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| It’s been a season of flood and drought for Ladakh From Tashi Morup Leh, October 13: With the end of this season’s harvest throughout Ladakh common folk are gearing up for the cold.....more Citizens’
Coop. Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Oct 13: Citizens’ Cooperative Bank Subordinate Staff Association has.......more NC failed
to provide Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Oct 13: Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) supremo and former Union......more Inter
departmental meet Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Oct 13: To work out the modalities for the procurement of coarse paddy by the Food....more NC leader
for tackling Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Oct 12: Expressing his concern over growing unemployment senior NC leader ......more |
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Dati Todi
Memorial School Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Oct 13: Dati Todi Memorial Convent School Ratnal, in Bishnah today organized a grand cultural cum Sports Day function in the......more Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Oct 13: All State Kashmiri Pandit Conference (ASKPC) delegation today met Divisional Commissioner Jammu to apprise him ..........more Excelsior Correspondent UDHAMPUR, Oct 13: A meeting of the School Education Officers Association (SEOA) of Udhampur district was held here under the presidentship of H L Chatta, wherein the election to the district body was held.......more Excelsior Correspondent NEW DELHI, Oct 13: A meeting of Public Relation Officers Association (SIPRA) of different states posted in Delhi was held at Jammu and Kashmir Bureau of Information office here yesterday............more |
It’s been a season of flood and drought for Ladakh From Tashi Morup Leh, October 13: With the end of this season’s harvest throughout Ladakh common folk are gearing up for the cold but leisurely winter. However, imprints of some bad experiences during this summer on the minds of many of them and increase in the sale rates of food commodities and Kerosene oil will haunt everybody in the approaching winter months. While the government has doubled the rates of rice, atta, sugar, salt and Kerosene oil, unusual and adverse climatic scene witnessed in the recent years that affected the harvest has posed a serious threat to the local community especially the farming section. While many areas witnessed a drought like situation other parts experienced floods. Never did the Indus River record so much water as it had this year and the previous one. The river changed its course at several points and as a result has acquired a new appearance. Many villages including Gya-Miru, Khaltse and even Leh town saw unprecedented floods in their streams that swept off trees, fields and even livestock mainly during the last two seasons. In Gya-Miru village on Leh-Manali road there was a long halt in traffic movement due to the flood that ravaged the road this season. Also this sudden flood desolated the newly installed electric poles and wires. Similarly, an abrupt flood in the Khaltse stream last year disturbed the traffic on Leh-Srinagar road when the flood swept away a bridge taking along an army truck hurling it into the river Indus killing the driver. However, on the contrary many parts of Ladakh experienced water scarcity this season. In Kharnak areas of Changthang inhabitants had to abandon their fields uncultivated due to last year’s flood that swept the water channels. Also during this summer there were severe scarcity in Lamayuru, Alchi, Takmachik, Yulchung Nyerak and so on. Interestingly Lhe-do, which is just opposite Indus River bank of Takmachik, had plentiful water in its stream. This is attributed to the glacial reserve of the area unlike drought-ridden areas with no glacial source. Also Leh town after a massive flood in 1998 saw relatively less water in its stream this year. People are concerned about the fast exhausting Kharzdong glacier, which is the principal water source of the Leh town. From the highest point of Khardong-la pass one can see the stark appearance of dry-mountain surface earlier covered by the glacier. Many tend to attribute such adverse change in climate to the Global Warming. In a seminar on Local Water Harvesting in Ladakh at Leh Ecology Center, former Chairman of Hill Council Thupstan Tsewang said, "Global Warming may not be that serious to other parts, but for us (people of Ladakh) it is real and close." If it is true than the day is not far when the mere existence of Ladakh will be in quandary as 90 percent of its population are dependent on mere subsistent agriculture which in-turn depends on glaciers. In such a situation there is dwindling interest in agriculture among the new generation, who are attracted to less laborious government jobs or private businesses, on one hand and price rise in the government food supplies on the other hand. Nevertheless there are some efforts only at organisational (non-governmental) levels to face the hovering problems but there is nothing much to hear from the government as to what measures are being taken to counter such an alarming phase. |
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Citizens’ Coop. Bank staff hail decision on DA Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Oct 13: Citizens’ Cooperative Bank Subordinate Staff Association has expressed gratitude to Mr Ram Sahai, chairman of the Bank for taking decision to release long pending Dearness allowances of the Bank employees. As per a release, the president of the Association expressed that the demand was pending for the last several months. Prior to this, the Dearness allowance was pending for release, following the revision of pay scale and allowance of the employees of J&K Bank which was the Bank ideal pattern for calculation of DA extendible to the employees of the Citizens’ Cooperative Bank. The members of the Association further appealed the chairman to come to the rescue of the pending settlement of pay scales issue of the staff. |
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NC failed to provide honest Govt: Mufti Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Oct 13: Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) supremo and former Union Minister of Home, Mr Mufti Mohammed Syeed has said that State of Jammu and Kashmir needed a responsible, responsive and honest Government at present to lick the scars of the people inflicted by 11 year long turmoil. Addressing a public meeting in Allah village of Bishnah Tehsil today, the PDP chief lambasted the N C Government led by Dr Farooq Abdullah saying that it has failed to come upto the expectations of the suffering masses of the state and provide a responsible administration. He alleged that militancy which was contained in Governor’s rule to some extent has spread its tentacles to other peaceful parts of the state. The former Home Minister said PDP is playing the vital role of an effective and vibrant opposition in J&K State to emerge a viable alternative to present corrupt and inefficient Government of NC. He said the State Government has failed to take political initiative to achieve lasting peace and normalcy. He reiterated that not bullets but dialogue is the only solution to Kashmir problem and it needs courage to initiate a process for everlasting peace. Mufti said restoration of normalcy in trouble torn state is the need of the hour but NC leaders have failed to provide healing touch to the people. He blamed the NC Government for creating hurdles in the PDP’s way to create an atmosphere that can pave the way for restoration of peace and normalcy in the state as the Party and its leaders have developed vested interest in the militancy. Mufti Mohammed Syeed while seeking the peoples support and cooperation for Party’s peace mission said the political vacuum created in the state is not in national interests. Lambasting the rising corruption in public life , he said NC is neck deep in corruption and their is hardly any state activity far from nepotism. He alleged that ruling Party leaders charge commissions in execution of development works and employment is provided to those who grease the palms of ruling party leaders. The funds are being misused and drained on unproductive activities and luxuries of ruling class which have further added to the agony of masses, he added. Addressing the gathering senior PDP leader and former Minister Mr Ghulam Hassan Mir asked the people to identify those elements who are trying to divide the people on communal and regional lines. He said the people can not see the unrest and turmoil in the state and all efforts should be made for restoration of peace. The meeting among others was addressed by party general secretary Mr Tasaduq Hussain, Women Wing chief, Ms Shanti Devi, Baldev Salathia and Daman Bhasin, Surinder Singh, Jagdish Jaggi, Fallail Singh, Bhushan Lal Gupta, Ahsok Jogi, Zaffar Khan, Chuni Lal Choudhary, Ms Surjeet Kour, Balwan Singh, A K Jotshi and Ved Gandotra. |
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Inter departmental meet to finalise paddy procurement Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Oct 13: To work out the modalities for the procurement of coarse paddy by the Food Corporation of India from the farmers of Jammu and Kathua districts an inter departmental meeting was held here today. The meeting was chaired by Ms Vinod Bala Sharma, Joint Director Agriculture (Extension), Jammu. The FCI was represented by the Regional Manager, Mr C D Gupta and other officers. The chief agriculture officers of Jammu CAD and Kathua districts anticipated a procurement of 2.65 lakh quintals at the support price of Rs 510 per quintal. The field officers of Agriculture Department and Cooperative Department proposed to set up mandies and collection centres at Kathua, Hiranagar, Vijaypur, Barai Brahmanah, R S Pura, Chatha and Marh. However, the FCI authorities maintained that since the J&K State didn’t have the procurement infrastructure like Punjab, the procurement could be possible at Kathua and Chatha centres only. Besides the State Government was also requested to provide assistance to FCI regarding fixing of rates for cleaning grains, stitching charges, providing space for mandies and watch and ward. The concerned deputy registrars of cooperatives offered full cooperation in implementing the programme. The farmers have been asked to bring the grains of desired quality to collection centres which have a moisture percentage upto 18 percent and inert and foreign matter not more than seven percent. |
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NC leader for tackling unemployment problem Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Oct 12: Expressing his concern over growing unemployment senior NC leader and former Minister Dr Mehboob Beg has urged the Central Government to release funds for fighting out unemployment problem faced by the state. The NC leader who visited different places during his 10 day long tour to Anantnag district in Kashmir Valley to ascertain the peoples problems there has said the unemployment problem is the main cause of frustration among the youth. He held meetings with officers of district administration urged them that militancy should be crushed with heavy hands but no innocent person should be tortured and disturbed. He also met the Chief Minister, Dr Farooq Abdul and apprised him of the various problems being faced by the people. He hailed the MP Anantnag, Mr Ali Mohammed Naik for providing funds for the construction of inn (sarai) in the premises of Mirza Mohammed Afzal Beg Memorial Hospital at Anantnag for the attendants of patients and purchase of ambulance for the Hospital. He was told that the inn will be completed in next two months. |
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Dati Todi Memorial School organizes function Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Oct 13: Dati Todi Memorial Convent School Ratnal, in Bishnah today organized a grand cultural cum Sports Day function in the holy premises of Dati Todi Ji. As per a release, Over 200 students, staff and management members were present on the occasion. Mr Gian Chand Dogra, founder cum Managing Director of Dr Ambedkar Group of Schools, was the chief guest while Mr Rajesh Angural a renowned english poet and writer presided over the function. On the occasion, various cultural items like patriotic and national songs, dances and sports items were presented by the students which was followed by presentation of best handwriting award competition and Volley ball match. Neha Bharti a student of second standard, Deepk of Third, Nitika Verma of 4th, Manu Sharma and Rekha of 5th, Meenu Saini of 6th, Reetu Angral and Bal Krishan of 7th, Shakshi Sharma of 8th and Renu Bala of 9th got first position and best hand writing award. The Renu Verma of second, Ravi Kumar of third, Mehak Saini of 4th, Rishu Saini of 6th and Rakesh Kumar of seventh got the second position and the best hand writing awards were also presented to them. Miss Neha Bharti, Rama Devi, Savita and Naveen of 9th classes, were declared as best singer of the school and given cash awards. Later a volley ball match was organized between students of 8th and 9th classes which ended in a tie. Mr Vivek Dadwal was the refree of the match. |
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Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Oct 13: All State Kashmiri Pandit Conference (ASKPC) delegation today met Divisional Commissioner Jammu to apprise him of the "high-handedness" adopted by the Estates Department in "throwing out" militancy victim Soma Wati, 70 year old lady from Top Sherkhania quarters where she had been living with her brother for the last 11 years. The ASKPC release issued here said that the drive to throw out the migrants was in violation of the agreement reached at with the Government not to dislodge the migrants till alternate arrangements were being made for their rehabilitation. A N Vaishnavi, president of ASKPC, meanwhile visited the families of those migrants who have been forced to vacate the Quarters. He said that the old lady was treated in a very barbaric way and her goods destroyed. He assured the family to take up the matter at highest fora. |
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Excelsior Correspondent UDHAMPUR, Oct 13: A meeting of the School Education Officers Association (SEOA) of Udhampur district was held here under the presidentship of H L Chatta, wherein the election to the district body was held. Ludhar Mani was elected as president of the Association. Other members elected included Gian Chand, vice president; Manorma Gupta, vice resident-female; Bal Krishan, general secretary; Safdar Hussain, joint secretary; Vijay Gupta, cashier; Thakur Dass, organisor; Gurdev Singh, publicity secretary; Ram Piyari, chief patron; Balwan Singh, chief organisor and H L Chatta and Raj Kumari as Advisors. |
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Excelsior Correspondent NEW DELHI, Oct 13: A meeting of Public Relation Officers Association (SIPRA) of different states posted in Delhi was held at Jammu and Kashmir Bureau of Information office here yesterday. The president of the association, Satanarayan, Joint Director Public Relations, Punjab Government hailed the decision of Press Information Bureau, Government of India, in issuing the Press Acceredated cards to the press officers of the States posted here. He said, that the long pending demands of the PR executives have been fulfilled in issuing the ID cards, which will prove beneficial to them in performing the professional duties. Deputy Director Information J&K Government Khem R Sharma, General Secretary SIPRA gave a resume of the working of the association to the members who were present in the meeting. Besides, they also discussed various issues pertaining to the organisation. Among others the meeting was attended by Joint Director P R Madhya Pradesh S C Arora, Gopendra Nath Bhat, Deputy Director Rajasthan Information Centre, Naresh Shukhla, Deputy Directors Public Relations, Gujrat Government, David, I Thangliana, Government of Mizoram, Tapan Dass, Information Officer, Orissa, V Subhash, Press Officer, Andhra Pradesh and the vice president of the association G L Mahajan of Himachal Pradesh Government was also present. |
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Ex-Director Agri’s
petition for quashing Excelsior Legal Correspondent JAMMU, Oct 13: Justice Arun Kumar Goel of the State High Court has dismissed a writ petition filed by Dalip Singh, the then Director Agriculture, who is facing trial in a case of disproportionate assets to the tune of Rs 15 lakh. The Justice observed that it was sufficient that at least for the purpose of framing charges at this stage, there was enough material before the court so as to uphold the order of the trial court. " This appeal made for quashing of the impugned order as well as the consequential charges framed on November 10 last year, cannot be sustained and is hereby rejected", the Court held. In his 14 page judgement, the Justice observed that sofar for quashing the FIR is concerned, that is also not available to the petitioner. Reason being that after lodging the FIR, the matter was investigated and, thereafter, the challan was filed in the court where it has been examined and the petitioner stands already chargesheeted. "As such in no circumstances, prayer for quashing the FIR can be entertained", the Court further held, adding that quashing of FIR would mean to scuttle the investigations of a cognizable offence. "Such a direction will be contrary to the statutory requirement of a criminal procedure code. Therefore this prayer is also turned down", the Court further held. Dalip Singh, the then Director Agriculture, who is facing trial in corruption case, had filed a petition seeking quashment of the proceedings of the case and framing of the charges by Special Judge Anti-Corruption Jammu and also seeking quashment of FIR lodged by Vigilance Organisation on various grounds. Senior Advocate Parmod Kohli with Advocate Ajay Sharma appeared for the petitioner, while’s J P Singh represented Vigilance Organisation in this case. |
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Labour Commissioner reviews working of SIC scheme Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Oct 13: Syed Yasin Shah, Labour Commissioner, J&K during his recent visit to Kathua, Jammu and Katra reviewed working of Employees State Insurance Scheme, Provident Fund-Labour Department. The working of ESI Scheme in Kathua and Jammu was reviewed while holding Local Committees meeting in which besides officials of the Department, employers and workers participated. To provide better service to the IPS in the ESI dispensaries, opening of Local Office at Kathua, construction of ESI hospital at Bari Brahmana, proposal to construct modernised dispensary at both Bari Brahmana and Kathua are some of the important steps to be contemplated. He said coverage of eligible workers under the ESI Scheme with the active involvement of State Labour Department are other important measures on which State Labour Department is working. He said Provident Fund subscribers of Kathua and Jammu will be provided better and efficient service with the issuance of upto date annual accounts statements within this year. Coverage of private school working staff under various labour laws like J&K Shops and Establishments Act, Payment of Wages Act, Equal Remuneration Act, Payment of Bonus Act and Employees Provident Fund Act are some of the important measures on which department is undertaking special drive he added. Labour Commissioner also held meetings with trade union representatives belonging to private educational institutions and workers of unorganised sector who are deprived of the privileges/benefits available under above important social legislation. Proposed construction of Labour Sarai at Katra and Kathua are some other important measures of the Labour Department to provide night shelter to migratory labour engaged in the un-organised. |
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Include Jammu region in Punjab: Akali Dal Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Oct 12: Opposing trifurcation of J&K, State Akali Dal president Mr Jagdev Singh has demanded that Jammu region be included in Punjab as language and culture of this area is similar to Punjab State. Addressing a press conference here today, Mr Singh claimed that Sikhs would not accept the demand of trifurcation and always favour the integration of the Jammu and Kashmir State as whole and if any disintegration move is initiated, the Jammu should be included in Punjab. He maintained that there were very similarities among Punjabis and Dogras and also its culture resembles with Punjabis. He further pointed out that J&K State Gurudwara Act was passed in State Assembly and the State Gurudwara Board elections were held during 1976. The elected members of the District Gurudwara Committee further elected the chairman of the State Board. At present Mr S S Wazir is the chairman of the Board. Criticising the statement of Mr Suchet Singh in the section of press recently, the Akali leader said that Suchet was self styled leader having no standing in the community. Moreover, he has no power to challenge authority of Mr Sudershan Singh Wazir, who has contributed a lot for opening MBS Engineering college, holding protest outside Pakistani Embassy and taking 32,000 Sikhs to Anandpur Sahib and also in the social circle. The Sikh leader criticised the Government for discrimination with the Sikh members and also with the people of this region. In recruitment field, the region is being ignored and the youth of the community should be provided reservation in various fields. Several members of the community arrested in connection with 1984 riots be freed and inquiry should be held in Chittisinghpora incident in which 35 innocent Sikhs were killed by unidentified gunmen in Kashmir. Mr B S Bedi, general secretary of the organisation alleged that District Gurudwara Parbandhak Committee , Jammu Mr Surinder Singh was misusing his position and interfering in the functioning of various independent Gurudwaras. He was wasting donation/ Sangat money in litigation and indulging in unlawful acts putting the community members to harassment. He urged upon the chairman of the Board to take strict action against him and sack him from the present post. Mr Bedi also demanded amendment in the Gurudwara Act and maintained that a Commission be appointed to monitor the functioning. Mr Paramjit Singh, Gajan Singh, Kultar Singh , Manmohan Singh and Jagbir Singh were also present in the conference. |
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Zero Hour in the Legislative Assembly Excelsior Correspondent Srinagar, Oct 13: Several issues pertaining to public importance were raised by the Members in the House today. Mujahid Mohammad Abdullah and Mr. Mohammad Maqbool Lone while raising the issue of accelerating the flood protection works demanded that steps to re-activate the Flood Protection Department in Baramulla district should also be taken early. Mr. Faqir Mohammad Khan while expressing concern over the shifting of examination centre of Matric from Tilail to Dawar causing great inconvenience to the students of Telail area demanded action against the concerned authorities for the purpose. Mr. M. Y. Tarigami, Mr. Abdul Rehman Veeri and Mr. Saifullah Mir while raising the autonomy issue demanded restoration of Pre-53 position in the State which according to them is the only solution of the present crises. Mr. Jagjivan Lal and Ch. Lal Singh drew the attention of the House towards the problems confronting to the student community in the hilly areas and demanded opening of degree colleges at Bani-Basohli and Reasi. In reply to a point raised by Mr. Hans Raj Dogra regarding upgradation of roads in Jammu, the Works Minister, Mr. Ali Mohammad Sagar said that an amount of Rs. 129 crores have already been earmarked for various development works in Jammu. He requested the MLAs to come with the schemes so that these are cleared without any delay. Mr. Mohammad Abbas during the zero hour demanded immediate steps for restoration of power in the Kargil district. Describing Sher-e-Kashmir Mehjoor as a great secular poet, Mr. Ghulam Mohi-ud-Din Mir demanded that department of Information should ensure that the feature film prepared on the life of this great poet long back is telecasted by Doordarshan Srinagar and Jammu. Ch. Piara Singh drew the attention of Education Minister towards the dilapidated condition of certain school buildings and demanded immediate repair of such buildings and posting of teachers in the understaffed schools. The Education Minister suggested the Member to earmark some handsome amount out of his constituency development fund for the purpose as has been done by Mr Shiv Charan Gupta. Mr. Saffdar Beig expressed concern over the inadequate medical facilities in the hospitals and demanded early measures in this respect in view of ensuing winter season. Mr. Ashok Sharma demanded repairs of solar energy system in border villages and repairs to transformers. Mr. Abdul Gani Malik demanded immediate upgradation of roads in Gool, Gulab Garh area. Mr. Sagar Chand demanded that Sahalgarh may be taken over as Model Village. Mr. Bali Bhagat, Mr. Prithvi Chand, Mr. G. M. Bawan, Mr. Som Nath, Mr. Prem Lal also raised their issues in the House. |
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13,000 kl storage capacity depot at Zewan Excelsior Correspondent Srinagar, Oct 13: Over 13,100 kilo litre petroleum products storage capacity depot will be constructed at Zewan near here by the Indian Oil Corporation shortly. In this connection, the Corporation has already acquired 208 kanals of land. This was stated by the Minister of State for Food and Supplies, Mr. Ajay Sadhotra at a review meeting chaired by him here today. The Minister said that the State Government had taken up the matter regarding construction of this depot with the Union Government so that the storage capacity of petroleum products could be enhanced in Jammu and Kashmir. It has been decided that work on construction of storage depot will be completed in a time-bound manner to meet the petroleum product requirements of the people of the Kashmir valley. Mr. Sadhotra exhorted upon all the concerned departments to extend their logistic support and co-operation to executing agency so that storage depot comes up at the earliest. The meeting among others was attended by Commissioner/Secretary, Food and Supplies, Mr. R. K. Jerath, IG, Kashmir, Dr. Ashok Bhan, DIG, CID, Mr. Abdul Rashid and Director, Food and Supplies, Kashmir, Mr. B. A. Runyal. |
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Farooq asks for more jobs to
local youth in Excelsior Correspondent SRINAGAR, Oct 13: Chief Minister Dr Farooq Abdullah today said the preliminary work on two of the seven projects entrusted to National Hydro Power Corporation (NHPC) has commenced in Jammu and Kashmir. Intervening during the question of Mr Mushtaq Ahmed Bukhari in legislative assembly here this morning, the Chief Minister said five of these projects would be set up in Kashmir and Jammu divisions, and two in Ladakh region. He said Sewa project is also included in these projects, which are likely to be complete in five to seven years. He said the NHPC has been asked to operate from the state, as they are presently headquartered for this region in Himachal Pradesh, for expeditious work on the power projects. Dr Abdullah said the matter regarding absorption of local youth into these projects had been taken up with the then Union Energy Minister Mr PR Kumaramanglam, who had assured of taking class 3rd and 4th level employees from the state. But, the State Government strongly contended for appointment of higher posts to open up avenues of employment for engineers, which the Centre wanted to get filled by the Union Public Service Commission. 'We are pursuing this at the appropriate level', he assured. The Chief Minister said the machines fitted in Kalakote thermal project are worn out which would be replaced by modern ones. For this purpose the State Government would approach to the Centre soon. About Iqbal power project in Kargil, the Chief Minister said that the generation has suffered due to settling of silt in Suru river. Some measures are to be taken about silting tank of the project and replacement of the machinery, he added. The Chief Minister said that Rs 20 crore have been released for Krishanganga power project, work on which will either be taken up late this year or early next year. He said the Government is keen for introducing solar lights in big way in the border areas. He said the Burnai project had essentially been conceived as an irrigation project besides generating power. The project being significant for the entire area, work on it will be resumed shortly. |
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Farooq calls for strengthening secular fabric of India Excelsior Correspondent SRINAGAR, Oct 13: The state legislative assembly today conveyed its felicitations to Syed Ahmad Bukhari on his installation as the Shahi Imam of Jamia Masjid Delhi, succeeding his father, Syed Abdullah Bukhari, who is not keeping good health. Expressing the sentiments on behalf of the members of the House, the Chief Minister, Dr Farooq Abdullah extended good wishes to Syed Ahmad Bukhari on assuming the mantle of the Shahi Imam of Delhi and hoped that he would strive for strengthening the secular fabric of the country while highlighting the genuine aspirations of Muslims of India. Dr Abdullah said he had been invited to the ceremony of Syed Ahmad Bukhari's installation as the Shahi Imam but since the legislature was in session, he could not attend the function. He, however, conveyed his felicitations to the new Shahi Imam and hoped he would also remember members of other communities in his prayers. |
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