Autonomy to JK open to debate: Farooq
‘Strong states necessary for strong India’

Excelsior Correspondent

NEW DELHI, Oct 20: Chief Minister Dr Farooq Abdullah today said the issue of greater autonomy to Jammu and Kashmir within Indian constitution is alive and open for debate.

"The report passed by the state legislature is now with the people, who can apprise us of their view point", he said while inaugurating a national seminar on ‘Autonomy to the state-need of the hour’ organized by Asom Jatiyatabadi Yaba, Chatra Parishad Guwahati, Assan here this morning.

"If some good suggestions are made we could consider those, but we want the report through in a peaceful manner. Autonomy in no way means weakening the country but instead we are for strong and stable India", he added.

The Chief Minister said strong states would make India much strong and pleaded for more powers to the states. In a democracy, the elected Governments are accountable to the people, he said, adding that his party had made restoration of eroded autonomy to Jammu and Kashmir as the main plank in 1996 elections.

He reiterated that autonomy does not amount to secession but it is an important ingredient for self-governance. He regretted that the report was not taken in its right perspective by some in the country even without going through it. To allay apprehensions in this regard, a nation wide debate has been initiated and ministerial groups have visited various state capitals and briefed all major political parties about it. He pleaded for devolution of more powers to the states.

The demand for autonomy is not something new, the CM said and referred to the status enjoyed by the state till 1964. He said autonomy reflects the urges and aspiration of the people of all faiths in the State that have been living in harmony for centuries. Autonomy will ensure political and socio-economic transformation of the state. He said during freedom struggle in India, the people irrespective of their religious affiliations fought together. The unity in diversity is the real strength of India, he said.

Referring to measure taken to restore work culture and accountability in the state after taking over the administration, the Chief Minister said that collection of tariff and taxes registered a substantial increase. He said during Governor’s rule the bill of the power grid swelled to whopping Rs 600 crore. He said the state has a potential to generate 15000 MW of power from Chenab alone and tapping this vital resource needed counter guarantee by the Centre for taking up hydel projects.

Pointing to the challenges faced by the country on borders in Jammu and Kashmir and North East, the Chief Minister said a duty has cast upon people especially youth to frustrate the designs of enemy unitedly. "We must face the challenge boldly in true patriotic spirit as a single entity", he declared saying religion does not divide people but it unites them as all religions preach love, compassion and harmony. He recalled Prime Minister’s saying that one can change friends, but not neighbours. "We want to live in harmony with neighbours, who must appreciate the necessity of friendly relations", he said.

Dr Abdullah congratulated the organisers for holding seminar on a very vital issue.

Jammu and Kashmir Minister for Law and Parliamentary Affairs, Mr P L Handoo, intellectuals and journalists were present on the occasion.

Rs 1.30 crore released for MPLAD scheme in Kargil

Excelsior Correspondent

Srinagar, Oct 20: An amount of Rs. 1.30 crore have so far been released under Member Parliament Ladakh Area Development Scheme (MPLAD) to accelerate the construction works for school buildings, roads, etc. in the district.

This was stated at officers meeting convened to review the progress of physical achievements of the works taken up under MPLAD in the district. The District Development Commissioner, Kargil, Dr. Mohammad Din presided over the meeting.

The meeting was informed that an amount of Rs. 17 lakhs have been released recently for purchase of Diesel Generating Set in Kargil town and Rs. 14 lakhs for purchase of Solar Lights for electrification of remote villages of the district.

The District Development Commissioner in the meeting urged upon the officers to complete the development works as quickly as possible keeping in view the short working season.

Union Health Minister to inaugurate Kargil Health Mela
Special Health package for J&K soon: Thakur

Excelsior Correspondent

Srinagar, Oct 20: Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare, Dr C P Thakur today said that special Health and Family Welfare package will be soon announced after consultations with the Jammu and Kashmir Health Ministry. Besides, medicinal plant cultivation will be given special impetus to encourage research and development in this area, to boost Indian System of Medicine.

In an exclusive interview to Press Information Bureau, the Union Minister said all possible assistance will be provided to all those affected people who have been rendered disabled during the last years of turmoil. Besides, adequate quantity of common medicines will be provided to the state to augment its stocks so that the poor and needy people will be benefited.

Describing Kargil Health Mela which begins tomorrow at Kargil, as a step to reach to the needy people for provision of basic healthcare facilities, Dr. Thakur expressed optimism that such Melas will help needy patients to procure better healthcare facilities, particularly people from remote and far flung areas of Kashmir. Block level Melas are also being organized after assessing the success of such Melas. The complete follow up actions after such Melas will be taken care of and surveys related to different diseases shall be the part of such actions, he added. He informed such Melas are being organized in state capitals of some of the socio-demographically backward states. He said Swasthya Mela was held in Mathura (UP) this September, providing medical care to over 30,000 patients.

In reply to a question, the Minister assured all possible measures will be taken to develop medical infrastructure for Jammu and Kashmir State. The Ministry has decided to upgrade all the Medical Colleges of the States all over the country where all possible facilities will be kept at the disposal of the medical professionals, he said. He said besides women and child healthcare being the priority of his Ministry, Polio, TB, Malaria, leprosy and the latest AIDS were other challenges to be met with success.

Regarding exploitation and cultivation of medicinal plants from Kashmir, Dr. Thakur said the Government has Rs.1,000 crore programme for different states including Kashmir in order to encourage cultivation of medicinal plants, to boost Indian System of Medicine (ISM). He said the Government wants better exports in this area to benefit both Government and the farmer. The Minister said his Ministry is going to introduce medical tourism in the country particularly in the areas of ISM. He said as compared to China’s Rs.20,000 crore export potential, there is a need to increase the present Rs.450 crore Indian export potential in the area of ISM.

Talking about series of initiatives by his Ministry regarding healthcare services all over the country, Dr. Thakur revealed that for the first time in the Independent India a comprehensive National Population Policy (NPP) was adopted by the Government, generating more interest during last one year on population issues. The immediate objective of NPP-2000 is to address the unmet need for contraception, healthcare infrastructure and health personnel and to provide integrated service delivery for basic reproductive and child health care.

He said National Commission on Population has been constituted directly under the chairmanship of Prime Minister, A. B. Vajpayee with Chief Ministers of all States/Union Territories, demographers, non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) and Public Health Professionals as members. He informed the Prime Minister’s Gramodaya Yojana provides this year a central allocation of Rs.375 crores for the maintenance and upkeep of primary health centres out of which Rs.187.5 crore has already been released as the first instalment. He also expressed satisfaction over the significant progress made by National Health Programmes for Malaria, Kala-azar , Filaria and Tuberculosis control and elimination.

Union Minister, who arrived here today is accompanied by Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, Mr A. Raja, Director, Central Health Services, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Health and FW and 30 doctors from outside the state. The Minister is inaugurating 3-days Kargil Health Mela tomorrow.

BBIA alleges harassment from ST officials

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Oct 20: Bari Brahmana Industries Association has alleged that Sales Tax authorities were harassing the industrialists on various pretexts.

In a press statement issued here today Mr Anil Suri, general secretary of the Association said that the recovery notices were being served to the traders by the ST Department despite the dispute over the levy of ST exemption for the period of 1988-89. He said some units were being exempted while others have been ignored.

He further pointed out that the Government has launched Amnesty scheme and most of the traders/ industrialists deposited the principal amount by availing the benefit of this scheme. But surprisingly, the Sales Tax Commissioner issued order on 9-10-2000, rather notification and included the names of those who have already liquidated all outstanding. Despite obtaining NOC from the concerned department such traders are being harassed. The Association members sought the intervention of Finance Minister in this connection.

Shafi reviews functioning of Jammu colleges

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Oct 20: The Education Minister, Mr Mohammad Shafi has fervently appealed to the striking migrant students to join their classes.

Reviewing the functioning of the Government colleges of Jammu city here this evening, Mr Shafi allayed some misgivings of the migrant students that the educational facilities being provided to them have been reduced. The educational facilities provided by the Kashmir University to these students will continue to be available to them upto Post Graduation level. He also appealed to the parents, the intellectuals and the political leaders that they persuade these students to continue with their education unhindered. He said there are separate admissions and classes for the Kashmiri migrant students. This is no way would affect their identity. The Minister said, the migrant students had pleaded in the past that their educational set up should be attached with the Jammu University because Kashmir University would not conduct their examinations on time. Besides, he said, these migrant students have over the years been getting admitted in the morning classes.

Reviewing the working of the Colleges, the Minister was informed that admission to additional 1500 students was granted by organising evening classes. He was informed that an academic calendar prepared for the colleges according to the norms of UGC was being strictly adhered to. The colleges were making every effort to have at least 180 teaching days for each class and complete the syllabus on schedule.

Mr Shafi expressed the satisfaction that the colleges were now having regular Principals and other teaching staff was also available by and large according to the requirements. He said the Principals could appoint teachers on honorarium basis wherever necessary. But while doing so, he said, merit should receive the first attention. Emphasising the need for extra curricular activities, he said, that besides academic requirements, the students should be involved in other activities, like sports, creative works, dramas so that their creative potential is exploited. In creative writing, Mr Shafi said the language should not be made a barrier. He said the main thrust of the Government was to provide quality education to the students.

Regarding the availability of facilities like laboratory, library, class rooms, the Minister asked the Principals that they should prepare perspective plans of requirements for next ten years so that these are taken up in a phased manner.

The Minister exhorted upon the teachers that they should play their role in improving the quality of education in the State according to the UGC norms. He advised them that they should ensure that no outsider is allowed to enter their college premises and vitiate the peaceful academic environment there. With the cooperation of the teachers, Mr Shafi said, the targets fixed for improving the educational standards will be achieved. He also asked the Principals to ensure the hygienic cleanliness in the hostels and their kitchens.

Referring to the problem of electricity supply to the colleges, the Minister said that the matter has already been taken up with the Power Development Department.

Present in the meeting were Principal, G G M Science College, Dr S Sapru, Principal Commerce College, Dr B L Kaul, Principal, MAM College, Dr Sawhney, Principal, Women's College Gandhinagar, Prof Gurdeep Kaur, Principal, Government Women's College, Parade, Prof Kiran Bakshi, Controller Examinations Jammu University, Mr P S Sahi and Joint Registrar, Jammu University, Mr J S Dev.

Nami Dogri Sanstha holds meet at Sunderbani

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Oct 20: A Dogri Sahitya Sammelan was organised by Nami Dogri Sanstha at Sunder Bani in collaboration with Duggar Kala Manch, Sunderbani and Duggar Manch Jammu. Mr N S Thakur, Commandant SSB Sunderbani was the chief guest whereas, Mr P D Sharma, well known Dogri writer and social worker of the area presided. Mr Mohan Singh, president Duggar Munch, Jammu was the guest of honour.

A composite programme of Nukkad Nataks, Bhaakh, Poetry recital and Geet Sangeet was presented on the occasion.

According to a press release Nami Dogri Sanstha branch for Sunderbani block was also announced on the occasion and new office bearers were introduced to the public which comprise. Mr Inderjeet Sharma as president, Ram Pal as vice president and Om Prakash Bajwalia as general secretary and Madan Mohan Sharma, as chairman.

Nami Dogri Sanstha felicitated Mr P D Sharma and Mr Balak Ram Baral, well known Dogri writers of Duggar for their fireless and commendable services in the field of Dogri.

Nukkad Natak ‘Sankalp’ highlighting the un-employment problem was presented by artists of Duggar Manch Jammu and Faslee Battera another Nukkad Natak, with Political Satire was presented by artists of NDS branch ‘Gho-Manahsan’.

The Geet Sanget and poetry items were presented by Messrs Surinder Singh Manhas, Sat Pal Sharma, Pushkar Bharti, Ram Pal Sharma, Piara Ram, Om Prakash Bagwalia. Two dance songs items were presented by local young little girls. Their performance was admired by one and all.

Capt Lalit Sharma (IFS) in his address spelled out aims and objectives of NDS in launching campaign of Dogri Sahitya Sammelans in rural areas of Duggar. Mr N S Thakur, the chief guest, in his speech said that it is moral duty of every body to ensure preservation and upliftment of his mother togue, art and culture. He said that Art and culture does not have any geographical barriers and play a vital role in uniting and creating fraternity among the people. He further said that conducting such programmes frequently go a long way in maintaining a healthy society.

Prominent among others present on the occasion were Dr Harish Kaila president NDS, Mr Brij Mohan, senior vice president, NDS, Satish Gupta of PCI Jammu, Krishan Lal Sharma, ex chairman NAC, Subash Saraf, Principal H/Secy School Sunderbani, Sat Pal Suri, senior lecturer, S K Kohli (IFS), Gianchand Sharma, Dr Gian Singh and Vinod Sharma.

Chain hunger strike enters 7th day
Displaced students seek support from regular
college counterparts

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Oct 20: The agitating migrant students, protesting against the State Government’s decision to merge camp colleges with Jammu University, have sought the support of their counterparts of Jammu regular colleges in the ongoing struggle.

A meeting of the displaced students with the presidents of GGM Science College and MAM College students, in this connection, will be held tomorrow.

An emergent meeting of the community leaders and the camp college students will also be held tomorrow in front of the Divisional Commissioner’s office wherein future course of action will be decided.

Meanwhile the ongoing chain hunger strike being observed by the camp college students in front of Divisional Commissioner’s office entered into 7th day today.

This morning prominent Kashmiri Pandit leader and secretary of ASKPC Mr Vijay Kumar Bindroo replaced All Kashmiri Pandit Solidarity Conference president Mr O N Trishal to continue the chain hunger strike. Mr Bindroo was joined by students Opinder, Amit Sagar, Arti Raina and Anju Tickoo.

Today, prominent leaders from different political parties visited the venue of chain hunger strike and expressed their support to the agitating migrant students. These leaders included Pt Mangat Ram Sharma of Congress, Dhan Raj Bargotra of JD(S) and Chander Mohan Sharma of Bharatiya Janata Party.

These leaders also criticised the State Government for not conceding the genuine demand of the students who have been fighting for their identity.

A number of the community leaders also visited the site of dharna and encouraged the agitating students. While addressing, these leaders described the Farooq Government’s move to merge camp colleges with Jammu University as a well planned conspiracy to delink migrant Kashmir Pandits from the Valley. They alleged that the merger move will turn the Kashmir University into an Islamic fundamental university having no scope for a Hindu student.

The KP leaders also urged the people of Jammu to be vigilant of the present policies of the Farooq Government which is playing with career of Jammuities and trying to create a wedge among the various sects of Hindus.

Attack on media-men condemned

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Oct 20: Aakhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad has condemned the attack on mediapersons occured yesterday during a protest demonstration by the college students.

As per a press statement, ABVP state secretary Mr Vivek Sharma alleged that some miscreants on the behest of ABVP were involved in the incident and tried to malign the image of ABVP.

He said that the Parishad has great regard and respect for the mediapersons and those involved in yesterday’s incident were not ABVP activists.

According to another press release, a meeting of the presidents of SMPR Commerce College, GGM Science College and MAM College was convened in the Jammu University, here today wherein the attack on mediapersons was condemned.

The participants of the meet alleged that the incident of attack was handiwork of some JJSF activists who attempted to create misunderstanding between ABVP and the mediapersons.

Those who attended the meeting included Mr Vinay Sharma, president of GGM Science College, Binder Pal Singh, president of MAM College, Harmeek Singh, Satveer Singh, Narinder Pal Singh, Tarunveer Singh and Hardeep Singh.

| home | state | national | business| editorial | advertisement | sports |
| international | weather | mailbag | suggestions | search | subscribe | send mail |