Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Apr 18: A deputation of Chenab Hydro Power Project Union Called on Pradesh Congress-I chief, Mr Mohammed Shafi Qureshi here today and apprised him about the most burning problems being faced by J P Industries workers of Dul Hasti Hydro Electric Project Kishtwar.

While narrating their woes to the Congress chief they said that Workers Union of the Project has submitted a charter of demands to the management of JP Industries and when the management did not respond to the Union demands they resorted to strike. And on February 13, in retaliation the JP Industries management retrenched 1385 workers.

They further informed him that taking the serious exception of JP Industries decision other trade unions also joined the strike and rallies. Besides non retrenched employees also supported the strike paralysing the project work. The deputationists while blaming the district administration alleged that it took side of the management and started intimidating the peaceful agitators and the police also resorted to firing on the stage when the agitators refused to disperse in which many workers were injured.

But to restore the normal work in the Project the prominent citizens of Kishtwar came to the help of workers who met various trade unionists and management of the J P Industries. This followed the constitution of a negotiation Committee and talks were held to resolve the deadlock on March 8 and the management agreed to settle all the cases registered in the police station by withdrawing them.

But contrary to the assurances of the Management on April 7 Mr Javed Ahmed Zargar, general secretary of Chenab Hydro Power Projects Union, Kishtwar was arrested under PSA in a false case by police on instance of JP Industries Management.

They also alleged that the police was harassing the other workers of the Union.

Mr Qureshi while assuring full support to employees genuine demands demanded probe that why the Union office bearers have been arrested after the agreement. He said such an action will aggravate the situation.

The deputationists were accompanied by J&K Trade Union Congress chief Mr Sugrev Singh.

More security being given to Valley Sikhs: Harbans

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Apr 18: The Minister for Labour, Mr Harbans Singh, today said that Sikhs can play a vital role in strengthening secular and communal harmony in the country as the community has always braved the onslaughts and sacrificed for the unity and integrity of the nation.

Addressing a gathering of J&K Sikh United Forum, the Minister called upon the Sangat to be united. He appealed to the people to join hands in restoring peace and normalcy in the state.

He said the enormous energies of experts and experience of retired and able Sikh civil servants and ex-servicemen be utilized for the development of the community in the state.

He said professionalism and managerial skills are the inherent qualities bestowed on this community and these should be utilized for benefit of all.

On the apprehensions of the Forum that the Sikhs may migrate from the Valley, Mr Singh assured that more security would be provided to them by the Government. He said the active support from the Sikh brethren can sustain them.

Referring to the amendments of the Gurudwara Administration Act he stressed on incorporation of Salient features of other Gurudwara Acts. While citing the example of Delhi Gurudwara Administration Act and Shromani Gurudwara Act, he said the lacuanas in the present act must be plugged in such a way that there is no scope for political interference and misappropriation of funds.

Earlier a memorandum was submitted to the Minister demanding reservations for the Sikh Community in Government jobs, compensation to the refugees of 1947 and appointment of commission to probe the incidents of Mahjoor Nagar, Chattisingpora and release of Ansari Commission report.

Sahil urges DD to stop telecast
Protest in Magam over 'objectionable' serial

Excelsior Correspondent

SRINAGAR, Apr 18: Even as Director of Doordarshan Kendra Srinagar has asked the Directorate General of Doordarshan to stop telecast of the controversial serial "Adha Gaon", members of Shia community today observed a shutdown and registered their protest against the national broadcaster and the producer of the programme, at Magam township, in Budgam district.

Hundreds of Shia Muslims converged on Magam, on Srinagar - Gulmarg road, and registered their protest against Doordarshan while burning tyres and shouting slogans. They alleged that the DD authorities were extremely insensitive to the religious sentiments of Shia Muslims which had been hurt by telecasting a blasphemous television serial.

All shops, business establishments, educational institutions, Government offices and passenger services remained closed for the day at Magam and adjoining Shia localities. On Tuesday, angry members of Shia community put up their protest against the serial and DD at Budgam, Ichhigam and other Shia- dominated villages of the district. The controversial programme, focusing on different formats of mourning over tragedy of Karbala in Lukhnow, had been telecast by the national channel of DD from Delhi on Sunday last.

Meanwhile, according to a Press release, Director of Doordarshan Kendra Srinagar, Ashraf Sahil, has taken cognizance of the public outery and requested the Director General of Doordarshan to immediately stop telecast of the controversial serial. Sahil has apprised his high-ups at the Directorate General of the massive protests and the State of the hurt religious feelings in Kashmir.

Shabir Shah's outfit begins talks with PoK ultras
Jamiat-e-Hamadania, DFP welcome talks with a condition

Excelsior Correspondent

SRINAGAR, Apr 18: Religious organisation, Jammu & Kashmri Jamiat-e-Hamadania, and the separatist Shabir Shah's Democratic Freedom Party (DFP) have welcomed the Indian initiative of talks on Kashmir but both hage warned that it would end in a failure unless Pakistan was involved in the process.

Jamiat's General Secretary welcomed the peace initiative in a statement here today but asserted that the same could not be successful until the "important party" i.e. Pakistan was associated with the process. He said that Gilgit, Skardu, Bimmer and Hunza were "part and parcel of this issue" and without their involvement, the exercise was bound to fail.

The General Secretary appealed Indian Prime Minister A B Vajpayee and the Pakistan Chief Executive Gen Pervez Musharaf to settle the Kashmir issue once for all.

According to a separate statement, Shabir Shah's DFP deliberated over the subject in a daylong meeting here today. DFP understood the need to involve all sections of opinion, organisations, institutions and political parties with the peace process. It stressed on the need to initiate talks with militant outfits and asked the Muzzafarabad - based Vice President of the party, Mehmood Ahmed Sagar, to constitute and lead a delegation which would begin talks with the militants operating from "Azad Kashmir".

DFP also decided to organise a seminar her on April 28 next for which invitations would go all the prominent personalities, parties and institutions. Participants would read out papers on subjects like "Indian tlaks initiative and our response" and "how pro-freedom people would protect the minorities." Only after such an intercation and debate, DFP would decide whther or not to particiapte in Vajpayee's initiative.

The statement referred to Shabir Shah's interviews to different television news channels and asserted that until Kashmir's pro-freedom leadership and Pakistan were sincerely associated, the entire process would be an exercise in futility.

Variety show presented by budding artists

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Apr 18: Baisakhi Dhamaka-2001, a programme of music, dance and skits was presented by the Children Welfare Foundation (CWF), Jammu University, here this evening.

Mrs Vijay Lakshmi Sharma wife of Prof R R Sharma, Vice Chancellor inaugurated the show by lighting the traditional lamp.

The cultural programme was prepared and presented by the children. It included: Kathak and western dance, Punjabi folk Bhangra, skits, geets, gazals, patriotic songs and instrumental music.

The two-hour programme was captivating and the audience repeatedly applauded the young performers for display of their talent. The participants made dance presentation on some film songs which was also liked by those attending the programme in the auditorium of the Jammu University.

Young artists who took part in the first such a children variety show included: Pojo, Anjalii, Shivam, Simpu, Priyam, Umang, Purvansh, Rohan, Mehwash, Huma, Sushen, Shaji Khan, Sachin, Rahul, Sana, Neha, Mehreen, Nivi, Neha Razdan, Deepika Razdan, Saurav, Gautam, Namitra, Nishtha and Dimpu.

Prof Lalit Magotra, chairman, Campus Culture Council, while speaking on the occasion, appreciated the talent of the young boys and girls and assured them of all help in organising such programmes in future as well. He suggested that they should pursue their studies well and hold debates and organise sports as well.

Purvansh moved the vote of thanks while Pojo and Shivam compered the show effectively.

Seminar on economic reforms held
Slathia warns engineers, employees in TLC
to pack up luggage

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Apr 18: Dispelling all the fears about privatisation, the Minister for Power, Mr S S Slathia today asserted that no decision will be taken in this regard against the interests of the people of the State.

Addressing a one day seminar on economic reforms and its impact on power sector at Jammu Club here today, he said that J&K has been given the special status in the energy ministers meeting organised by Prime Minister in the Union Capital recently. He assured that all decisions in this regard will be taken as per peoples will.

The seminar was organised by J&K Central Non Gazetted Electrical Employees Union (J&K CNGEEU).

Warning serious action against those involved in power theft, Mr Slathia said that various steps have been initiated by his Ministry to curb it.

He said the Government is going to install the sophisticated meters which can not be tempered by using a Magnet or with the help of a finger. These metres will not stop how hard you may try and give the correct picture of load consumed.

He also maintained that surprise checks will be conducted to make the load check and any body found guilty will be punished.

Besides there will be constant reshuffle in the organisation for its smooth functioning he said while warning the engineers and employees working in Transmission Line Construction Division (TLC) to pack up their luggage and be ready for postings.

He regretted that how can a state progress which faces over 70 per cent power thefts for this he blamed both the departmental officials and consumers.

He said already some steps have been initiated in this regard by his Ministry as 75,000 illegal connections have been legalised.

Highlighting some achievement so his Ministry, he said the revenue target has been increased in both Kashmir Valley and Jammu Province.

He said the main cause of power crisis in the state is that our self generation which is 200 mws in Summer gets reduced to 15 to 20 mws in Winter. This year the situation became more critical after the supply was reduced by Northern Grid forcing the Government to make unscheduled curtailments in Winter.

He said a meeting is being convened after April 22 in which steps will be initiated to legalise all the illegal connections.

He said to make the state self sufficient in power generation various steps have been undertaken by the Government headed by Dr Farooq Abdullah. The work on Bhagliar Hydel Project has been taken up in hand. This Project which will generate 450 mws of power will be commissioned in 2005. Besides he informed that the work on Sawlakot Hydel Project will also be taken up in hand soon.

The Minister alleged that the main cause of delay in taping the power generation resources is that the Centre showed reluctance to give counter guarantee for various projects but now the seven new projects have been taken up by NHPC which will also boost the power generation in the State.

Warning that strict action will be taken against the people misusing the electricity he said the Government is going to enact a law to punish the people involved in power theft.

He said the J&K is the lone state in the country where the consumers are provided power on cheaper rates. We purchase the electricity for Rupees three to four a unit and sell it for 1.56 Rs to consumers. This way we provide 650 crore subsidy on power and if this amount is curtailed the money can be utilized for the development of the State, he added.

Among the other steps initiated by his Ministry, he said the charges on ACs have been increased and this way the Government will get an additional revenue of Rs 12 crore.

Earlier in his inaugural address Mr R C Jaga a veteran trade unionist and Secretary Electricity Employees Federation of India said the policies of globalisation, privatisation, liberalization and disinvestment are slated to hit the common masses.

Expressing apprehensions that privatisation will negate the concept of welfare state he said how will the Government work for the welfare of the people when its work will be thrusted to private organisations.

Criticising the economic policies of the present Government he said the policies being pursued by over a decade now will increase the gap between the rich and poor instead of bridging it.

He said in a welfare state the Government is supposed to pursue the policies which are for the welfare of the poor but the present policies have made the rich more rich and added to the woes of poor considerably.

Opposing the privatisation policy he said it has posed a grave threat to unity and integrity of the country and in case we can not pay the money to the private agencies they will mortgage the state property and sell it.

Mr Mohammed Maqbool Ganai, general secretary J&K Central Non Gazetted Electrical Employees Union while presenting a paper severely criticised the privatisation policies pursued by successive Governments at Centre over a decade now.

He alleged that the economic reforms initiated in 1991 have caused tremendous hardships to people in general and working class in particular.

He said the tall claims of Government to boost the economy, generate employment, and compete with global partners has turned into fiasco.

He said after pursuing these policies the Indian economy is showing the slow growth affecting all sectors of economy. The foreign exchange liability is on the rise due to the adverse trade conditions imposed by imperialist countries through WTO.

Cautioning against the illeffects of privatisation , Maqbool said the dangerous implications of ENRON Project are in front of us as Maharashtra Electricity Board is facing serious crisis.

This project is nothing but to robing the country’s wealth and the Central Government wants to shift the burden to other states which will be disastrous.

He suggested various proposals and alternatives to overcome the problem instead of privatisation of the power sector in the country.

The CPI M, state general secretary and MLA Mr Mohammed Yousf Tarigami who also mae a strong dig at the Central Government for pursuing privatisation policies said that the globalisation is posing a threat to the freedom of sub Continent.

He said the privatisation of power sector is being done on the dictates of the World Bank which is dangerous for this country.

Quoting the example of Maharashtra and Orissa he said what is the fate of these two states at present. He said people in Maharashtra which was a trade centre are suffering after the pursuing the policies of privatisation and in Orissa hundreds of villages are still without electrification.

Making a dig at the Union Government he said we are suffering from a mania that privatisation is the remedy of every disease and if we continue to adopt this policy our economy will perish some day, he warned.

He said the privatisation of LIC and GIC the profit making PSU units is a madness. Tarigami also supported the cause of striking PSU employees of the state saying that despite the Chief Minister’s declaration on the floor of Legislative Assembly that their demands will be looked into and the employees provided COLA, they are being neglected. "These employees instead of COLA have been given "Gola". they are being lathicharged, he said adding the Government which adopts such path is harming its own cause."

He said by making sudden jumps we can not compete with Europe and suggested that we should go through a proper ladder.

He held the Government responsible for the losses suffered by the Power Development Department in the state saying instead of taping the hydel power it purchased the thermal power on high rates.

He also demanded that Centre should compensate the state for the losses suffered by it due to Indus Water Treaty and urged the trade unionists to take up this issue.

Among others who addressed the gathering include Minister of State for Power, Mr Qamar Ali Akhoon, Ghulam Mohammed Khan, Advisor of the Union, Bishan Dass, of JKKT, Sham Prasad of USTA, G M Sheikh and P N Raina of JKCNGEEU.

Mr Dalip Singh Azad president PEEU was also present in the seminar. Among others who were present include Messrs Vijay Sharma, Development Commissioner Power, H S Raina, C E, M&RE, Arun Moza publicity Secretary of the Union and Som Nath.ÿÿ% 

Non teaching employees of colleges
observe mass casual leave

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Apr 18: Non teaching staff of the different colleges today observed mass casual leave and staged a dharna in the premises of the Government Gandhi Memorial Science College in connection with their on-going agitation against attitude of the Higher Education Department authorities.

The employees organised protest dharna against, what they alleged, bungling in transfer and promotion polices of the Higher Education Department. They were also protesting against double standard adopted by the Higher Education Department in transfer policy.

Addressing the dharna, leaders of the J&K Colleges Non Teaching Employees Association Jammu province, spearheading the agitation, lambasted the Higher Education Department for maintaining a deaf ear and blind eye towards the just and genuine demands of the non-teaching staff of colleges.

Expressing concern over prevailing mis-management in different colleges, Association leaders said that it was all due to the indifferent, adamant and callous attitude of the authorities that mis-management has been prevailing in the colleges. He blamed authorities for the prevailing situation. Employees warned to launch an agitation in case their harassment and humiliation was not stopped.

Addressing the employees, Mr Ram Kumar Sharma, chief advisor of the Association, Sham Lal, provincial president and Mr Yakeen Mohammed said that Higher Education authorities and some college Principals were responsible for the mis-management. They accused authorities of adopting favourtism and nepotism. They further alleged that Higher Education Department has been turned into a business centre by some persons who have nexus with some officials of the department.

Giving examples of prevailing bunglings in the department, they said that some of the promotee have been adjusted in the same colleges and also modified the transfer orders of two senior assistants from Jammu city to Jammu city in the same college who deals with the cash.

Mr Prahlad Singh (MAM), Mr Bansi Lal (Gandhi Nagar), Mr Puran Chand (Parade), Mohinder Kumar (Science College), Jaimal Singh (Commerce), Mrs Neelam Jamwal and Mrs Neelam Kapoor (College of Education), Abdul Hamid (Rajouri) and others strongly condemned the anti non-teaching employees attitude of the authorities and said that few officials of the Higher Education Department have made Department as their personnel property.

Demanding reorganisation of the Higher Education Department, these leaders said that for the last 25 years about 30 officials of the Department have been fixed and they have turned this Department into business centre to earn money by harassing and humiliating the employees.

They also highlighted other demands of the employees included teacher quota of the Laboratory Asstt, upgradation of the post of Library Asstt as per the University pattern, promotion of qualified Class-IV employees, upgradation of the grade of electrician, carpenter, plumber, mistry and remove the disparity in the college, staff quarter should be provided to chowkidars, hostel staff and Safaiwalla on priority basis.

Vigilance registers case against CMO Pulwama

Excelsior Correspondent

SRINAGAR, Apr 18: Vigilance Organization Kashmir has registered a case against Dr Farooq Ahmed Rather, the then Chief Medical Officer district Pulwama and Others, under Section 5(2) Prevention of Corruption Act, 2006, read with section 120-B RPC for misappropriation of funds.

A complaint was received the VO Kashmir alleging therein that Dr Farooq Ahmed Rather, Chief Medical Officer, district Pulwama in criminal conspiracy with other accused persons and by abuse of his official position misappropriated funds earmarked for ‘eye camp’ in block Kellar of Pulwama district under the Centrally sponsored scheme. During the course of preliminary enquiry, relevant records were scrutinized which revealed that in the year 1997, the CMO Pulwama after seeking approval of the District Development Commissioner Pulwama organised an eye camp under a Centrally sponsored scheme.

A total of 42 patients were treated in the camp and as guidelines a sum of Rs 16,800 was to be spent for the treatment of the patients at the rate of Rs 400 per patient. However in pursuance of a criminal conspiracy with the then Block Development Officer, Kellar, the delinquent official showed an expenditure of Rs 75,000 in connection with the treatment of the patients.

The records revealed that the vouchers had been fabricated to justify excess drawal of Rs 55,000. The enquiry further revealed that in connection with a medical camp organised at Sub District Hospital Kellar by the Chief Medical Officer Pulwama, Rs 25000 were shown to have been spent on the purchase of medicines reportedly made from a local medical agency. Surprisingly the stock register of the said medical agency disclosed that no such medicines were in stock with the agency during that particular period. Similarly some medicines were shown to have been purchased from another local dealer, who categorically denied having supplied any medicines to the Chief Medical Officer Pulwama.

In came to light in the course of enquiry that the delinquent official had also booked an expenditure of Rs 33,900 on the repairs of a leprosy vehicle which had not been done in conformity with the financial code for ulterior motives. The preliminary inquiry thus established that Dr Farooq Ahmed Rather had abused his official position and had caused loss to the State exchequer.

Accordingly a case FIR No 8/2001 P/S Vigilance Organization Kashmir was registered for thorough investigation.

Ashwani Magotra’s demise mourned

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Apr 18: Various organisations have condoled the sad demise of Mr Ashwani Magotra, a renowned Dogri poet, and paid rich tributes to the departed soul besides conveyed heartfelt sympathies with the members of the bereaved family.

A condolence meeting was held in the Academy of Art, Culture and Languages, Jammu to condole the sudden demise of Mr Ashwani Magotra. the staff of the Cultural Academy paid rich tributes to the soul of departed Dogri poet.

While recalling his association with the departed poet, the Additional Secretary of the Cultural Academy Dr Om Goswami said that Mr ashwani Magotra had enriched Dogri language and literature by contributing a number of books in the genre of poetry and short story. Dogri has suffered a strong set back with his untimely death.

Secretary of the Academy Mr Balwant Thakur while paying homage to the deceased poet said that shining stars like Mr Ashwani Magotra were sure to be remembered.

The gathering of the academy also observed two minutes silence in respect of Late Ashwani Magotra and prayed to Almighty to give strength to the family members of the deceased to bear this irreparable loss.

In a joint meeting of Dogri Sanstha Jammu and Dogri Department of Jammu University, the untimely and sudden death of Mr Ashwani Magotra was condoled.

Prof Lalit Magotra, president of Dogri Sanstha, expressed shock and grief over sudden death of Mr Magotra. He said the deceased poet was an outstanding Gazal writer of Dogri and a very gifted poet who was known for his distinguished style.

Mr Ashwani Magotra contributed towards the enrichment of Dogri literature through his publications, "Meri Basti Mere Lok", a collection of Gazals, "Lehran", a collection of long poems and "Khubtian", a collection of short stories. Prof Lalit Magotra recalled that Ashwani was very popular for his Gazals which were appreciated by general public, scholars and critics because of their high standard and poetic qualities. Prof Magotra informed that Dogri Sanstha has undertaken a project of publication Dogri epic "Jhull Bara Dea Pattra" written by Ashwani Magotra, which is a unique epic of its kind and will be a significant addition to Dogri literature.

Prof Veena Gupta, Head of Dogri Department said that Mr Ashwani Magotra will be remembered for ever for the depth, insight and poetic beauty of his Gazals.

Others who expressed sorrow and grief included Messrs Parduman Singh Jandrahia, Chhatturpaul, Gyaneshwar Sharma, Dr Shashi Pathania, Prof Archana Kesar and Dr Shiv Dev Singh Manhas. The members prayed for peace to the departed soul and expressed sympathies with the bereaved family.

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