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| Farooq joins artists, recites ghazal CM for sending J&K artists abroad Excelsior Correspondent SRINAGAR, Oct 14: ‘Kashmir is no more synonymous to gun rattle, its soul still throbs on finer tunes of music’, Jammu and Kashmir.....more CM
releases information Excelsior Correspondent SRINAGAR, Oct 14: Chief Minister Dr Farooq Abdullah released special numbers of various publications by the information.......more Zero Hour
in the Excelsior Correspondent SRINAGAR, Oct 14: A number of issues of public importance were raised by about a dozen members in the Legislative Council today......more Ajat
inaugurates photo Excelsior Correspondent SRINAGAR, Oct 14: The Minister for Information and Transport, Mr Ajatshatru Singh inaugurated the photo exhibition ‘4-year saga....more Impressive
rally to highlight students' problem Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Oct 14: Jammu and Kashmir is an inseparable part of the country and any sacrifice will be made...more |
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Yuva
Janata Dal, JD Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Oct 14: State Yuva Janata Dal and state unit of JD (U) seems to be divided on the issue of trifurcation for the Jammu and Kashmir State and the separate statehood for Jammu region.......more PDP
Labour Committee holds convention Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Oct 14: Coming down heavily on new globalisation policy, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) supremo and former Home Minister, Mufti Mohammed Syeed alleged that..........more Migrant
students start Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Oct 14: In their bid to take the ongoing agitation to its logical conclusion the migrant college students resorted to indefinite hunger strike today........more ‘White
paper on Govt appointments soon’ Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Oct 14: Chief Minister Dr Farooq Abdullah today said that insufficient capacity to store electricity has lead to the scheduled power curtailment in the state.............more |
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Cancer Centre to be setup in J&K Cancer patients number will increase by 300 times in next 25 years in India Sikh Unity Forum stages dharna.... 2 LIC DOs awarded gold medals.... Sharma urges CM to mitigate problems of Nowshera people.... Altaf inaugurates Radiation Oncologists meet.... |
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Farooq joins artists, recites ghazal CM
for sending Excelsior Correspondent SRINAGAR, Oct 14: ‘Kashmir is no more synonymous to gun rattle, its soul still throbs on finer tunes of music’, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Dr Farooq Abdullah said on Friday, stressing, "This unique facet of the paradise on earth has to be reintroduced to the world". The nostalgic Chief Minister, overwhelmed by the rhythm and voice of budding artists, was speaking at the scintillating cultural evening organised by the state information department at Srinagar last evening, first such mega-event with local involvement of amateur artists in 11 years. Enthralled by heart-throbbing music, the artist in Dr Abdullah prompted him to take on to the stage and mesmerize jam-packed auditorium by his melodious voice. Taking cord-less mike, he joined an information department artist in a duet and rendered a famous ghazal Teri aankhoon mein hum ne kya dekha, kabhi kaatil kabhi khuda dekha, much to the delight of supporting audience and with disbelief, of course. Farooq Abdullah, an artist, enjoyed, like any other artist, audience joining him by clapping every word of the couplet. It was an evening with a difference. Though organised in connection with completion of 4-years of the present Government, it had all the ingredients of a fabulous musical evening. ‘By all accounts the information department proved its credentials in yet another field - culture and music’, quipped a senior journalist who was a part of the galaxy of distinguished audience. He said the cultural troupes comprising artists of the State would be sent abroad, Malaysia and Singapore in particular, to unfold the rich and composite cultural ethos of the three distinct regions of Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh. Dr Abdullah said steps are underway to promote art and culture of the State and added ‘Art never dies and as long as it lives, the world can never vanish’. He expressed happiness over exposing young talent by the information department to the world of art and music by providing them a forum to present their hidden talent. ‘There is no dearth of talent in the State, and what is needed is the skilled hands to polish them’, he said, hoping the department would not lack behind in this task. He praised youngsters for their greater involvement in the field of art, and said after many many years local youth have made it to the stage reminding the people of artists like Shamima who took Kazakistan by storm over a decade ago. Shamima, the victim of militancy, had mastered in Hafiz Nagma and the Russians were so mesmerized by her talent that they requested for her three-month stay in their land to acquaint and educate them with dance, the CM said. Describing music as his first love, Dr Farooq said whenever in leisure he plays on instruments and keeps on singing. Music, he said, is so soothing that one forgets worldly prangs. The CM, later, complimented Mr Ajatshatru Singh, Mr Mushtaq Ahmed and Mr K B Jandial for excellent performance by the department and asked them to convey his appreciations to all the artists and all connected with the programme. He announced Rs 10,000 as a token of appreciation to the artists and gave certificates to the participating artists. The highlights of the 2-hour cultural evening were folk dances of Kashmir and Jammu interspersed with ghazals in Urdu, Dogri and Kashmiri. The audience acknowledged with applause every item that included the opening course penned by Ashraf Sahil ‘Yeh Meri Sabz Waadi’ by Waheed Jeelani, Muneer and others. The Dogri dance Haria Haria bhanga meri ghori ghori banh sung and presented by local schoolgirls depicted the diverse cultural ethos of the State. The dance Haafiz Nagma by Rajini and others, and Punjabi pop song Dil sada chori ho gaya, ki kariye, ki kariye by King Paul Singh and party stole the show. Ghazals presented by Sham Sajan, Waheed Jeelani and Jeevan Sharma left the audience spell bound. Tunes of famous Hindi film songs of past five decades on violin by Amarpal Singh was one of the main attractions. The Minister for Information and Transport, Mr Ajatshatru Singh was the chief guest while Minister for Tourism, Mr S S Slathia, Deputy Speaker Legislative Assembly Malik Ghulam Hyder, Commissioner/Secretary Mr Mushtaq Ahmed Ganai besides several legislators, intellectuals, press corps and respectable citizens were present on the occasion. |
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CM releases information department publications Excelsior Correspondent SRINAGAR, Oct 14: Chief Minister Dr Farooq Abdullah released special numbers of various publications by the information department at a function here last evening. These, inter alia, include exhaustive write-ups on the progress achieved in various spheres of development and socio-economic transformation of the state during past four years. He presented the special issues of ‘Yojna’ in Hindi to Minister for Information, Mr Ajatshatru Singh, ‘Tameer’ in Urdu to Sofi Ghulam Mohammed, editor Srinagar Times, ‘Lo’ in Dogri to Mr Ashok Sharma, MLA and ‘Aalove’ in Kashmiri to Prof Rehman Rahi. The issues of Tameer, Yojna and Lo were special to mark the completion of four years of Farooq Government. He lauded the effort by the information department in promoting various languages of the state and hoped that they will keep it up to quench the literary thirst of intellectuals. Director Information Mr K B Jandial informed the Chief Minister that the department has revived its regular publications and rejuvenated the publication unit to bring out books on developmental scenario in the state. Aalove, a regular Kashmiri bi-monthly is so popular that it has been included in the curriculum of MA Kashmiri course of University of Kashmir Dr Abdullah also complimented the Minister for Information and Transport, Mr Ajatshatru Singh, Commissioner/Secretary Information and Transport, Mr Mushtaq Ahmed and Mr Jandial for bringing about efficiency in the department. Deputy Speaker Legislative Assembly Malik Ghulam Hyder, several legislators, intellectuals, press corps and respectable citizens were present on the occasion. |
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Zero Hour in the Legislative Council Excelsior Correspondent SRINAGAR, Oct 14: A number of issues of public importance were raised by about a dozen members in the Legislative Council today and urged the Government to initiate appropriate action on these issues on priority. Mr. Mohammad Sadiq Malik appealed the Government to either revive the Rosin factories in Rajouri which are non functional as at present and release the pay of about 200-300 employees or adjust them some where else. He said the employees of these factories are without salary for the last about six months. Mr. Javid Hussain demanded adequate supply of firewood at all timber sale depots at Bandipore. He said the people of the area are facing difficulties in the absence of timber there. Mr. Y. R. Malhotra drew the attention of the government towards TSO-Moriri and TSO-Kar lakes in Ladakh which are best breeding sites for a number of birds like Gees, Shelduck and other species of ducks and birds. He said these lakes are not being taken care of properly and only seven employees are looking after a vast area of about 200 kms, which was quite insufficient. He pleaded for taking necessary steps for their conservation. Mr. Aziz Mohammad Qari requested for allotment of vehicle to Kargil Treasury enabling it to carry the cash to various sub-treasuries at far off places in the district. Mr. Abdul Rehman Tukroo pleaded for special attention of the Government towards the fruit industry in the State. He demanded similar subsidies and other incentives to the fruit growers in the Valley as was being given to the fruit growers in Himachal Pradesh. Mr Cl Khajuria urged the Government for allotment of plots in the housing colony at Chakhara in Udhampur district. Mr. Ikhlaq Khan requested for adjustment of Medical Assistants and Dawasaz who have been trained but are awaiting appointment orders. He said that these medical assistants and dawasaz could be adjusted at those dispensaries where such posts are lying vacant or against the vacancies being created as a result of retirement of staff members. Mr. Vir Chand Mahasha demanded early construction of a bridge on Purmandal road at Mandal. He said this is a sacred religious place where thousands of pilgrims visit and face a lot of difficulties in the absence of a bridge. Mr. Bhushan Lal Bhat pleaded for waiving off interest on the loans taken by migrant businessmen who have returned to the Valley and restarted their business here. He said that the interest on loan should be waived off on the same pattern as has been adopted for the other businessmen who did not migrate from the Valley. Mr. Abdul Aziz Wani requested for opening Kerosene Oil sale depots in the far flung areas like those of Madwa and Warwan in Doda district. Mr. Mohammad Yousuf Taing emphasized the need for taking up construction of fly-over bridge in the heart of Srinagar city to remove traffic congestions. He said work on a foot bridge from Jawahar Nagar to Lal Chowk also needed to be expedited which would also ease traffic pressure in city. He said the city with a large population is facing acute problem of frequent traffic jams even during lean hours. The Chairman of the House, Mr. Abdul Rashid Dar, asked Mr. Taing to come up with a suitable substantive motion on this important issue so that the Government could clear its position as to what steps are being taken to ensure smooth plying of vehicular traffic in the city. |
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Ajat
inaugurates photo exhibition ‘4-year saga Excelsior Correspondent SRINAGAR, Oct 14: The Minister for Information and Transport, Mr Ajatshatru Singh inaugurated the photo exhibition ‘4-year saga of reconstruction’ held by information department here late last evening. Chief Minister Dr Farooq Abdullah, Tourism Minister, Mr S S Slathia, Deputy Speaker Legislative Assembly, Malik Ghulam Hyder, several legislators, intellectuals, press corps and prominent citizens witnessed the exhibition, depicting vivid account of milestones of development and reconstruction. Mr Ajatshatru Singh said the single main achievement of the Farooq Government is rebuilding militancy-damaged infrastructure, reviving work culture and ensuring accountability in administrative apparatus. He said the holding of exhibition aims at educating people about the effort made to reconstruct infrastructure despite numerous odds including financial paucity. Director Information Mr K B Jandial informed the Chief Minister that over 200 photographs of various development projects in length and breadth of the state have been put on public display. He said the department has been organising exhibitions at various places of the state to educate people on development. The Commissioner/Secretary Information, Mr Mushtaq Ahmed Ganai was also present on the occasion. |
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Impressive rally to
highlight students' problem Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Oct 14: Jammu and Kashmir is an inseparable part of the country and any sacrifice will be made to defend the sovereignty of the country. This was stated by Mr Atul Kothari, national general secretary of ABVP, in an impressive rally today. He said that it was due to the efforts of ABVP and other patriotic organisations that State has been fully integrated with the country and any move to put the clock back will be opposed tooth and nail. Lamenting on the education he said that Education in this country was traditionally neglected sector and the content of education has become more irrelevant, ineffective and outdated. To compound this problem, educational corruption, commercialisation, criminalisation and anarchy also grew. He said that only 6% people in the age group of 18-23 years are going for higher education. This is an impediment in the education, growth, development and well-being of the society. ABVP demands that education system should be streamlined and atleast 6% of the GDP should be spent on education. Speaking on the national security, he said that ISI has been trying to challenge our national security while secessionists, terrorists and naxalite organisation are becoming active and joining together. Mr Murli Dar Rao all India organisation secretary of Swadeshi Jagran Manch in his address, said that MNC's are weakening the indigenous industry of the country and are part of economics imperialistic design of western world. There has not been any economic growth in the real of term after globalisation was set in pace. Mr Romesh Pappa, National secretary of ABVP highlighted the latest situation of J&K and also told about the coming threats to this State. He accused the Farooq Government for the worsening situation of the State and said that CM Farooq is totally unconcerned about the State. He said that when Amarnath Yatra Pilgrims and other innocent people were killed, Farooq Abdullah was busy in convincing the CM of other States in the name of autonomy. He said that all such demands will be opposed by ABVP as these are detrimental to the unity and integrity of the country. He also flayed the NC Government of metting out step-motherly treatment with Jammu and Ladakh regions of the State. He also demanded that centre should immediately dissolve the Farooq Government and imposed President rule in the State. He blamed Pakistan for stepping up terrorism in the country and demanded that Centre Government should take strong steps to give a befitting reply to Pakistan for its stupid acts. Mr Narinder Singh state president of ABVP alleged that during the tenure of NC Government the youth of Jammu and Ladakh regions have been deprived of employment and in the other parts. He charged the Government with trying to change the demography of Jammu region. He said that people have been deliberately appointed in the region in order to facilitate forcible occupation of the Government land by members of the particular community to create a vote bank for ruling party. He also demanded opening of new colleges at different places and proper infrastructure in all the educational institution of the State. Mr Vivek Sharma State secretary of ABVP, Mr Adarsh Kumar, Mr Pawan Vivek, Mr Puran Singh, Mr Rajesh Michel, Miss Divya Gupta and other students leaders also highlighted various eduational and other problems of the State. Meanwhile, in the evening the 36th State conference of ABVP was inaugurated by Mr H Dattatreya Hosbale, All India organising secretary of ABVP and the Conference was presided by Prof A N Sadhu, Dean Academic Affairs, Jammu University. In the conference the prizes were given away to the students who achieved distinction in the ‘Sunil Upadhaya Gyan Pratiyogita’ organised by Students for development (SFD) a forum of ABVP, which was held on 17th Sept. In the State Conference the new State executive of ABVP for 2001 was also announced. |
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Yuva Janata Dal, JD leadership differ on trifurcation issue Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Oct 14: State Yuva Janata Dal and state unit of JD (U) seems to be divided on the issue of trifurcation for the Jammu and Kashmir State and the separate statehood for Jammu region. Addressing a press conference here today, president of the Yuva JD (U) for J&K, Mr Sanjeev Manmotra said that Yuva Janata Dal was in favour of integration of all the three regions of the State and it would not like to have separate state. Such demand has been raised by some of the organisations backed by one political party, which is not in the favour of the state and the country. The statement of state Yuva Janata Dal chief came up as surprise for many as hardly two weeks ago, the only MLA of the Party in J&K Dr Jagdish Raj Dubey, supported by several JD (U) leaders had raised the demand of separate statehood for Jammu region at a massive rally organised at Bishnah which was addressed by all India president Union Minister for Civil Aviation, Mr Sharad Yadav. Mr Manmotra, further alleged that total chaos and confusion was prevailing in the State and the law and order machinery had totally collapsed. The militancy was at the peak and the ruling National Conference had been failed on all the fronts. The corruption was at its peak and and the development works have totally suspended on the mere pleas of financial crunch. General secretary of the Party unit, Mr Joginder Singh Manhas alleged that some legislators and ministers have encroached huge forest land in the outskirts of the city adjoining Bypass Road and have raised huge buildings illegally. They are encouraging such unlawful activities and befooling the public. He urged upon the Governor to intervene personally into the matter and order a probe into this land scandal worth crores. Mr Manhas further maintained that Government had earlier assured stipend to the educated unemployed youth/ engineers etc. and as per its commitment it should come out with special package to the unemployed educated youth of the State. He alleged that through backdoor a large number of posts are being filled up and the SSRB has made defunct by this Government by its undue interference. Long power cuts are being imposed on Jammu people who are contributing about 80 % of the total revenue. The curtailment has been increased from 4 to 6 hours now and in certain areas like Bathindi, Gandhinagar, etc. have been exempted from this routine. A conspiracy has been hatched to throw out the selected candidates of Jammu region by the government while not a single one from Valley was sacked or list cancelled. Ths clearly shows the height of discrimination with the Jammu region. The JD leaders threatened to come out on the roads and launch a massive agitation against the NC Government which has failed to do justice with the people of Jammu and Ladakh. The others present in the conference include— Mr Satpaul Magotra, Dr A K Kharoo both general secretaries state JD (U), Sanjiv Gupta, Sukhdev Singh Charak and others. |
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PDP Labour Committee
holds convention Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Oct 14: Coming down heavily on new globalisation policy, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) supremo and former Home Minister, Mufti Mohammed Syeed alleged that this policy will make the labour class complete jobless in India. Addressing the one day convention organized by PDP Labour Committee here today, the former Home Minister regretted the role of opposition parties on the globalisation saying except the two Left parties opposition remained silent on the issue. He while making a dig at Congress said this Party has also played a dual role on the issue and did not oppose the Government’s on this account. The PDP chief while opposing the policy strongly said unlike the European countries and America the globalisation can not be feasible in India where millions of people are without work. He while referring to the problems being faced by the working class in the state said labour’s concern is not only earning wages but to lead an honorable and respectable life which will be snatched from him after adopting the policies of globalisation. Mufti Mohammed Sayeed said even the Russia which was a socialist country could not withstood the wave of globalisation which have touched the boundaries of China as well. He however, said some countries like China and Malaysia opposed this American policy tooth and nail. He said this policy is not only anti labour but will also affect the farming community of the country to a great extent who are still ignorant about the patient law. He held the policies of National Conference (NC) Government responsible for the present plight of working class in J&K. The PDP chief said the situation in J&K with respect to PSUs should have not been measured with the same rod like the other states of the country as the main cause of loss suffered by PSUs here is due to the destruction caused by 11 year long turmoil. He termed it the incompetence of the NC Government that the case was not presented before the Centre properly in this regard. Making a strong dig at NC Government the PDP chief said the money is being spent on unproductive projects which have no public utility. In this regard he referred to the Chief Minister Dr Farooq Abdullah’s statement regarding the construction of Golf Course near Chasma Shahi in Srinagar. He said these are the priorities of the present Government. This project which will be completed at an estimated cost of Rs 20 crore has no public utility as it can not generate the employment avenues for people. He while assuring full support to the working class said the PSUs are the public utility services and hence their role can not be ignored by any Government. He said the main motive before running the public sector should not be the profit but social objective. Showing optimism that militancy and blood shed will end in trouble torn J&K he said "I hope that normalcy will return to this border state soon as people of India and Jammu and Kashmir can not tolerate this trouble for long now." Asking the people that they should not look towards Delhi he said the people of the J&K and not Delhi have to take the decision about their future as to which direction they will take the state. He regretted that same mistake was committed by him by seeing towards Delhi while in Congress Party and I was betrayed completely. The PDP chief said the cause of present turmoil in J&K is that unlike the other parts of the country the democracy failed to flourish here. He said even the Hizbul Mujahideen chief Syeed Salla-u-Din has recently stated that the main reason of taking gun by him was that he faced the defeat thrice after the elections were rigged by the ruling establishment. Mufti Syeed said to see that democracy should flourish in J&K the Indian people have also to perform their duty as militancy is eating the very vitals of the state. Declaring that J&K is not any body’s Jagir (personnel property), he said his Party will leave no stone unturned in providing justice to the masses. He while assuring full support to the working class said the mission taken by his Party will be taken to its logical end. Terming the situation totally favorable for his Party he said Congress betrayed us due to its dual policies. This is the reason that the Party also suffered a setback in West Bengal, UP and Tamil Nadu. He while referring towards the memorandum submitted to him by the Public Sector Employees Joint Action Committee said his Party will discuss it and make the recommendations accordingly. Addressing the gathering the Party senior leader Mr Ghulam Hassan Mir lambasted the State Government for the present plight of PSU employees. He said instead of finding a solution that how the loss making PSUs will be put back on rail, the Government is bent on their closure on the recommendations of Godbole Committee. Earlier while reading the memorandum Mr Suresh Sharma chairman PSU EJAC urged the PDP chief to use his good offices in getting the genuine demands of Public Sector employees redressed. Mr Sukhvinder Singh PDP Labour Committee chief said that the workers were pressurized by the Government through its agents against participation in today’s convention. He assured full support to the PDP leader in his struggle against the present regime. Others who addressed the convention include Messrs Yash Paul Sambyal, Manan Bhat, S Amrik Singh, S Surinder Singh, Ms C K Sudan, Jagmohan Sadhotra and S Harbans Singh. The vote of thanks was presented by Jeet Singh Baba. |
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Migrant students start indefinite hunger strike Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Oct 14: In their bid to take the ongoing agitation to its logical conclusion the migrant college students resorted to indefinite hunger strike today. The students have to shift the venue of the strike from GGM Science College to Divisional Commissioner’s Office after the Police foiled their bid to start the hunger strike before the Science College earlier in the morning. The students with placards and banners in their hands were demanding revocation of Government decision regarding delinking of the displaced students from Kashmir University. The Displaced College Students Association chief Mr Vinod Pandita today warned that the students will intensify the agitation in case the decision was not revoked by the Government immediately. He challenged the authenticity of the Government of delinking the displaced students from the Kashmir University saying that this was a step towards Islamisation of the Valley which will not be allowed to at any cost. Mr Pandita warned that students will go for self immolation if Government continued on its rigid and discriminative policy towards the migrant students. The Association leader Sunil Jotshi has appealed the community leadership to come on a single platform on this crucial issue. Meanwhile, some Kashmiri Pandit leaders have also assured their support to the displaced students in their agitation. The PDP Minority Cell leader Mr AK Jotshi also urged the Government to revoke the decision immediately. Mr J L Khar a social activist while assuring full support to the displaced students present struggle asked the community leadership to come on a joint platform on this crucial issue. He said this way the Government has deliberately put the career of hundreds of KP students at stake which will not be tolerated at any cost. Mr Khar wondered that on one side the Government is making tall claims of the migrants return while on the other hand it is snapping their left over links with the Valley. |
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‘White paper on
Govt appointments soon’ Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Oct 14: Chief Minister Dr Farooq Abdullah today said that insufficient capacity to store electricity has lead to the scheduled power curtailment in the state. Addressing members of the Association of Small Scale Industries at the inaugural occasion of its new office complex at Gangyal here today, the Chief Minister admitted that the state was power starved and the industrial sector was the worst hit due to curtailments. " It has become compulsion for the Government to impose power curtailment and we can not do without it,’’ he maintained. Justifying his point, Dr Abdullah who also holds the Power portfolio, said that the power requirement of the state is about 900 MW at present but the Power Development Department has only the storage capacity of 400 MW. The state was already passing through the financial crunch, but the efforts were being made upgradation. Some funds have been provided to increase the electricity storage capacity. He maintained that the people should understand the compulsions of the Government and cooperate with it under such circumstances. Expressing serious concern over the increasing power theft in the state, the Chief Minister said that the officials of the PDD in connivance with the people were indulging in this practice and causing revenue loss worth crores. He said similar was the practice prevailing in the industrial areas. The Government is contemplating to constitute committees with the assistance of the Associations of Industries for revenue collection. The Power Grid has to recover long pending amount from us and they are not going to wait for long. Referring to the problems being faced by the owners of small scale industries, Dr Abdullah said that his Government was well aware of the plight of the industrialists and efforts are continued to revive the sick units. He expressed that his government wanted that big industrialists like Birlas and Tatas may come to the state to set up huge industries and the Government has already given several concessions but militancy and power crisis are the main hurdles in this process. In response to the demand made by the Mr Rattan Dogra, president of the ASSI, Gangyal give preference to the locallly manufactured goods to the Army and para-military supplies, the Chief Minister and the Industries Minister Dr Mustafa Kamal assured that they would take up the issue with the Defence Minister George Fernandes. It was disclosed that the Army and paramilitary supplies were worth Rs 8500 crores annually and most of the goods were coming from outside the state and local items though maintain good quality were being neglected. Commenting on the allegations of large number of appointments made by the state government in last four years, the Chief Minister said that Government would soon come out with a white paper on the issue. He maintained that his Government has registered tremendous achievements in these years and jobs have been provided to about one lakh people. He further maintained that state plan for the current year is being finalised during the proposed meeting on October 20 at New Delhi and the State hopes good plan this time, he added. Congratulating the industrialists on the occasion Dr Kamal said assured them to take up their issues on priority. He said despite sincere efforts a large number of units were still lying sick and the lack of will on the part of unit holder is also responsible for it. He pointed out that out of the 45 % export goods from the J&K the small scale industries contribution was about 35 per cent. The militancy has caused a major set back to the units and their efficiency will depend on the power and other financial support. He asked the members to come forward for the assistance and maintained that Government would try its best to resolve their issues. Dr Kamal said that Government was still awaiting an industrial package on the pattern of North East from the Union government which will help our industrial sector in a big way. He demanded that the unit holders of the state should be provided more incentives like soft loans from the Union government. He disclosed that SICOP was successfully providing raw material worth Rs 250 crores to the small scale industrial units in the state every year. He hoped to get industrial package on the pattern of North East for J&K in near future from the Centre. Principal secretary, Industries and Commerce Mr Mohd Shafi Pandit, former Industries Minister Mr Bodh Raj Bali, Director Industries- Mr Salim Beg and Small Scale Industries president Mr Kuldip Dogra also spoke on the occasion. General Secretary of the ASSI Mr B B Talwar raised several issues pertaining to the welfare of the industrialists. |
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Regional Cancer
Centre to be setup in J&K Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Oct 14: The State Government is seriously considering to set up a Regional Cancer Centre in the State. This was disclosed by Minister of Health, Mian Altaf while inaugurating 7th Northzone conference of Association of Radiation Oncologists of India at Medical College this morning. Minister expresses his grave concern that number of cancer patients have been rapidly increasing in the State due to some cultural habits of the people. Pointing towards the statement of a senior doctor, Minister said that Kangari, Namkeen Chai and some Wazwans are cancer prone. He stressed on the need of creating awareness among masses to take preventing steps at initial stage to prevent this deadly disease from further spreading. Minister assured the delegates and organisers of the two days conference that State Government would make every possible effort to implement deliberations of the conference. "Despite financial crises, effective steps would be taken to prevent this decease", he said and declared that State Government was seriously considering to set up a Regional Cancer Centre in the State. Regarding other medical facilities in the State, Minister said that State Government was committed to improve health system in the state and health facilities were on the top priorities of the State Government. Keeping in view the demand of the doctors, he said, the State Government has lifted ban on the private practicises of the doctors. He exhorted the doctors to work with dedication and served the patients sincerely to improve credibility of their profession. Minister said that Eleventh Finance Commission has allotted some funds to the State Government to provide medical facilities at district level. He said that detection centres would be opened at four district through that money. In his address, Dr. M K Mahajan, president of the Association of Radiation Oncologists of India, expressed his satisfaction that Kangari cancer has contained to some extent in the State. He stressed on the need of creating awareness among the masses to contain this deadly decease at initial stage. He exhorted the media to aware the common against this decease. He further disclosed that long cancer was most prevalent decease in the Jammu and Kashmir. He said that main reasons for spread of lung cancer in the State were excessive consumption of tobacco, use of Kangari, Namkeen Chai and some Kashmiri Wazwans. Dr Mahajan congratulated Kashmiri doctors for making sincere efforts in containing Kangari Cancer and Gynecologist cancer in Kashmir. He suggested the people to avoid excessive use of masala and to take balanced diet. Dr H L Kapoor, Northzone president of the Association of Radiation Oncologists of India, in his address made a startling disclosure that number of the cancer patients would increase three hundred times in 2025 if effective steps were not take to contain this decease. He said that habits of taking excessive tobacco was one of the reason of the wide spread of this decease in J&K. He said that 95 percent of the cancer can be detected at initial stage but need of the hour was to create awareness among masses. He asked the local doctors to make a project and sent the same before the Government for approval. Referring to the recommendation of the Medical Council of India, Mr Kapoor said that Council has recommended that Radiotheraphy department should be opened at every medical college. In his address, Principal Government Medical College, Dr H L Goswami, appreciated efforts of the Radiotheraphy and Oncology Department of the Medical College. Dr Ashutosh Gupta, Head of the Department of Radiotheraphy and Oncology Department also addressed the inaugural function. Dr Laleshwari Sharma presented vote of thanks. |
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Sikh Unity Forum stages dharna Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Oct 14: The Sikh Unity Forum today staged a day long dharna in front of Divisional Commissioner’s Office here in protest against what it alleged the discriminative attitude of Dr Farooq Abdullah ‘s Government towards the Sikh community. The dharna was led by Mr Rajinder Singh convener of the Forum and member District Gurdawara Parbandhak Committee, Jammu. Addressing the protestants he alleged that Dr Farooq Abdullah’s Government has completely failed to provide the ex-gratia relief to members of Sikh community who became the victims of anti Sikh riots on January 13, 1989, the Gurupurab Day in which 15 innocent members of the Community were killed. He while criticising the anti Sikh policies of the N C Government alleged that despite the Cabinet decision to release Rs 75,000 as ex-gratia besides providing a job to one member of each victimised family two years back nothing was done till date by the Government. He said even the Chief Minister gave assurance to Congress MLA, Mr Ashok Sharma when he raised the issue in the Assembly during the last session that within one month the amount will be released in their favour but to no avail. He warned the Government that Sikh Community will take any step in case the demands were not solved by it immediately. He said by observing the dharna we want to convey the people how NC Government is working against the interests of minorities. He said the Community has been taken for a ride by Dr Farooq Abdullah who gave assurance in different functions time and again that the Government will fulfill its commitment soon but did nothing till date. He alleged the Ansari Commission recommendations which probed the January 13 riots has been put in cold storage by the NC Government as it fully held that administration was also involved in these riots. |
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Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Oct 14: Hard work and consistency in performance are the keys to success. This has been proved by two dynamic Development Officers of LIC Unit-III, Rail Head Complex, Jammu, Mr Rakesh Magotra and Mr Harvinder Singh, who earned the distinction of becoming Gold Medalists by achieving the targets set by the Corporation. Mr Rakesh magotra and Mr harvinder Singh are the only two Development Officers in Jammu to have achieved this distinction. They were honoured by R M Inspection Mr G L Rao, New Delhi, who presented Gold medals to both the stalwarts in the presence of SDM Mr Abdul Karim, MM Mr Dinesh Pangtey, Manager Sales mr Kuldeep Tickoo, BM Mr M K Bambroo and ABM (S) Mr R K Bhat. Mr Rakesh magotra is a sincere leader of his team of agents, who has always motivated his agents to get consistency performance all through the years of his career. He has already achieved many landmarks in his career. Mr Harvinder Singh is extremely sober, sincere and dedicated leader, who has won many competitions in his career. he is praiseworthy in a sense that he has been able to extract best from his agents. He is master of developing his agents by his positive and sincere approach. This is for the first time in the history of LIC that Development Officers of Jammu District have won the gold medals. This is a matter of great pride especially for Branch Unit-III Jammu in particular and Srinagar Division of LIC and the Jammu and Kashmir State as well. Wishing both the shining starts of the division all round success in the near future and hope that both will attain top honours in the industry, the Branch manager Unit-III and others have congratulated all the agents in their organisation for their contribution in earning this highest honour. |
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Sharma urges CM to mitigate
problems Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Oct 14: Senior Congress leader and MLA Nowshera constituency Mr R S Sharma, called on the Chief Minister and presented a memorandum highlighting therein the on-going turmoil along borders as also the constant firings from across the border thereby affecting the day to day life of inhabitants residing on borders in Nowshera constituency. As per a release the memorandum mentioned that a number of deaths have occured due to shelling and cattle heads perished in firings. In absence of dispensaries in the remote and border belts, timely medicare has never been possible and the peasantry not in a position to get the yield while unemployment has caused restlessness amongst the youth. Mr Sharma while briefing the Chief Minister about the problems being faced by the people, invited his attention towards the issues raised in the memorandum and requested for immediate action in this regard. Mr Sharma requested for compensation and ex-gratia relief of Rs 10 lakh to the kin of the persons killed in firing and Rs 2 lakh for those who got injured in firing and shelling from across the borders as also employment to one member of the affected family. Compensation has also been demanded for perished cattle heads, ration on subsidized rates, opening up of dispensaries in border belts, construction of bunkers on the borders for protection of civilians under the supervision of Army, providing sophisticated arms to the ex-servicemen of the area and the youth, special quota for professional and technical institutes to the educated youth of the area and recruitment of unemployed youth in police directly or under the drive launched by the Director General of Police J&K State. |
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Altaf inaugurates Radiation Oncologists meet Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Oct 14: The Minister for Health and Medical Education Mian Altaf Ahmad inaugurated a two day seventh annual North Zone conference of Association of Radiation oncologists of India here today. The conference was organized by the Department of Radiotherapy and Oncology, Government Medical College Jammu. Addressing the conference, Mian Altaf welcomed the doctors who have come here from outside the state to attend the conference. He said the deliberations in the conference will evolve certain recommendations for improving the radiotherapy facilities in the state. He said the Government is already contemplating to set up Regional Cancer institute very soon in the state with all necessary equipments inspite of financial constraints. He stressed the need for launching awareness campaign especially in remote and far flung areas where people do not about the symptoms of this dreaded disease. He said people should also be educated about the ill effects of smoking and use of other tobacco products which are the main cause of cancer. The Principal, Government Medical College, Jammu, Dr H L Goswami, HOD of Radiotherapy, Dr Ashutosh Gupta, president of ARI of India, Prof M K Mahajan, Dr Rajeev Singh, Dr R K Kapoor, Dr Laleshwari besides specialists , surgeons of radiotherapy from Delhi, Rohtak, Mumbai, Chandigarh, Srinagar and Ludhiana attended the conference and spoke on the subject. |
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Ministers appreciate role of NGOs Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Oct 14: The Minister of State for Food and Supplies Mr Ajay Sadhotra, has said the NGOs have major role to play in bettering the living standards of the people especially living in the rural and backward areas. Addressing a one day workshop of state NGOs here today organized by J&K Zari Art Society he lauded the role of the Society in organizing such a workshop. This workshop was sponsored by Council of Advancement of Peoples Action and Rural Technology (CAPART) Chandigarh for creating awareness about new thrust of the CAPART schemes in the state. The Minister of State for Forests Mr B A Nengroo appreciate the role of NGOs. He suggested that cold storages be opened in every district for the preservation of vegetables and other eatables round the year. He also suggested that such workshops should be organized in every district of the State for creating awareness among the people about the role of CAPART and and the NGOs. State president Akhil Bharat Rachnatmak Samaj J&K , Mr S P Verma in his welcome address explained the aims of organizing this workshop. |
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CM releases inaugural issue of Up-Date Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Oct 14: Chief Minister, Dr Farooq Abdullah today asked the business community to donate generously for the development of public centres. Releasing inaugural issue of ‘Up-Date’- quarterly news-letter of the Jammu Club, Chief Minister said that it was difficult for the government to fulfill all financial requirements of the Club. Responding to the demands raised by Mr Vinod Sharma- Hony. Secretary of the Club, Chief Minister assured the members that Government would provide every possible help to air-conditioning auditorium of the Club. He, however, expressed his helplessness in giving financial aid to the help for constructing new swimming pool. He appealed to the business community for donate for this cause. Giving Deepawali greeting to the gathering, Chief Minister suggested the people to remain vigilant while playing with crackers. He hoped that this Deepawali would bring peace and prosperity among the people of Jammu region. In his address, Mr Sati Sawhney, chairman of the Editorial Board of the news-letter said that Up-Date was a quarterly magazine which would be turned into monthly after some time. He also introduced other members of the Editorial Board namely Dr Neelu Rohmetra, Dr Nirmal Kamal, Dr Rohini Suri and Mr Vinod Sharma. Hony. Secretary of the Club, Mr Vinod Sharma, in his welcome address highlighted different projects undertaken by the Club. He urged the Chief Minister, Dr Farooq Abdullah to allot additional land for the construction of a swimming pool. He also demanded some financial aid from the State Government for air-conditioning auditorium of the Club. Earlier, Chief Minister, Dr Farooq Abdullah joined the members and played Tambola for some time. Chief Minister also gave a cash prize of Rs 5000 to Mr Ashok who donated the same to the Chief Ministers’ Relief Fund. |
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