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Decision evokes
severe criticism from environmentalists By Gopal Sharma ENVIRONMENT FOCUS While the entire world has realised the ......more Problems of Pallanwala area border migrants highlighted Excelsior Correspondent AKHNOOR, Aug 12: The chairman Border Migrants Welfare Committee, Mr Baldev Singh.....more PDP opposes Disturbed Area Act for Jammu region Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Aug 12: J&K People’s Democratic Party had said that while it wants......more Former MP visits far-off areas of Akhnoor tehsil Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Aug 12: Former Member of Parliament and senior Congress leader.....more Cong
stages Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Aug 12: A massive demonstration was held by Block Congress Committee.....more |
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Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Aug 12: A young house-wife allegedly committed suicide at the residence of her sister at Bishnah today.........more J&K Rural Development members meet Mubarak Gul Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Aug 12: The members of Jammu and Kashmir Rural Development Society held a meeting with Mr Mubarak Gul,......more Prof Gupta for coordination among various security agencies Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Aug 12: Describing the extension of "Disturbed Areas Special Powers Act" in Jammu areas as a much needed step in the right direction, .....more NC clear, categoric on merger: Beg Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Aug 12: National Conference leader and former Minister, Dr Mehboob Beg while reacting to Mr Vaid Vaishno Dutt’s statement has termed it totally irresponsible saying such allegations can make the matters worse..........more |
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Decision evokes severe
criticism from environmentalists By Gopal Sharma ENVIRONMENT FOCUS While the entire world has realised the importance of environment protection giving priority to afforestation drives at the Government and the NGOs level, the Government of Jammu and Kashmir in a surprising move has wind up the Social Forestry Project of the Forest department thus suspending the activity of plantation with mere plea that it has become an extra liability on the Government which is already finance starved. The State Government in its recent cabinet decision declared that the Social Forestry Project has become a ‘white elephant’ for it. The State Government now plans to entrust the task of plantation, soil conservation and the reclamation of the degraded forest lands to the department of Forests. The Panchayats and the NGOs would be requested to take up the job of plantation in hand with the involvement of local people, a senior Forest official said. As per this Cabinet decision all nurseries and assets of the Social Forestry Project would be transferred to the Rural Development for their ultimate transfer to the Panchayats. This would allow people to participate in the development of the forest wealth at the grass-root level. The Government proposes to form Village Forest Committees which would work under the technical guidance of the Forest Department. Moreover, the employees who were sent on deputation to the project are being reverted back to their parent departments. However, the decision of the Government of Jammu and Kashmir has evoked strong criticism from various NGOs, environmentalists and other Environment Protection related organisations. Some prominent environmentalists in the state expressing strong resentment over the decision of the Government said that several countries and the states are spending huge funds and making all out efforts for the protection of environment but it’s strange that the Jammu and Kashmir Government which is loosing its forest cover very fast has preferred to chose suicidal path by ignoring afforestation activity. It is pertinent to mention here that World Bank is funding several projects of the Central Government being run in various states, which have given top priority to the afforestation and conservation of water. Four such major projects with an estimated cost of Rs 165 crores have also been taken up in the Jammu and Kashmir. Of the four, two are in Jammu region while two in Kashmir. In Jammu region, one project has been sanctioned for Ramnagar block while the second one for Kandi belt of Akhnoor sub-Division of district Jammu. While several voices are being raised from certain quarters over the alleged poor functioning of the project in Akhnoor block but the ground realities are something different. A visit to several villages and the Panchayats Halqas, indicated that within short span of two years, the Forestry wing of the Integrated Watershed Development Project has managed to convert barren hills on western bank of river Chenab and the upper and middle reaches of Kali Dhar (Shivalik hills) into lush green pastures. A senior forest official said that the Shivaliks of Akhnoor sub-watershed are highly degraded and require immediate attention. This adds to the problem of soil erosion, low water penetration and hence poor water availability particularly in the hot summer months both for farm and human use. The available forest areas subject to heavy biotic pressure resulting in their further denudation. The feasible waste areas outside demarcated forests are also being afforested in certain areas for easy availability of fuel wood and fodder etc. Another officer connected with the IWDP’s forestry wing disclosed that to ensure re-habilitation of forests and waste areas a massive programme has been launched wherein plantation of locally desirable species is taken up particularly in trenches against slope for more water harvesting. Not only this, the technology of planting in continuous contour vegetative ditches with shrubs on berms and planting of desired species has been devised. He further disclosed that under the afforestation programme, plants developed by Hitech methodology produced by State Forest Research Institute Jammu have been procured and planted in the field which show very promising results. About 4000 hac. areas has been covered under this project so far in Akhnoor block and 28 more villages have been adopted this year under the project. He disclosed that for the purpose of production of quality plants project has already established 7 nurseries in different areas of the project for making available plants for plantation in addition to planting treatment measures have been taken to promote natural as well as artificial generation of chir etc. in patches in degraded areas. The area is also under grazing pressure both by local cattle population as well as migratory live stock. The grazing areas have been over burdened with the result that palatable species have been replaced by obnoxious weeds. These denuded areas have been invaded by unpalatable species to the extent that the carrying capacity of these grazing lands has drastically reduced. The process of pasture and fodder development and inducing the concept of stall feeding shall help in forest generation also. Fast growing fodder species of Napier , Steria, Senchrus, Stylosanthes etc. have been obtained from various agriculture and forest agrostology wings. Last year alone, about 1000 hac area was covered under pastures. More such areas are being developed with the inclusion of several more Panchayats this year. |
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Problems of Pallanwala area border migrants highlighted Excelsior Correspondent AKHNOOR, Aug 12: The chairman Border Migrants Welfare Committee, Mr Baldev Singh Bhau has said that since the migration of the people from border area especially from the pallanwala sector in June 1999, The Government has not taken any serious steps to remove the grievances of the displaced villagers. In a statement Mr Baldev Singh Bhau said the Government has not provided Pacca accommodation at safer places, enhancement in cash assistant and ration, Backward Area status to people residing within 5 km area of border right from Kathua to Leh, recruitment of ex-servicemen as SPOs , special recruitment drive for border area youths, adequate provision for the education of border students, better medicare facilities in migrant camps and other border areas and relief to employees’ families. Mr Baldev Singh Bhau the Border Migrants welfare Committee came into existence in June 2000 and thereafter the committee has approached every Governmental, political and non-political organisations to highlight the genuine and basic problems of the people. During the course the committee met the Parliamentary Affairs Committee (Home) headed by Mr Pranab Mukherjee MP at Jammu and a charter of demands was presented to it. The Committee also submitted a demand charter to Union Minister of State for Home Mr I D Swami when he visited migrant camps. Similar charters of demand were presented to the Chief Minister and his cabinet colleagues when they visited the migrant camps. The Committee chairman regretted that even after repeated humble submissions and assurances by both State and Central Government, not much has been done so far and it seems that every body was doing lip service only. He further said that now as Jammu region has been declared as Disturbed Area, the relief given to the people under Disturbed Area Act should also be extended to the border people. He also stressed upon the Government to provide adequate security to the camp dwellers with immediate effect. |
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PDP opposes Disturbed Area Act for Jammu region Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Aug 12: J&K People’s Democratic Party had said that while it wants the Government to ensure curbing of terrorism and violence, but at the same time it feels that extension of Disturbed Area Act to entire Jammu province was no solution of this problem. This was stated by Mr B K Vaishnavi, Member Political Affairs Committee of PDP while addressing a press conference here yesterday. Mr Vaishnavi said in the wake of barbaric and brutal attack on innocent Yatris at Sheshnag, wherein several precious human lives were lost, usual tough talking by Union Home Minister L Advani and Chief Minister Dr Farooq Abdullah were short-lived as the militants struck in Atholi in Kishtwar tehsil who massacred the members of a community for none of their fault. Central teams visited the area and people were assured pro-active measures to ensure that such incidents did not recur. This again proved tough talking as and the people were still reeling under shock that militants struck Jammu Railway Station and rendered over a dozen dead and many more injured seriously, that too at a time when Jammu Railway Station is supposed to be heavily guarded area and yet there were casualties. Mr Vaishnavi said as usual to divert the attention of the people Disturbed Area (Special Powers) Act was promulgated for entire Jammu region in order to give security forces more teeth to curb violence and terrorism. He said neither Central Government nor State Government have been able to contain terrorism in Kashmir Valley and instead it has caused more alienation of the people and the situation has not marked improvement. He said extension of Disturbed Area Act to Jammu region has only exposed the claims of State Government about political stability in the State. He added that basically Kashmir is not a law and order problem but an ideological war which we all are fighting politically. It is the duty of the Government to ensure communal harmony and keep the secular fabric of the society intact. Mr Vaishnavi asserted that the Act was bound to prove more harmful and counter-productive. The PAC member said the PDP stands for peace process which should continue, while the State Government was unfortunately creating a situation when even those militants who are moderate and could have rejoined mainstream are eliminated in fake encounters. He said we have a total corrupt and incompetent Government in the State and the Centre should ensure free and fair elections in the State whenever held. Opposing the trifurcation of the State the PDP leader stressed on the Government to give due honour to the regional aspirations of the people. Mr Vaishnavi also declared that the PDP would shortly launch a state wide agitation in case power supply position did not improve in the State of Jammu and Kashmir. |
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Former MP visits far-off areas of Akhnoor tehsil Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Aug 12: Former Member of Parliament and senior Congress leader Mr Dharam Pal Sharma visited various villages of Panchayat Panghari and held meeting at village Gopala Chappar wherein villagers highlighted their demands and problems. As per a release, the villagers of Gopala Chappar, Darakadi, Kanaliya said that there has been acute water shortage in their villages as a result of which they have been facing many problems. They demanded that water tanks should be constructed besides installing water taps at different places to overcome the problem of acute water shortage. They said that the Power Development Department (PDD) is charging huge power tariff from them but has failed to provide adequate power supply. They said that prolong power-cuts coupled with low voltage is adding to their woes but concerned authorities have not taken any step so far despite repeated requests. They further said that the load of power is much more than the capacity of electric transformers installed in their villages and demanded immediate upgradation of electric transformers. They further demanded extension of road upto village Ghai. The villagers alleged favoritism in distribution of maize seeds and fertilizer by the Watershed Department and said that the seeds of lady finger and tomato were distributed in back-market and deserving people were ignored. They demanded immediate enquiry into the issue so that facts could be brought into light and guilty be punished. They also alleged that benefits under BPL category are being given to undeserved people at the cost of deserving people. Speaking on the occasion, Mr Dharam Pal Sharma expressed grave concern over the increase in militancy and said that both Central and State Governments were aware of the fact that Pakistan-sponsored militants would step up their activities after the failure of Agra summit but no step was taken to prevent massacres. He said that both State and Central Governments have failed on all fronts particularly with regard to security of the people and added that Union Home Minister Mr L K Advani and State Chief Minister Dr Farooq Abdullah have no right to stay in power and they should resign on moral grounds. He also demanded enquiry into misappropriation of funds meant for development in the Akhnoor tehsil. He appealed the Congress activists to gear up their activities to highlight the problems of people and make them aware of the failures of the State Government. Others who spoke on the occasion included Messrs Sain Dass, Birbal, Gian Chand and Hans Raj. |
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Cong stages demonstration at Bishnah Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Aug 12: A massive demonstration was held by Block Congress Committee Bishnah in protest against the State and Centre Governments failure on all fronts including protecting the lives of innocent people. The demonstration was led by senior Congress leader and member of PCC Mr Ashwani Sharma. In his address Mr Sharma blamed both the Center and state governments for their failure in fighting the militancy during the last five years. He demanded the resignation of Union Home Minister, Mr L K Advani and Chief Minister, Dr Farooq Abdullah on moral responsibility. He said during the last five years the selective killings have been on peak and the number of scams increased. He said it was expected that the misiries of the people will be lowered and the normalcy will be restored in the state after the NC Government assumed power in 1996. He alleged that the situation is worsening day by day with common man feeling totally insecure and the hopes of the people have been dashed to ground. He sad the unemployment is the greatest problem which the youth in the state are facing while the condition of people is day by day worsening the ministers are engaged in amassing wealth. He said the Government has made a promise in past that the appointments will be made at block level and rural youth will be given priority in it, but till date no head way has been made in this regard. Mr Ashwani Sharma said the corruption is rampant and the funds meant for the upliftment of poor and downtrodden have been swindled. He demanded a thorough probe where the money earmarked for the development works has gone. Highlighting the local problems he demanded relief for the drought hit people of Bishnah tehsil. Others who addressed the demonstrators include Dr O P Saini, former block president, Pt. Gian Chand, Mr Bishan Dass, Capt (rtd) Chooni Lal, Mr Yash Pal Sharma, Sarpanch, Baldev Raj Bhagat and Madan Lal Khajuria. |
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Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Aug 12: A young house-wife allegedly committed suicide at the residence of her sister at Bishnah today. According to police, identified as Veena Devi, wife of Dewan Chand of Samba, she committed suicide by consuming some poisonous drug at the residence of her sister at Bishnah. She was immediately rushed to Government Medical College Hospital when spotted unconscious by her sister. Doctors attending on her immediately washed her stomach but she could not fight for her life and died. The cause behind this extreme step that too in the residence of her sister could not be immediately known. Police have registered a case in this connection and started investigation to ascertain the reason behind this step. Meanwhile, a teen-aged girl namely Madhu, daughter of Swarn Singh of R S Pura made abortive attempt to end her life by consuming some insecticide. She was shifted to hospital when spotted unconscious by family members. Doctors at Medical College immediately washed her stomach and her condition was stated to be out of danger till reports last came in. Our Udhampur Correspondent adds: Four persons were injured, two of them critically, when two matadors collide with each other near Jib Thathi this afternoon. One of the matador bearing registration number JK14-6187 was on its way from Jib Thathi to Udhampur while another was on its way from Udhampur to Jib Thathi when collided with each other. The injured were shifted to district hospital where condition of two of them was stated to be critical. The injured have been identified as Sher Mohd, son of Faqir Din, Babu Din, son of Mohd Din, Divya Devi, wife of Badri Nath and Dutta, son of Jalla Ram. |
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J&K Rural Development members meet Mubarak Gul Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Aug 12: The members of Jammu and Kashmir Rural Development Society held a meeting with Mr Mubarak Gul, Chairman of the Society here today. As per a release extending his best wishes to the members, Mr Gul also greeted the people on the eve of Janam Ashtami. He stressed the need of celebrating the Janamashtami festival of Lord Krishna. He stressed the need to celebrate all the religious festivals jointly by all sections of the people irrespective of their caster and colour. Mr Gul also appealed the people to path of Satvik Karam leaving the fruits to the Almighty which has been the message of Lord Krishna in Bhagwat Geeta. After the meeting Mr Dhurv Singh Jamwal, chairman of the District Committee along with all the members of the Executive Body greeted the people of Rani Talab on the eve of Janam Ashtami. Mr Jamwal also planted the an "Arogaria" plant in the premises of Kali Mandir near Cremation Ground Shastri Nagar . |
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Prof Gupta for coordination among various security agencies Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Aug 12: Describing the extension of "Disturbed Areas Special Powers Act" in Jammu areas as a much needed step in the right direction, the Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation, Prof Chaman Lal Gupta has said that there is dire need for pooling all the resources to launch a vigorous drive to crush the terrorism. Addressing a meeting of prominent citizens at Katra Vaishno Devi , Prof Gupta said to achieve the desired results , there must be clear coordination between the various security agencies and also the people. He said that side by side beefing up the security measures by proper deployment of the security forces, the steps should be taken to have the co-operation of the common people especially that of the youths. He emphasised the need for strengthening of the Village Defence Committees by providing them modern weapons and adequate communication system in addition to the financial assistance because the members of the VDCs are not only exposed to the danger of terrorism but also they have the other family obligations to face. Prof Gupta said that the Government at the Centre is committed to provide all possible assistance to the state in meeting the challenges of the situation but it is the responsibility of the State Government to utilise all this help properly. He regretted that in the past the Central assistance was not utilised in the right manner. He ridiculed the Congress charge that the BJP was responsible for all the mess in Jammu and Kashmir and pointed out that the militancy and many other such problems were the result of the follies and bunglings committed by the Congress leadership right from 1947, even before the independence of the country. He listed various steps taken up to sort out the problems of Katra areas including that of drinking water. |
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NC clear, categoric on merger: Beg Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Aug 12: National Conference leader and former Minister, Dr Mehboob Beg while reacting to Mr Vaid Vaishno Dutt’s statement has termed it totally irresponsible saying such allegations can make the matters worse. In a statement issued here today, he said Dr Abdullah is the only Kashmiri leader who is clear and categoric in J&K’s accession with India and therefore all right thinking nationalists should strengthen his hands in fighting the militancy. Dr Beg said the BJP leader should pin point the anti national elements in the administration and CM will see them removed, otherwise such allegations will dampen the morale of the people who are honestly doing the job. He said the only solution to Kashmir Problem is what NC is demanding i e restoration of pre 1953 status. |
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Disturbed Area Act will affect economy of Jammu :APJSM Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Aug 12: All Parties Jammu Statehood Movement (APJSM) has criticised the State and Central Governments for bringing out a situation where Disturbed Area Act and Armed Forces Special Power (J&K) Act had to be extended to entire Jammu region. A meeting of the representatives of various constituents of APJSM was held here wherein it was described the step as admission of the failure of the Governments in curbing terrorism in the State and a desperate remedy, feared to prove worse than the disease. The leaders charged that the Act was promulgated to cover up the failure of the Governments on militancy front. It was oberved that such a move will adversely affect Vaishno Devi pilgrimage and overall tourism in Jammu and in turn will affect the economy of Jammu. The meeting was among others attended by Col K S Jamwal of Rajput Sabha, Dhanraj Bargotra of Janata Dal (S), Yash Bhasin, Raj Daluja, Rameshwar Singh Jamwal, Inderjeet Khajuria, Dr Naseer Din Qazi, H B Khajuria, Vikram Gout, Inderjeet Singh, Sat Pal Sharma and Y K Raina. The meeting apprehended that there was deep rooted conspiracy to destabilise the economy of Jammu. The content and character of terrorism in parts of Jammu region is different from that in the Valley and there is no local support to militancy, the meeting further said. |
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Accounts officers criticise Finance Department Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Aug 12: J&K Assistant Accounts Officers Association has criticised the Finance Department for elevating the members of cadre out of turn on the Valley based posts by deviating from the standing rules. In a statement issued here today, it said despite the clear cut orders passed by the courts that the seniority lists be maintained and seniority of the members be respected while making the selections the Department has done otherwise. It said these orders were carried upto 1998 and later the Department again deviated from it. Terming it an prejudicial action on the part of Finance Department, the Association demanded that the directions of the court be strictly abided. It said the 11 AAOs have been promoted by the Finance Department out of turn on the basis of availability of posts in Kashmir valley without taking into consideration the seniority of the members. It said even some AAOs have been posted as AOs out of turn in the Darbar move offices. The Association said it is surprising that the Director of Accounts and Treasuries on the one hand has failed to follow the court directions by filling up the posts without observing the seniority of the officials already fixed by the Department and on the other hand has been filling even the posts of darbar move offices with these junior persons which has caused a great resentment among the AAOs of Jammu Province. |
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PCC demands release of drought relief package Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Aug 12: Senior leaders of Indian National Congress urged upon the state and union governments to release Rs 1350 crores " Drought Relief Package" to overcome the shortage of food-grains, water scarcity, unemployment to farmers and fee for their school-going children. In a joint statement issued here today the Congress leaders criticised the State and the NDA governments for not coming to the rescue of the JK farmers. They said that Prime Minister and the Chief Minister should understand the problems of the people of this militancy infested state who are now facing natural clamity. The people in rural areas have lost their cattle, crops and faced drinking water problems. Those who joined the statement included—Pt Mangat Ram Sharma Ex-MP, Ashok Sharma, Yash Paul Khajuria, Diwakar Singh, Balbir Singh, M L Koul, R N Singh, Amrit Malhotra, Ram Nath Dogra, Beli Ram Kundal, Shivdev Singh and others. |
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Teachers’ concern over lack of infrastructure Excelsior Correspondent UDHAMPUR, Aug 12: State Teachers’ Association district unit has expressed concern over the lack of infrastructural facilities in schools which had jeopardised the educational activities in the schools. According to a release, a meeting of the members of the Association was held here today under the chairmanship of Ravinder Abrol, member of the presidium. Bhupinder Singh, president of the Association expressed resentment over the inordinate delay caused by the CEO officer Udhampur in issuing transfer orders of masters and teachers. He urged upon the Chief Education Officer Udhampur to issue these orders without any more delay so that academic activities in schools which have come to a stand still, be carried out smoothly. Mr Kuldip Sudan criticised the Directorate of School Education for causing delay in sanctioning in SITU promotion cases of masters. He demanded that CEOs be authorised to sanction the promotion cases of Masters. Mr Abrol demanded risk allowance in favour of state Government employees at par with Central Government employees in those districts where Disturbed Area Act has been promulgated. Others who attended the meet included—Rajesh Sharma, Anil Kumar, Yuvraj Singh, Desh Bandhu, Omkar Singh, Chander Mohan, Raj Kumar and Ashok Sharma. |
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BSP demands immediate dismissal of NC Govt Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Aug 12: Bahujan Samaj Party state unit president, Sheikh Abdul Rehman (MLA) has demanded immediate dismissal of Dr Farooq Abdullah led National Conference Government in the state. As per a release, a meeting of the BSP workers was held here today under the chairmanship of Mr Rehman today. Other senior party leaders—including Mr G L Bhagat, Hans Raj Chargotra, Roop Lal advocate, B D Bhagat, Pritam Chand Pagathia, Gurdyal Dogra, Mohan Singh, Kamal Bhagat and Master Chaman were also present. It was felt in the meeting that the Central NDA Government and the State Government have miserably failed to contain militancy. During the past few months there is a rise in the militancy and a number of massacres have occurred in the state in which several innocent persons have lost their lives. Central Government to cover up its weakness and failures has declared Doda, Udhampur, Kathua and Jammu as disturbed area.He said Central Home Minister, Mr Advani and Chief Minister J&K Farooq Abdullah should have resigned on moral grounds. The declaration of these areas as disturbed will add to the worries of the common man. The Party feels that while dealing with the militants, the common man should not be harassed otherwise it will alienate the common man from the mainstream. |
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Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Aug 12: A working body meeting of J&K SRTC, Jammu Division was held at Railway Head complex under the presidentship of S Dalip Singh Labana and attended by representatives from all units of the province. As per a release it was unanimously decided that Mr Ghulam Nabi, chairman, All Public Sector units and Coordination Committee Kashmir division will also patronize henceforth the SRTC Employees Federation, Jammu Division as well for achieving best results for the welfare of J&K SRTC employees who are in turmoil for a long as also for the welfare and long survival of J&K SRTC. |
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