee....more NC-BJP
can’t befool public for long Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Sept 30: Former Union Minister and senior Congress leader Mr Ghulam Nabi Azad has said that internal......more Brucellosis
grips nomads of Changthang From Tashi Morup LEH, Sept 30: Yet not fully recovered from the destruction of livestock by 1998......more Education
system should Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Sept 30: The ultimate aim of education is to develop personality through furthering ......more Phunsog
asked to appear Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Sept 30: Justice Arun Kumar Goel of Jammu the State High Court Jammu.......more |
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Sadhotra
inspects Excelsior Correspondent SRINAGAR, Sept 30: The Minister of State for Food and Supplies, Mr. Ajay Sadhotra has exhorted upon the officers to be more attentive to the problems of the people living in remote and far-flung areas of the State like Kargil and Drass.......more Minister’s
plea to Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Sept 30: The Minister for Revenue, Relief and Rehabilitation, Mr Abdul Qayoom has exhorted upon the Revenue Officers...........more Frozen
semen processing Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Sept 30: To provide hybrid quality live stock to the cattle rearers of Jammu division, the Animal Husbandry Department has ........more Lashkar-a-Shivba
to Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Sept 30: To co-operate the security forces in eliminating Pak sponsored terrorists and infuse a sense of confidence among the Hindu populous in militancy infested Jammu and..........more |
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on "preventive measures against AIDS organised.... Vigilance produces 4 more challans in graft cases.... ENVIRONMENT
FOCUS 2 more grand productions from Shivani in offing.... |
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High-level delegation of JKPCC calls on Sonia Excelsior Correspondent NEW DELHI, Sept 30: A high level delegation of Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) led by Pt Mangat Ram Sharma, former MP and veteran Congress leader today called on Indian National Congress president Mrs Sonia Gandhi. The delegation apprised her of the situation which has arisen due to the constitution of imbalanced new JKPCC, encouragement to factionalism, attempt to de-stabilise the District Congress and Block Congress Committees resulting into frustration in rank and file of the party. The Congress leaders informed the All India Congress Committee president that the new PCC has been constituted by ignoring the senior, dedicated and mass-base leaders. They said that some of the new office bearers on the line of factionalism are attempting to bring unwanted, undeserving, defectors and outsiders as office bearers of District Congress Committees (DCCs) and Block Congress Committees (BCCs) to erode the party base in this trouble torn State of Jammu and Kashmir. The high level delegation further apprised Mrs Gandhi that there is a need to strengthen the secular forces in Jammu and Kashmir to defeat the evil designs of the enemy. They said that it is only Congress party which under her leadership can defeat the proxy war by making strong secular network and give an alternative to the people provided the Congress is united and the efforts to erode it defeated strongly. The delegation also requested Mrs Gandhi to consider the miseries of those who are facing militancy and are being killed and injured everyday. They demanded her intervention in providing ex-gratia and employment to the kins of killed and injured under SRO 43 in Rajouri and Poonch districts in general and Kotdhara in particular. The delegation comprised off Messrs Moti Lal Koul, general secretary PCC, Amrit Malhotra, spokesman PCC, Ashok Kumar Sharma, chief whip of J&K Congress Legislative Party and B S Slathia, chairman, J&K Congress Legal Cell, said release issued here today. |
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NC-BJP
can’t befool public for long Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Sept 30: Former Union Minister and senior Congress leader Mr Ghulam Nabi Azad has said that internal bickerings and infightings within the Party has damaged the Congress in the country. Addressing a massive public rally organised by District Congress Committee (Rural) Jammu at Zanana Park here today, the senior Congress leader publicly admitted that Congress itself defeated Congress. He expressed that no other Party in the country had the power or the capability to defeat this largest, strongest and oldest National Party. "Own people made the Party weak for their own interests and the BJP and other Parties took advantage of the situation, "he maintained. The BJP , ‘so called’ powerful Party has only its own Government in three states namely— UP, Gujarat and Himachal. They have their own footing only in Gujarat but in Himachal they could form Government with the support of Sukhram’s support, who was once a Congress Minister. In UP too, they could form Government with the help of 44 MLAs who left Congress and formed separate group. The time has come to realise these hard facts and put all efforts to unite Congress Party and make it more strong. He appealed the Party leaders to stop mud slinging practice and not hurl abuses or defame own people on petty issues. Mr Azad expressed that Congress was still powerful and regaining its strength gradually. It has proved its strength after coming to power in Delhi State and also by registering 70 % success in Local Bodies and Panchayat elections in BJP dominated—Gujarat, which is also the home State of Mr LK Advani. In all the four zones of the country, the Congress Party is still existing. Coming down heavily on BJP for its role during Kargil, the Lahore bus diplomacy and the attitude of neglect towards border migrants in J&K, the senior Congress leader said that people have lost confidence in the Party. Its tall claim of abrogation of Article 370, construction of Ram temple, Muslim Personal Law etc. proved to be hollow. For these issues the Party bagged votes and now its leaders have gone silent on these issues which were in their manifesto. They have deceived crores of voters and have murdered the principles of their own Party. They have to face its consequences. The ideology of the people is changing fast and they have realised that only Congress can provide them a better Government. In Jammu and Kashmir, the public wave has turned against National Conference too, as it has totally failed on all the fronts. NC Government could not meet the aspirations of the people and therefore, it has lost public confidence and favour. They too, have befooled the public all the time. The BJP which claimed an opposition in the State here is with NC now. The BJP-NC nexus has been exposed totally and the people of the State can not befooled any longer. The BJP which has formed Government in the Centre with the help of 25 Parties can not be match for the mighty Congress which is alone acting as the major opposition Party at the Centre. He asked the PCC workers to sink the differences, if any, and prepare for the forthcoming Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council and hoped that Congress will emerge as stronger in the contest. This exercise will give strength to the Party in the State, he added. Pradesh Congress Committee president, Mr Mohd Shafi Qureshi while addressing the gathering criticised the role of BJP in the State and alleged that it has totally shut its eyes over the unfortunate developments. The militancy, he said, has increased and corruption in the political and official circles has gripped the State. No attention is being given towards thousands of families have been forced to migrate to the safer areas following continuous Pakistani firing. No adequate relief is being given to the families putting up at Devipur, Akhnoor and other camps in Khour block. The education of the children has also badly affected. The people are passing sleepless nights. Referring to Lahore bus diplomacy, the Congress leader said that it was Congress which introduced Samjhouta Express train between New Delhi and Lahore and it was successfully operating. There is no question of taking credit of introducing bus service between Delhi and Lahore by BJP and rather it must realise the consequences of Lahore diplomacy in context of the Kargil episode. It was unfortunate on the part of BJP Government that it was totally unaware when intruders had moved deep inside the LoC and captured Indian posts. He pointed out that this Government has completed its days and people are not going to tolerate it any more as they have realised the facts. He asked the Party workers to work hard in their respective areas/ blocks and prepare for the forthcoming elections. He claimed that Party would emerge as much stronger in future. Former Minister and DCC Jammu (R) president Mr Madan Lal Sharma and Congress MLA from Chhamb constituency, Mr Tara Chand raised several problems of the people from Khour, Pallanwalla and Jourian and criticised NC and BJP Government for their attitude. They regretted that thousands of families from border belt have become refugees due to Pakistani firing but no Central leader has visited these migrants so far. A large number of people became refugees in 1965 and 1971 but they were taken care of by the then Governments but no accountability has been observed in the ruling parties at the Centre and the State as well. All India general secretary and senior Congress leader Ms Ambika Soni who was also supposed to address the Congress convention could not arrive. Various other senior Congress leaders also spoke on the occasion. Prominent among those included—Th. Gulchain Singh, Ms Swarn Lata, Ms Suman Baghat, Mr Darshan Raina, former MP- Mr Dharam Paul and others. |
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Brucellosis
grips nomads of Changthang From Tashi Morup LEH, Sept 30: Yet not fully recovered from the destruction of livestock by 1998 snowfall nomadic areas of Changthang has suffered another blow in the form of an animal borne disease which has left both livestock and human inhabitants limping. Large number of human and animals in Samad area are suffering from the decease diagnosed as Brucellosis, which ultimately leads to Arthritis causing joint pain. First ever recorded in Ladakh as disease Brucellosis found in the domestics animals in Samad nomadic area has put at hazard its 84 households and over 10000 livestock including sheep, goats and yaks. Dr S Dawa Lanpo, Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Leh said as many as 156 people out of 525 inhabitants of these areas are being treated for Brucellosis that was first detected accidentally on June 18 this year while a routine medical tour in Changthang. During the tour the medical team lead by CMO encountered some people complaining of joint pain. However, initially they could not know the cause of the illness, which was also accompanied by fever, reddening of eyes and body ache. Later on July 29, they sent a special medical team to the affected areas led by Dr Ghulam, who suggested a thorough investigation into the disease suspected as Brucellosis. The blood samples from four patients sent to the Director Health Services Kashmir, Epidemiology, confirmed the disease as Brucellosis, which, otherwise common worldwide in animal, has been traced in Ladakh for the first time. Although the disease is under full surveillance now by the Medical Department yet there is no effective cure as the drugs and human vaccination is very limited. Also human vaccination is dangerous, only Russia can and China tried it once taking the risk. To prevent infection of Brucellosis from animal to human being, it is decided to eliminate all infective animal. However, decision to eliminating the affected livestock is likely to face resistance from the owners as, according to Dr Mohammed Ali, Technical Officer, Sheep Husbandry Department, Leh, the livestock of this area constitutes the rich quality genetic pool for Pashmina (Cashmere). Already over 50 percent of livestock including sheep, goats and yaks have been tested positive for Brucellosis. Thus the only option left, besides the curative method available, to prevent the disease from further spreading which could happen through any medium, is to avoid contact with the infected animals. Especially eating of meat and milk products of such animals should be stopped. Also special attention should be give to Hygienic, which is lacking in this area. Also a joint team of Medical and Sheep Husbandry Department team campaigned the affected areas to educate the people not to take uncooked or semi-cooked meat, half-boiled milk and its products. Those who have to handle meat, milk, blood, animal excretes or carcasses should wear gloves, masks and goggles. Nevertheless the Administration is limping towards controlling the disease but at the eleventh hours which it has already affected many humans and animals. According to an official source, the transmission of the disease among the human inhabitants could have been avoided if the Animal Husbandry Department obtained the report of the disease among the animals in time. |
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Education
system should be changed for natural Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Sept 30: The ultimate aim of education is to develop personality through furthering natural growth. The education for small children means comprehensive development of their physical, mental, emotional, language and cognitive faculties during their formative years of life. But it causes serious concern to note that the childhood of our children is depressed by the burden of education. What would be the future of our children whose natural growth is hampered due to the defects of education being imparted to them, asks Swami Paul ji who is Chairman of Maa Shakti, a NGO for welfare of children and youth. Our age old education system ignores the need for natural development of the inner traits of a child and suffers from serious defects, said Swami ji. "If you put up a question from General Knowledge book of III standard prescribed in a reputed school of Jammu like what is the name of Head of State of Indonesia or France, which people use the boat called Kayak, name the place where from a foreign newspaper titled 'Al Ahram' is published from or what is the sugar bowl of the world to an IAS officer who is supposedly the most knowledgeable person in our society he will be, by bet, not having a ready answer in his stock of knowledge to these questions obviously because it is the piece of information which does not help one in any practical way in the course of day to day life. Then what is the fun of including such information about the world in the syllabus which do not benefit the tiny children in their growth "ask Swami ji. Swami ji said that children have natural tendency to have interest and curiosity to learn about new things and they must be encouraged to learn more and more but care must be taken to ensure that the information provided to the children is reasonable and relevant to their age as well as the environment they live in. Swami Paul ji who was addressing a gathering of Maa Shakti volunteers said that his irrelevant portion in the prescribed studies for the children is only a pointer towards many more such black spots present in our age old education system which has been inherited from the British. Swami ji said that in absence of a sound and scientific education system, the future of the children is hanging in darkness adding up the insecurity and frustration among the parents as well. Amid rich applause and to the emotional delight of the audience, Swami ji reaffirmed Maa Shakti's commitment to strive for establishing a social order in which the children and youth recognised as a significant segment of the society will enjoy a life free from harassment, exploitation and injustice furthering their all around growth and development. Swami ji said that Maa Shakti has launched a programme for awareness of children problems and their solution through the combined involvement of the parents, teachers and concerned authorities. Swami ji added that children need maximum love and care while they are being brought up and it should be ensured that their delicate and tender body and psyche are carefully handled while engaging them in any physical or mental learning activity. But he said it is a pity that our children have to embrace the hard life suppressed by the pulls and pressures of complex mechanical social living of modern times and bear the burden of education. With the result their tender childhood and even the youth is swayed away without getting proper opportunities for growth of their inner potentials. Making a vivid comparison of the education provided to our children with that being imparted to their counterparts in the advanced countries like USA or UK Swami Ji said that there small children are considered as too young to be taught such detailed courses and they are left free to play with toys, flowers and colours and all that the mother nature teaches them. They know no books and no home work, he said and this type of burden free childhood enables them to grow to the fullest potential. Swami discussed at length the problems faced by our children and youth and the measures to be adopted for bringing in immediate relief for the children. He outlined the burden of education on the children as the foremost problem requiring urgent attention of all. A school going child has to carry a weight of his bag which is almost equal to his own weight and it is pity, Swami ji said, that the load of books carried by the children is not justified by the quantum of relevant and reasonable knowledge delivered by them. One can observe a number of instances where the course contents of the books recommended for teaching in various classes are not commensurate with the mental level of the children or found grossly irrelevant to the objective of childrens social, moral and vocational needs. Quoting examples Swami ji said that a children of Primary classes are taught about the industries of India, world civilisations, intricate mathematics and are made to mug up small details of various foreign nations like currency, capital and ports etc while they know very little about our own country in general and our State in particular. Similarly in the case of high school education, Swami ji pointed out that a student of 10th standard who aspires to become a doctor or an engineer, is compulsorily taught History or Sanskrit which have no relevance to the aimed profession. Besides while following the CBSE syllabus, a host of other books of private publishers are prescribed by the schools without any check by the authorities to the disadvantage of the already burdened children. The plight of youths undergoing Graduation is much more grim Swami ji pointed out, as the primary and high school education undergone by them proves inadequate and lacking in developing and sharpening their inner potentials and skills to meet the challenges posed by the terrible competition in academic environment. Lack of infrastructure for pursuing professional or academic studies remains still another shortcoming which the students have to face, said Swami Ji. Swami further added that the process of education is equally defective as imparting of education is being done in a most monotonous and examination oriented fashion which is neither child friendly nor conducive to the learning activity. Moreover the lengthy course contents make the teaching mechanical preventing the detailed study of the chapters in the classroom. The children are expected to exert themselves and make thorough study to understand the contents and then prepare for the exams. Students are encouraged to go for private tuitions imparted by the same teacher doing the subject in schools to further the individual interest of teacher lying in monetary lucration arising out of it and better score in the examination for the students. Consequently the educational institutions cease to be the temples of learning and instead these are being increasingly turned into money making commercial ventures. Swami further pointed out that the importance of games and co-curricular activities has been ignored by our current education system. In view of the increasing role of computer in education and games, the need for relaxation of the muscles and mind of the children using computers has become vital, he said. Swami ji added that it is a reality that our children find no play field in their schools to play in or if a play field is available the teaching schedule is such that there is no time provided for games and other co-curricular activities. It should have become a matter of anxiety for the guardians of the society that the inadequate physical exercise by the children through undertaking spots and games activities is going to hamper their physical as well as mental growth. But no one seems to be concerned, Swami ji said to give due attention to proper welfare of the children and youth. Swami called for urgent reform in the education system and appealed the educationists, thinkers, school authorities and Govt. to join hands to do something constructive for the alleviation of the problems faced by the children so that the deterioration of childrens potential could be prevented. Offering some suggestions for immediate practical help to the children, Swami ji said that the policy of teaching all the subjects all the days may be discontinued especially upto primary level so that the children are saved from carrying the load of books everyday and the mental burden to study each subject daily is reduced. Similarly he said, during the day in school, lunch break for enough time be observed so that the children are enabled to eat food as well as play games as also break after 2 days schooling exclusively for games may be introduced which would go a long way in enhancing their physical and mental fitness. Teaching the small children in play way method may be adopted as reading out of the course contents by the teacher in mechanical manner makes the learning difficult and ineffective. Practical demonstrations and experimentation may be extensively used to bring round a point in children of higher classes. Swami ji urged that the course contents may be reviewed to remove the irrelevant portions so that it could be made more purposeful and vocationally suiting the needs of present times. Children may be encouraged to take up sports and adventure activities to augment the physical and mental growth through providing relief from stress and monotony of studies. And last but not the least, for saving the noble profession of imparting education from becoming commercialised affair, Swami ji urged that there should be Governmental check to keep the fees and donations to be charged by the educational institutions to a restricted leve, Swami added. It is the children who make the real aim before us and our every thought and action towards development of any kind must seek enough security and comfort for the children for ensuring their natural growth. Swami ji said that it is this childrens' cause which every parent is responsible to further. He hoped that Maa Shakti's initiative in this direction will be supported by every parent and the combined efforts of all in spreading the awareness about the problems and sufferings of the children and having them resolved by the cooperation at Governmental and Non Governmental levels would pave the way for establishing a child conscious society, Swami Paul concluded. |
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Phunsog asked to appear in court for contempt Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Sept 30: Justice Arun Kumar Goel of Jammu the State High Court Jammu wing has asked Mr T Phunsog, Principal Secretary to J&K Government Home Department to appear in person on November 6, 2000 and submit his reply in a contempt case. While directing the Principal Secretary Home, Justice Goel observed that prima-facie court was satisfied that respondent was in willful disobedience and consequently in contempt for having not obeyed the direction issued by this court on May 1, 1998. "In these circumstances he is directed to appear in person on November 6, 2000 and submit his reply. In case needful has not been done till date. He is at liberty to comply with the direction issued on May 1, 1998 which will be a litigating circumstances against him." This court direction was passed in a contempt petition filed by Subash Chadha S/o Sita Ram of Ward No. 9 Rajouri through advocate Ajay Gupta against Mr Phunsog for not complying with the court direction passed in a land acquisition case in which the High Court had passed an order on May 1, 1998. "Let the arbitrator be appointed within a period of two months. This period would begun from the date, the copy of the order alongwith the writ petition and annexures is made available by the petitioner to the concerned authority. If for any practical reason it is not possible, to do the needful within the aforementioned period, then the respondent authority would be at liberty to seek extension of time," the Court ruled, adding that in that eventuality, each and every day delay would have to be explained by them. Justice Goel further observed that in case of any problem as was projected by Shahista Hakim, Government advocate, it was incumbent upon the respondent to have brought these facts to the notice of the court when decision in the writ petition was given. When question specifically whether any application for extension of time and or clarification etc has been filed, Mrs Hakim fairly stated that no such application has been filed either by respondent in the contempt petition or in the main writ petition. "This shows the apathy and seriousness with which the orders of the court are being examined and implemented by all concerned in the State Government." |
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Sadhotra inspects godowns at Drass, Kargil Excelsior Correspondent SRINAGAR, Sept 30: The Minister of State for Food and Supplies, Mr. Ajay Sadhotra has exhorted upon the officers to be more attentive to the problems of the people living in remote and far-flung areas of the State like Kargil and Drass. Addressing a joint meeting of the senior officers of various departments at Kargil last evening Mr. Sadhotra said that the present Government has accorded top priority on its agenda to provide basic amenities and essentials to the people of the State. Therefore, he said, it was the paramount responsibility of the officers to see that public does not suffer on that count. The Minister, who took stock of electricity, drinking water, foodgrains, petroleum products and supply of other essentials to Kargil was informed that currently buffer stocks of foodgrains and petroleum products are available in Kargil district. This year winter stocking has been completed much earlier. So far, 36,100 quintals of rice, over 26,000 quintals of atta, 8,900 quintals of sugar and 22,000 liters of kerosene oil have been stocked. Nearly, 37,000 families living below the poverty line have been identified for providing them ration at subsidised rates. The Minister also inspected foodgrains godowns at Drass and Sankhoo. He was informed that over 2000 quintals of rice have been distributed as relief to the families affected by the shelling from across the border. The Deputy Commissioner, Kargil stated that Rs. 19 lakh are being spent on purchase of oil tankers for further replenishing kerosene oil stocks. The Deputy Speaker, Legislative Assembly, Mr. Ghulam Hyder Malik, Commissioner/Secretary, Food and Supplies, Mr. R. K. Jerath, Deputy Commissioner, Kargil, Dr. Mohammad Din, Director, Food and Supplies, Kashmir, Mr. B.A.Runyal and senior functionaries of FCI were among those participated in the meeting. |
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Minister’s plea to Revenue officers Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Sept 30: The Minister for Revenue, Relief and Rehabilitation, Mr Abdul Qayoom has exhorted upon the Revenue Officers to complete the settlement work within the stipulated time. Addressing the Revenue Officers of Jammu district here today, he said that the settlement operation presently going on in the State has to be made on scientific lines. And, he said, this could not be done unless it is properly computerised and connected with the computer network so that optimum delivery facility is available to the land owners in particular and public in general. Reiterating his commitment of completing the settlement work in R S Pura and Bishnah tehsils within two years, he said that the target of measurement through electronic total station and completion of Record of Rights has to be assigned top priority. Mr Qayoom was assured that settlement work in R S Pura and Bishnah tehsils would be completed within the stipulated time. Reviewing the progress made so far during the current, financial year, Mr Qayoom was informed that in Jammu tehsil survey of 61303 numbers spread over on 74 villages has been completed and their Record of Rights are expected to be completed by October this year. Similarly in R S Pura tehsil 54 villages have been measured through Electronic Total station comprising survey numbers 32826. At the same time, 23 villages have been measured by the traditional method (chain system). In Bishnah tehsil, the Minister was informed that the settlement was completed in 7734 survey numbers of 19 villages exclusively through modern Electronic Total Station and work in other 26 villages was in progress. The Minister directed that the work of settlement in R S Pura should be expedited so that it is completed within the time schedule. He expressed satisfaction over the progress of work in Jammu tehsil. However, he asked the Tehsildar Settlement, Jammu to complete his spill-over work by this October. Mr Qayoom commended the work done by Tehsildar, Agrarian Reforms, Mr Bakshi Ram, who exceeded the assigned targets. The Minister asked the officers that they should be available to the common people in their areas for redressal of their grievances. The Director Land Records informed the Minister that all the tehsil headquarters were being connected to the central settlement office, Jammu soon. This, he was told, will facilitate the down-loading, transmission and exchange of information between these offices. |
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Frozen semen processing Lab at Hakkal established Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Sept 30: To provide hybrid quality live stock to the cattle rearers of Jammu division, the Animal Husbandry Department has established modern Frozen Semen Processing Laboratory at Hakkal near Central Cattle Breading and Research Farm, Beli Charana, Jammu. This was disclosed by the Minister for Agriculture and Animal Husbandry, Mr Ram Paul, during his visit of different units of the farm today. The Minister was apprised that the laboratory has been equiped with latest scientific technology to preserve the semen obtained from exotic high quality bulls, buffs and Rams. The semen is collected in special designed straws and preserved at sub-zero temperature in the laboratory. The Senior Scientists of the farm apprised the Minister that about 40,000 doses of high quality liquid frozen seman have been produced in the farm and preserved in the laboratory at Hakkal. The quality semen of Murrah buffs, Jersey bulls and exotic rams is supplied to different veterinary centres set up in Jammu division for artificial insemination purpose. The Minister also inspected modern liquid nitrogen plant, semen collection centre and cow sheds. Earlier, Mr Ram Paul inspected central Cattle Breeding and Research Farm, Belicharans. The Minister was apprised that the reserch farm was established in 1956 and has two sub stations each one at Chatha and Hakkal. The main objective of the farm is to produce genetically improved and disease resistant varieties of cows, buffs for procurement of frozen semen. At present the total live stock strength of this farm is 223. The farm produced about 40,000 liters of milk so far during the current financial year. The farm has also produced 30 calves of high quality. The farm also produces nutritious folder for the live stock. Two demonstration plots one each of Perenial Hybrid Nappier and Dinanath grass quality has been established at Belicharana farm. The Minister also held officers meeting at the farm and listened to their departmental problems. He assured them that the Government will consider the genuine problems on priority basis. He was apprised that the power voltage to the Frozen Seman Processing laboratory was not sufficient to produce desired results. They demanded a separate power line with high power step up transform for smooth functioning of the laboratory. The Minsiter also checked the attendence record of the staff and expressed his satisfaction over functioning of the farm. Mr Ram Paul was accompanied by Director Animal Husbandary, Dr. M M Gupta, Jt Director Farms, Dr Jatinder Bhat, Jt Director Poltery DR H L Sharma and Sr officers of the Animal Husbandary Department. |
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Lashkar-a-Shivba to train
Hindus, VDC Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Sept 30: To co-operate the security forces in eliminating Pak sponsored terrorists and infuse a sense of confidence among the Hindu populous in militancy infested Jammu and Kashmir, ‘Lashkar-a-Shivba’, a newly formed hard-line Hindu outfit, has announced to send its volunteers in the the State, particularly in Valley. Talking to mediapersons, here today, Prof Anil Holsamudrakar, a founder members of the outfit, said that the activists of Lashkar-a-Shivba will train the nationalist Hindu youths and Village Defence Committee members to fight with militants. However, he did not elaborate on the kind of training being given to Hindu youths and only said,"we believe in tit for tat and thus appropriate training will be given to youths so that they can fight with armed militants. "Our objective is not only to eliminate Pak sponsored militants from the State but also to liberate Pak occupied Kashmir," he said. Prof Holsamudrakar claimed the support of other Hindu organisations like Rashtriya Swayamsevek Sangh, Shiv Sena and Vishwa Hindu Parishad in their said mission but ruled out any affiliation with any political outfit. The Hindu leader also sought to clarify that Lashkar-a-Shivba believes in ‘Sarav-dharam-sambhav’ (equality for all) and was not against any religion. Proposing a solution to solve the vested Kashmir problem, he suggested trifurcation of Jammu and Kashmir State and favoured Statehood to Jammu and union territory status to Ladakh. However, he did not support the demand for creation of separate homeland for Kashmiri Pandits and said that whole Kashmir region should be handed over to Army which would bring peace in area and make situation conducive for the return of Kashmiri Pandits to their homes in the Valley. Replying to a query, Prof Holsamudrakar said his outfit was not against the Government’s initiative to hold peace talks with the militants but, he stressed, no compromise should be made on the sovereignty and integrity of the country. Alleging discrimination with Hindus in Jammu and Kashmir, another founder member of the outfit Dr Ravi Acharya said that they have visited a number of migrant camps, Kashmiri as well as border migrants, in the State during the last one month and found that even basic facilities were not being provided to these people. "We visited Pallanwalla, Devipur and other such areas and found that the migrants are not being provided adequate relief by the State Government," he alleged. The Lashkar-a-Shivba leader also demanded the Dismissal of Farooq Government and imposition of Governor’s rule in the State. |
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Symposium on
"preventive measures Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Sept 30: As a part of "Deposit Mobilization Fortnight" launched by the Bank which due to massive response from the public has been extended upto October 20, a symposium on "Preventive measures against AIDS was held at GGM Science College, Jammu. The symposium was sponsored by the Jammu and Kashmir Bank Limited. Prof Kuber Singh welcomed the Chief Guest, Mr DV Gupta, General Manager of the Jammu and Kashmir Bank. He also welcomed, Mr SA Khan, Deputy General Manager, J&K Bank and other guests from the Bank and College. Prof HS Jamwal in his inaugural speech thanked the management of the Jammu and Kashmir Bank for selecting GGM Science College for holding the symposium. He, in his speech, added that the Jammu and Kashmir Bank has achieved a tremendous progress as is depicted by its working results. He was of high praise for loan schemes designed by the Bank for every individual and especially for salaried class. There were eight participants who spoke on the topic. The participants were of the view that inspite of the international efforts to control spread of AIDS, the disease is spreading at alarming rate. In the absence of any care for HIV infection, knowledge and precautions are the tools to control the spread of disease. Participants further added that people belonging to all sections of society including children are equally prone to this disease, and AIDS awareness/education needs to be disseminated on war footing. Speaking further on the topic, the participants viewed that proper screening of the people and their follow-up, if found, carrying HIV infection must check the spread of dreaded disease. There are several misconceptions in the society regarding the sease. Therefore, there is dire need of undertaking preventing AIDS education programme on war footing, especially the women be targeted in National AIDS Education and Awareness campaign. Some of the participants said that India has large chunk of mobile population which has aided the spread of virus in the country. The driver community, migrants, refugees and displaced personal are among the world’s most vulnerable people to AIDS disease. These people require immediate attention and needs to be educated if proper spread of disease is to be controlled. Mr DV Gupta, General Manager, J&K Bank appreciated the views expressed by each and every participant on the topic. He stressed that the views expressed by the participants should go to every corner of the country and the student community is the best force to create awareness in the Colleges and society. He also gave brief of the bank’s loan schemes and appealed to all to avail the facilities especially formulated for the working class society. Mr Gupta further informed that the bank is starting seven days banking at Branch Office, Link Road and Rehari from October 1, 2000. First prize was bagged by Miss Maitree Jain. Mr Abdul Rashid bagged the second prize and third prize was won by Ms Nonu Khera. Besides, two consolation prizes were also distributed among Mr Pawan Kumar and Mr Naveen Charak. Certificates of participation were also given to the participants. Mr SA Khan, Deputy General Manager, J&K Bank, presented vote of thanks. While summing up the discussions, Mr Khan invited the attention of audience towards social stigma attached to the patients of AIDS. He appealed that society should be sympathetic and easning towards these participants. They should not be discarded and alienated by us. |
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Vigilance produces 4 more challans in graft cases Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Sept 30: Vigilance Organization today presented challans in four more FIR cases in the court of Special Judge, Anti-Corruption Jammu and Srinagar. The case FIR No. 46/97 owes its origin to a complaint alleging that two officials of the Agriculture Department had changed their dates of birth to prolong their tenure in Government service. In the course of investigation it came to light that Mohammad Sidiq Bhat, Technical Assistant and Ali Mohammad Waza, Surveyor of the Agriculture Department had tampered with the date of birth recorded in their service books. Another case viz FIR No. 84/98 Police Station Vigilance Organization Kashmir which was challaned today in the Court of Special Judge, Anti-Corruption, Kashmir under Section 5(2) Prevention of Corruption Act, which relates to bribe by Abdul Rashid Wani, Selection Grade Constable No. 468/Crime and Ali Mohamad Rather, a Constable NO. 319 of Armed Police IV Bn who has since been dismissed from service. The accused persons had impersonated as Vigilance Officers and approached the complainant with a complaint stating that his two brothers who had been appointed as constables in the Police Department had obtained the job on production of fake certificates and they had come to investigate the matter. Both the constables had demanded Rs 20,000/- from the complainant to hush up the case. The matter was brought to the notice of the Vigilance Organization and both the accused persons were apprehended red handed in the act of demand and acceptance of bribe. The third case challaned today viz FIR No. 14/99 Police Station Vigilance Organization Jammu is with regard to demand and acceptance of bribe by Mohan Lal, Forestor, Block Damnote, Udhampur. The instant case had been registered on receipt of a complaint alleging demand of Rs 25,000.00 from the complainant for issuance of Form 25 for transportation of fire wood. It was alleged that the accused had already received Rs 10,000.00 as bribe and was demanding Rs 10,000.00 more. Accordingly, a trap parth of the Vigilance Organization had caught the accused red handed while accepting Rs 10,000.00 as bribe from the complainant in presence of the witnsses. The case FIR No. 57/93 Police Station Vigilance Organization, Jammu which was also presented today in the court of Special Judge, Anti-Corruption, Jammu relates to misappropriation of public funds by Zaman Hussain, a VLW/Secretary to Gursai Panchayat of Tehsil Mendhar. The accused was found to have destroyed the documentary evidence like cash book and other connected records so as to escape from the clutches of law. However, the investigation primafacie established the allegations against him. The Government had accorded sanction for launching prosecution proceedings against him and accordingly the challan in the case was presented for commission of offences punishable under section 5(2) Prevention of Corruption Act, 2006 read with section 201 RPC. |
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ENVIRONMENT
FOCUS By Gopal Sharma The Ministry of Environment and Forest at the Centre enunciated several policy instruments and introduced various action programmers to resolve the growing problems of environment as well as to consider several cross-sectoral issues having a direct bearing on conservation and sustainable use of natural resources including forestry and wildlife, but the entire exercise has proved to be futile in the Jammu and Kashmir state. The reason is simple: Diversion of funds meant for the purpose to other sectors, mismanagement in utilisation of left over funds, non-seriousness of State Government towards environment related issues and the half-hearted approach of the agencies concerned towards conservation projects. The destruction of wild animals habitat, extinction of various species of animals, plants and birds, land erosion and disappearance of vegetation from the land are the major problems here which will lead to the serious consequences in near future. Non-conservation of forest covers, which provide the ultimate habitat to the wild animals is the major thrust area in the otherwise forests rich state of the country. The timber smuggling and the deforestation illegaly with the conivance of some Forest officials, police and a few politicians continues. Due to rapid loss of habitat and felling of various trees and plants providing wild fruits, the monkeys have been forced to come on the National highway enroute Katra Vaishnodevi. They have to depend on the bread pieces or other food items given by the passengers. These animals are facing severe food related problems. Due to unhygienic and poisonous food and changing food habits, a large number of monkeys are dying and ailing in the Shivalik region of Jammu. Not only this various other animals have been forced to migrate to other areas due to loss of forests. Several bird species are also at the verge of extinction. In the absence of any affective forest policy and lack of will on the part of ruling National Conference Party, massive destruction of green gold has been witnessed in the state in last three decades. The forests are being destroyed and no effective measures are being taken to protect the remaining forest covers and enclose them. It has been observed that in some areas, very ordinary type of fencing is created but the process of felling of trees in those enclosures do not stop. No sincere efforts have been witnessed in launching various plantation drives. The organisations appear to be more interested in publicity and not the sincere and honest work. Out of the thousands of plants grown in any drive, hardly a few left out plants are seen after couple of months. Most of them either disappear due to lack of care, improper protection or in the absence of fencing etc. All such efforts to generate green covers/ green belts generally appear as a futile exercise. The town planners of our state too, appear non-serious over the creation of green belts. Perhaps they do not understand the importance of green belts/ trees which are the ultimate source of oxygen for the living organism. The extending cities and towns, getting more crowded with the increasing number of automobiles and industries will face more environment related problems in near future. Only tree and plants will come out as saviors for the people suffering from poisonous and toxic gases and exhausts. The human habitat too, is not safe under such circumstances. It is pertinent to mention here that 8 sq km forest belt/ cover has been created within Amesterdam city of Europe. Worst is the condition of animals in various wildlife parks and sanctuaries here. The animal care system in the Manda park of Jammu has recently been exposed by various newspapers and it has also been observed that several wild animals died here under mysterious circumstances in last couple of years. Lack of care and poor food stuff are also major causes behind it. Similar is the condition in the context of conservation of land. The land erosion is increasing in the entire region and it has given rise to flash floods, causing severe damage to several areas. The recent floods in West Bengal and increasing level of flood waters in the major cities including Calcutta are the live examples of such massive destruction. But, the people are not taking lesson from such situations. They have not realised the importance of forests. Such situations will also give open invitation to famines. The need of the hour is to give more thrust on the awareness programmes and moreover, the environment should be introduced as one of the subjects at the school level. While various other developing countries are lying emphasis on various conservation projects seriously, the half-hearted approach on the part of agencies involved in various programmes and lack of awareness among the rural as well as the urban masses here are the major hurdles in the development on this front. |
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2 more grand productions from Shivani in offing Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Sept 30: After tremendous success of Theatromania-2000, a three day drama festival at Abhinav Theatre, the Shivani Cultural Society has announced to hold two more big theatrical shows in Jammu. According to a press release, the management committee of the society, during a meet, here today, under the chairmanship of its president Mr Ajay Khajuria, floated a proposal to perform Badal Sarkar’s "Pagla Ghorra" and William Shakespeare’s "Julius Ceasar" in the coming months. The proposal was unanimously accepted by the society members. The society intends to conclude the celebrations of the completion of its twenty years by presenting ten events by the end of this year. After performing Badal Sarkar’s "Pagla Ghorra" and William Shakespeare’s "Julius Ceasar", the Shivanians will cross their target of ten productions which will be another milestone for the society in theatrical history. Apart from Theatromani-2k, the group had earlier staged three performances which included Shanker Shesh’s "Raktbeej". The group has produced six productions so far in this year and has already announced to hold a three day `Classical Instrumental Music Contest’ on December 11, 12 and 13 in the memory of its founder member president late Vijay Verma. |
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Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Sept 30: A three-day Air Force Mela, organised under the aegis of Air Force Wives Welfare Association (AFWA local), to commemorate the week long celebrations of the forthcoming 69th anniversary of the Indian Air Force, was inaugurated by Wing Commander (Mrs) Reeta Malhotra, president AFWA(L) at Polo ground AF station here, today. Group Captain AK Malhotra, Air Force Station Commander also graced the occasion and went round various entertainment stalls which had been put up to add more attraction to the Mela. Besides, other reputed firms dealing in various consumer items also displayed their articles in their respective stalls and offered maximum relates to the customers. The main attraction of the mela was helicopters static display enjoyed by one and all. |
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A noval concept of social therapy Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Sept 30: A novel concept of social therapy for the patients, their relatives, visitors was unveiled in the premises of 166 MH Jammu today by Brig RP Singh, Deputy Director Medical Services 16 Corps to provide comfort and peace in a serene surroundings. The complex consisting of Tropical trees, Grassy lawns, Flower beds, Cactus mounds, Rose beds. Undulating landscape Winding paths, Fusiongazebo blending, Spanish architecture with wrot iron facade. Manglorian tiles is a dream come true some of peace, tranquility and serenity has been created by the sterling leadership of Brig Yudhvir Suri, VSM, Commandant of 166 MH and his dedicated team with vision, missionary zeal and untiring efforts and has been aptly named as Dhanwantari. Plantation of trees was done by officers and retired officers of Army Medical Corps as a tribute to the habitat development, echo conservation and to highlight the role of medicinal and perfume. Plants in Indian and modern medicine. Every body lauded the effort as a foundation stone and a conceptual development in the methodology of Health Management blending nature and human effort to provide care to the suffering. |
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