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| Maximum jobs for locals CM asks Centre for early work on 7 power projects Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Feb 15: The Chief Minister, Dr Farooq Abdullah has asked the National Hydel Power Corporation (NHPC) to immediately....more Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Feb 15: Chief Minister, Dr Farooq Abdullah has said that Government will discuss the enhancement of monthly pension ....more CM to
remove ministers Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Feb 15: Chief Minister, Dr Farooq Abdullah today asserted that any of his ministers having more than one......more Various
bodies donate Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Feb 15: Various organisations continue to donate towards the Prime Minister’s Relief Fund for quake.....more Medicos
manhandled; REC classes disrupted Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Feb 15: Infuriated over State Government’s silence to their 41 day long stir against alleged illegal admissions in Government......more |
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SRO 43 to
remain Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Feb 15: The Government will provide Rs One lakh as exgratia and a Government job to the next kin of any person killed.......more Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Feb 15: The State Government has activated activities of Directorate of Audit and Inspections to bring financial discipline......more Malhi
inaugurates Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Feb 15: The Financial Commissioner, Agriculture Production and Rural Development, Mr. I.S. Malhi inaugurated a two-day ........more HC asks
Div Comm Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Feb 15: Justice T S Doabia of the State High Court has directed Divisional Commissioner Jammu to take notice of the order dated August 19, 1995 whereby the District Magistrate Jammu had passed an order and parking places were indicated for different types of vehicles at different.....more |
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Maximum jobs for locals Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Feb 15: The Chief Minister, Dr Farooq Abdullah has asked the National Hydel Power Corporation (NHPC) to immediately start work on the seven projects entrusted to it through Memorandum of Understanding signed between it and the State Government in July, 2000. These projects are to be completed in 7 years. Intervening during a reply to a question by Mr G M Bawan, the Chief Minister emphasised that maximum number of local youth should be deployed employed in execution of these power projects in Jammu and Kashmir. He said our engineers and others should be provided job opportunities in these projects. Dr Farooq Abdullah said the death of Kumarmanglam caused delay in taking up work on the projects. Now, he said, the matter has taken up with the new Union Power Minister. He asked the Central Government for expeditious completion of the projects so that their benefits accrue to the Jammu and Kashmir State. He said he will take up this matter with the Prime Minister shortly. The Minister for Power, Mr S S Slathia informed that the State Government entered into MoU with the Ministry of Power, Government of India under which seven projects have been handed over to NHPC and two projects will be implemented by the state Government. It was signed on July 20, 2000. The opposition MLAs were agitated over the frequent power-cuts and were not satisfied with the reply of the Power Minister that the supply did not match the demand. On another question of Mr G M Rafiqi regarding theft of power by involvement of employees, the Power Minister admitted that " some unscrupulous elements are involved in connivance with the consumers in pilferage of power in the entire state". The Chief Minister that power losses must be effectively checked and contained. He also asked for having zones of power distribution and also early installing of metres so that the consumers pay as per the energy consumed. There should be proper monitoring of the staff and enforcing discipline so that nobody can indulge in power theft. Strict action be taken against the field staff involved in any malpractice which result in loss to the exchequer, he added. Responding to a query, the Power Minister said that power sector reforms including privatisation of distribution is under consideration of the state Government. He claimed that 70, 000 illegal connections have been detected during the last 6 months of the drive against power pilferage. The members wanted to know about the action taken in such cases. |
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MLAs
concern over housing of police stations in schools Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Feb 15: Chief Minister, Dr Farooq Abdullah has said that Government will discuss the enhancement of monthly pension in favour of freedom fighters in the budgetary meeting. Replying to a supplementary from Ashok Khajuria of BJP in the State Assembly here today, Dr Abdullah said I agree with the members suggestion regarding enhancing the pension in favour of freedom fighters keeping in view the raising prices. He said the Government has no reports that the benefit of this pension scheme goes to any anti national or secessionist element. He told the member that if he has any specific proof he can give it to Government and we will take action. In reply to another supplementary from Ashok Sharma of Congress on the issue Dr Abdullah said the Government will consider the constitution of Freedom Fighters Welfare Board. He asked the Member that if he has any specific suggestion in this regard he can give it to the Government. Earlier replying to the Question of Mr Ashok Khajuria the Chief Minister said as per the freedom fighters pension scheme 1981, a freedom fighter is entitled to Rs 500 pension till his death and after that his widow can get Rs 500 while the unmarried daughters will get Rs 200 as pension. He said the freedom fighters of the state are provided free accommodation in the state guest houses, circuit houses subject to availability when they are required to attend any meeting organised by the Government or any Government sponsored agency. However, the Government was taken to task by BJP’s Ch. Piara Singh for including those people who were involved in occtroi thefts during Maharaja’s time in freedom fighters category while those who have undergone jail in freedom movement have been ignored. Dr Abdullah also assured the House that Government will gradually shift the security forces and police from the educational institutions occupied by them. He said earlier Government could not shift security forces and police from the schools as we were facing a financial constraint and after the Centre provided us the money we are now in a position to shift them. Dr Abdullah said we have accommodated at various places the security forces in empty houses but said that he does not know whether any house lies vacant in Raina Wari where the security forces can be accommodated. Dr Abdullah was responding to a supplementary of Ch. Piara Singh of BJP who wanted to know why the Government was not shifting the security forces in the migrant houses lying vacant and providing the rent to the owners. Earlier sharing the concern of the members Speaker, Mr Abdul Ahad Vakil said it is too harsh to put the security forces and police in educational institutions. He while taking serious notice of the Government’s step said how can it be possible that they are accommodating the police and security forces in educational institutions. Earlier replying to a question of Mohammed Syeed Akhoon, MoS for Home, Mushtaq Ahmed Lone admitted that a portion of a school building at Rainawari in Srinagar has been temporarily used for housing the police Station. However, he added that care has been taken that this does not interfere with the working of the School. He said Rs 6.22 lakh has been earmarked from the 10th Finance Commission Award for construction of the police station but the proposed land became a matter of dispute and such construction work could not be taken. He said a piece of land measuring two kanals and 19 marlas has been identified at Kalwal Mohalla, opposite Hari Sing High School Raina Wari and steps for its normal acquisition have been initiated. However, the members were not satisfied with his reply and raised many supplementaries. |
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CM to remove ministers having over one vehicle Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Feb 15: Chief Minister, Dr Farooq Abdullah today asserted that any of his ministers having more than one official vehicle will be removed from the cabinet besides, will be deprived of that vehicle. Intervening in the debate when NC member Mohammed Shafi Bhat was speaking on Governor’s address he said give me any proof and you will see the Minister will not only lose the vehicle but will be asked to put in his papers within no time. Dr Abdullah said I will not tolerate those ministers who are working against my directives. Earlier during the Question Hour, the CM informed the House that the extra vehicles to some of the members have been allotted by the Security Wing on the basis of threat perception. Responding to a question of Bali Bhagat he said the allotment of accommodations to the Legislators, he said the question pertains to Speaker Legislative Assembly as the allotment to the accommodations lies under his command. However, he said that the list provided for 23 accommodations is of Estates Department which it has allotted to the members. Raising the question Mr bhagat wanted to know about the details of the accommodations allotted to the members of State Legislature and vehicles allotted to them by the Government. The BJP members Bali Bhagat, Prithvi Chand, Ch. Piara Singh and Ashok Khajuria alleged that discrimination is being made with the Jammu Legislators as 99 per cent members have only one vehicle and one BJP member Prithvi Chand has not been allotted any vehicle till date. T hey said as per the list provided by the Government M S Akhoon has four vehicles, M S Tariq two, Mir Saifullah two while Prithvi Chand has no vehicle. The uproarious scenes were witnessed in the House as BJP members termed it a total disparity with them. However, after the intervention of the Chief Minister he assured the House that Mr Prithvi Chand will also be allotted a vehicle. He asked the MoS Home Mr Mushtaq Ahmed Lone to allot the member a vehicle from the additional vehicles being acquired by the Government. |
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Various bodies donate for Gujarat quake victims Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Feb 15: Various organisations continue to donate towards the Prime Minister’s Relief Fund for quake hit people of Gujarat state. Vidya Bharti Akhil Bhartiya Shiksha Sansthan which had given a call to the 17,000 institutions run by it throughout the country, has already sent the first instalment of Rs 10 lakh to the Bhookamp Pratinidhi Sewa Bharti Gujarat, Ahmedabad. It has resolved to send Rs 5 crore for earthquake hit people of Gujarat state. Bhartiya Shiksha Samiti, Jammu and Kashmir, Jammu, has donated a sum of Rs 10,000 collected from the pay of the staff and students, being run by it under the its management. The amount was remitted vide Bank Draft No 046084 dated 13-2-2001 at SBI, Ahmedabad. As a token of sympathy and concern the SAWERA (NGO) has made a humble contribution of Rs 5000 to the Prime Minister’s Earthquake Relief Fund. The members expressed deep sense of grief and sorrow over the grave catastrophic tragedy leading to colossal loss of human lives and property. Channi Himmat Residents Association has donated a sum of Rs 63080 in the form of a Demand Draft for Prime Minister’s Relief Fund to Mr Anil Goswami, the Divisional Commissioner Jammu, through Association president Mr V K Grover, today. The residents of Channi Himmat also highlighted their various problems before the Divisional Commissioner who assured to sort out their problems on top priority. Anuradha Higher Secondary School, Suram Garh, Barnai,donated Rs 15,500 which was collected by the staff and students of the institution and sent to the Prime Minister’s Earthquake Relief Fund via Bank Draft No 453654 dated 14-2-2001. The staff of Government High School Gharota donated Rs 6877 as one day salary for quake hit people of Gujarat to expressed their sympathies and solidarity with them in the hour of need. The amount was got deposited in the Jammu and Kashmir Bank, Talab Tillo Branch under CD Account No 266 on February 9, 2001. |
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Medicos manhandled; REC
classes disrupted Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Feb 15: Infuriated over State Government’s silence to their 41 day long stir against alleged illegal admissions in Government Medical Colleges, agitating students today went berserk and ransacked a practical lab in GMC Jammu. The violent agitators badly damaged the practical apparatus, furniture and smashed window panes of the lab, near GMC Principal’s office premises. Some medicos present in the laboratory, were also manhandled by the agitatators. A police case has been registered in this connection. The violent students also struck at REC Jammu where they disrupted classes and broke some desks. Earlier, students of GGM Science, MAM College and SPMR Commerce College boycotted their classes in protest against erratic power supply and alleged illegal admissions of PRIME medicos in Government medical colleges of the State. However, not satisfied with mere boycott of classes and to teach a lesson to PRIME medicos, a group of these students moved towards Government Medical College Jammu and barged into a department laboratory where class practical was being held. Shouting slogans against National Conference Government and Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah, the college students disrupted the practical class and ransacked the lab. The agitators badly damaged the practical apparatus, furniture and smashed window panes of some blocks in GMC. Getting failed to identify PRIME medicos, the violent protesters manhandled some of the students who were performing practicals in the lab. Agitating students warned that they would not allow the illegally adjusted medicos in Government Medical College Jammu to attend the classes. Before police could reach the spot, the group of students managed to flee away. Prior to leaving the college premises, they asked medical college students to convey their warning to PRIME medicos. The violent students did not stop even after this episode and later sneaked into REC Jammu where they disrupted classes and damaged some desks. Later one of the student among the agitating group, told EXCELSIOR that REC classes were disrupted following the non-cooperation of professional college students in the ongoing struggle against erratic power supply and illegal admissions. Meanwhile, relay hunger strike being observed by Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad activists entered into 31st day today. From tomorrow, girls will sit on fast to continue the chain, said an ABVP press release. Today a meeting of ABVP state office bearers was also held wherein further strategy regarding ongoing movement, for next 15 day, was discussed. Various programmes in connection with students’ rally on February 23, were also discussed during the meeting. Reports from Kathua said that students of Government Higher Secondary School and Government Degree College boycotted their classes and submitted a memorandum to SSP Mr Manohar Singh warning police not to use force against the agitating students. |
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SRO 43 to remain in operation: CM Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Feb 15: The Government will provide Rs One lakh as exgratia and a Government job to the next kin of any person killed during the militancy under SRO 43 till the proposed scheme of providing Rs five lakh in lieu of Government job will be approved by the Centre. This announcement was made by the Chief Minister, Dr Farooq Abdullah in reply to a question of Qazi Jalal-U-Din in the State Legislative Assembly today. He also maintained that in case of those slain persons whose dead bodies are not given by the militants, the Government will pay compensation if the magistrate gives in writing that the person has been killed by the militants. On the query raised by some members that there is no agency to examine such cases, the Chief Minister said the agency exists in every district comprising of Deputy Commissioner and concerned SP. He said if they certify the compensation will be paid then and there. The CM admitted that bodies of some persons who were working with security forces were not found after being killed by militants but in those cases only the ex-gratia can be paid after the magistrate gives a certificate. He said the Government has earlier made a scheme to provide Rs five lakh as compensation to those parsons who are killed in militancy related violence but it can only be implemented after Centre provides the financial assistance for the same. |
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21 cases of
mis-appropriation of funds detected Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Feb 15: The State Government has activated activities of Directorate of Audit and Inspections to bring financial discipline and to provide clean administration. In a written reply to Mr Abdul Rehman Tukroo, the Finance Minister said that 490 assignments have been completed ending December 2000 out of 630 assignment. The shortage of staff with 31 officials only is the main constraint in expediting reports and assignments sent for verification by different departments including those received under instruction from Ministers. Presently 39 assignments are in hand and 101 assignments are still to be taken up for verification. The reply stated that mis-appropriation of rupees 626.10 lakhs detected in 21 cases while losses due to negligence amounting to rupees 1257.869 lakhs identified in 16 cases. Listing other achievements of the Directorate of Audit and Inspection, the reply stated that irregular and unauthorised payment of rupees 898.86 lakhs identified in 12 cases while shortages in stores amounting rupees 91.50 lakhs identified in case of 9 divisions. An amount of rupees 5.00 crores identified as three years old deposit lapse able to government out of which rupees 1.22 crores got credited to government account in case of 24 DDOs. It was stated that old stores lying un-utilized have been identified to the extent of rupees 23.00 crores in case of 24 DDOs and concerned departments have been informed to take action to dispose of these stores under rules. Out of temporary advance/ misc advance of rupees 12.47 crores, rupees 2.34 crore have been recovered. Recovery of rupees 0.06 lakhs have been effected on account of interest of belated remittances of revenue in case of one DDO. The department has also recovered an amount of rupees 0.15 lakhs from a store keeper on account of shortages of stores. The Minister in his written reply further stated that pending liabilities projected by different departments as verified by the Audit and Inspection Department which has resulted in reduction of huge amount. So far an amount of rupees 6540.96 lakhs projected by different departments and only an amount of rupees 1964 lakhs could be verified. Finance Department has referred 27 cases of unspent balance of rupees 2218.827 lakhs for verification, out of which an amount of rupees 253.519 lakhs only could be verified so far as per relevant documents. System of closing of Measurement Books has been introduced in Engineering departments to avoid filing of fake claims. It was further stated in the reply that in order to reduce rush on March 31 at the treasuries, an exercise about closing of various account records on March 31st being undertaken every year by this Directorate throughout the State which has yielded fruitful results, besides other substantial information for future planning/action by the Finance Department. Assistance in case of verification of records also provided to Vigilance Organisation and Crime and Railways on demand. |
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Malhi inaugurates orientation training programme Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Feb 15: The Financial Commissioner, Agriculture Production and Rural Development, Mr. I.S. Malhi inaugurated a two-day orientation training programme for Fertilizers Inspectors at Krishi Bhawan here today. The programme was jointly organised by the Agriculture Department and the Central Fertilizer Quality Control and Training Institute, Faridabad and sponsored by the Ministry of Agriculture. Speaking at the inaugural function, Mr. Malhi said that the aim and objectives of organising this training programme is to create more and more awareness among the Enforcement Inspectors of Agriculture Department so that the good quality of fertilizers is made available to the farmers. Elaborating about various aspects of the training, he said that after its completion they will certainly improve their skill and knowledge. He further said that dealers selling fertilizers to farmers should maintain proper record and display the price list at conspicuous places at their establishments for information of the farmers. He said that the process of samples collection from the dealers and their disposal should be expedited. The Director Agriculture, Mr. Gurdit Singh in his address said that 778 fertilizer samples have been collected out of which 78 were found sub-standard quality while 13 fertilizer cases are at trial in the court. He said that due to utilization of modern agronomic techniques, the production of different crops has experienced many-fold increase during the last few years. He stressed upon the officers to see that the benefits of T and V programme reach the farmers also. He emphasised the need for creating awareness among the progressive farmers to use modern agriculture techniques. The Joint Director Agriculture, Mrs. Vinod Bala said that the department is making all out efforts to mitigate the difficulties of the farmers. She also said that fertilizers are being made available to the farmers so that they get better results from the farms. The Law Officer, Mr. Ajay Kumar Parwar of Central Fertilizer Quality Control, Faridabad said that Fertilizer Control Order came into force in 1957 with a view to protect the interest of the farmers and ensuring the availability of the good quality of fertilizers, its distribution and sale at right time. The function was attended by the officers of Agriculture Departments. |
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HC asks Div Comm to provide parking places in Jammu Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Feb 15: Justice T S Doabia of the State High Court has directed Divisional Commissioner Jammu to take notice of the order dated August 19, 1995 whereby the District Magistrate Jammu had passed an order and parking places were indicated for different types of vehicles at different places. This order makes mention of the fact that the arrangements suggested in the order is an interim arrangement and final decision for parking sites is to be taken by the Divisional Commissioner in consultation with Jammu Municipality, Traffic and District Administration. The court while stressing the need for making suitable arrangements for the parking places in Jammu, said that the presence of standing vehicles not only obstructs the traffic, but also was a security hazard. The Court further directed the Divisional Commissioner that he would also take steps with a view to reduce congestion at Janipur road leading to the High Court. Steps be taken to make it one way wherever possible atleast in those areas where alternative approach and side lanes are available. This be done to ease out congestion at rush hours, the Court said, adding that the plan to provide alternative road to the High Court be also considered, as with the shifting of the District Courts, the traffic is going to increase. These observations were made while disposing off a writ petition filed by J&K Fruit Association through Advocate O P Thakur, challenging the order passed by District Magistrate on August 19, 1995. The High Court on September 7, 1995 had passed an interim order till the next date of hearing and subject to the objections of the other side, status-quo, as it existed today shall be maintained with the respect of Old Fruit Market, opposite Jewel Theatres. The Justice said that the respondents have not filed any counter for the last five years and the petition is accordingly disposed off with the direction to the Divisional Commissioner that the decision regarding the issue be taken by April 30, 2001. |
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‘Work hard to
raise revenue collection’ Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Feb 15: J&K Power Development Department Employees Federation organised one day conference at Abhinav theatre here today to raise their issues and discuss general problems being faced by the employees. The employees including a large number of linemen and other low-paid staff of the PDD attended this conference. The employees in good number had come from almost all the districts of the region. Minister of State Power— Qamar Ali Akhoon was the special guest, Power Minister—S S Slathia who arrived later, was the chief guest on the occasion. Chief Engineer Procurement was also present. Various union leaders raised the common issues of the employees including regularisation of daily wagers who have completed seven years in service, release of arrears of 5th Pay Commission recommendation, 3 % Dearness Allowance installment etc. Mr Kuldip Singh, chairman of the Federation who also acted as stage secretary today pointed out that the engagements of marriage of several daily-wage workers were broken after Government issued an SRO-64 and also claimed that those appointed after 95 will be terminated. He urged upon the State Government not to throw out these workers who are earning their bread with very hard work and in return are getting the meager wages of Rs 45 per day. Electrical Linemen Union provincial president Ghulam Nabi also spoke on the occasion and several issues related to daily wages, arrears, tool-kits, risk allowance etc. to the field staff of the PDD. He pointed out that several lineman die due to accidents or falling from poles but no proper compensation is given to the family of the deceased. The compensation of Rs 20,000 was earlier being given to the victim’s family but due to the initiative of former Commissioner, Mr B R Singh it was raised to Rs one lakh, but this amount was hardly given to anybody. Another union leader from Kashmir Mohd Ramzan criticised the Government for adopting delaying tactics in resolving their issues. He alleged that ministers have become inaccessible and when ever a Government official moves to the Civil Secretariat it’s generally told by the concern staff that Minister is busy in meeting. Same is the problem with the Commissioners/ Secretaries. They are the public servants and they should attend the grievances of the employees and the public while sitting in the office. Such attitude on the part of ministers who are public representatives and the bureaucrats is highly condemnable, he maintained. The minister listened to their problems with patience and assured to take up their issues on priority. He sought cooperation from the employees and directed them to improve the functioning of the department and raise revenue collection. Meanwhile, an executive body was also framed during conference to enhance the working of the Federation. Kartar Chand from Electt. Deptt Linemen & Workers Union was elected as chairman, G R Ganai as president, Rattan Singh as vice-president, Kuldip Singh as general secretary, Satish Manhas—chief organiser while Vijay Kumar as publicity secretary. |
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Jubilation turns into
tragedy Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Feb 15: For jubilant Sarpanch, victory rally turned into his funeral procession, rendered his supporters wounded and the family members shell-shocked. Within 24 hours after having been elected Sarpanch of the Kanachak Panchayat, Tilak Raj Mehra, son of Kashmiri Lal lost his life in a tragic road accident near village Lalyal under the jurisdiction of Kanachak Police Station this evening. The luck forced him to remain Sarpanch for only one day and even did not allow him to fully celebrate his victory. Father of a minor girl and younger son of parents, Tilak Raj Mehra was unknown to a tragedy which was waiting for him and turned his victory rally into funeral procession. Though he had decided to contest the Panchayat elections with an aim to serve his native village for years together, yet he didn’t know that God wanted him to remain Sarpanch for only 24 hours. When he left the house to express gratitude to the people of Lalyal village who have elected him as their Sarpanch, it was atmosphere of joy at his residence with his parents and wife feeling proud on his being elected to head the Kanachak Panchayat. But his parents were unknown to a tragedy which not only snatched their younger son but also Sarpanch of the villagers. "In the morning, the people were seen lined up in the residence of Mamuji to wish their parents on his being elected as Sarpanch but now in the evening they are coming to mourn his demise", said nephew of Tilak Raj Mehra. The newly elected Sarpanch along with his 15 supporters was on his way from village Lalyal to Kanachak when a Tata Mobile (6987-JK02N) in which they were traveling turned turtle while negotiating sharp curve near Lalyal. The Sarpanch died on spot while all others sustained critical injuries. Getting the report of accident, a police party from Kanachak Police Station rushed to the spot and started rescue operation with the help of villagers. All the injured were removed to Government Medical College Hospital where doctors pronounced Tilak Raj Mehra as brought dead. The condition of five of the injured was stated to be critical. The injured have been identified as Ram Dhan, Seva Ram, Raju Kumar, Ashwani, Nika Raj, Madan Singh, Prem Chand, Santosh Kumar, Hans Raj, Manga Ram, Vijay Kumar, Sheetal Singh, Ajay Kumar and Bishamber Dass. Meanwhile, two women among three injured when a scooter they were riding, skidded off the road at Raya Marh. They were removed to hospital and their condition was stated to be out of danger. They have been identified as Santosh Kumari, wife of Tirath Ram of Palli, Kamala Devi, wife of Dharam Pal of Sarore and Raj Kumar, son of Girdhari Lal of Jhar. In another road accident, one Surjit Singh, son of Harbans Singh of Sainik Colony sustained critical injuries when a scooter he was riding was hit by a speeding tipper at Sainik Colony. His condition was stated to be critical till reports last came in. A young house-wife allegedly made an abortive attempt to end her life by consuming some poisonous drug at her residence. Identified as Charanjeet Kour, wife of Man Mohan of Preet Nagar, Digiana she was rushed to hospital when spotted unconscious by family members. Doctors attending on her immediately washer her stomach and her condition was stated to be out of danger. One Karandev Singh, son of Balak Ram of Manwal received critical burn injuries when his clothes accidentally caught fire at home. He was removed to hospital and his condition was stated to be critical. |
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Slathia seeks peoples’ co-operation Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Feb 15: The Minister for Power, Mr. S. S. Salathia today told the Legislative Assembly that the Central Government has allotted additional quantity of 100 to 200 MWs of power from the Northern Grid to J&K as a special consideration to ease power situation to some extent. He said at present there is shortage of electricity in the Grid also and even if resources are made available, additonal power can not be obtained. Replying to the Calling Attention Notice tabled by Mr. Sadiq Ali in the House today, the Minister said that the State Government has taken up a major hydroelectric project, Baglihar with an installed capacity of 450 MWs and is looking for additional power from Central undertakings. He said the government also proposes to install metres at the consumers’ premises to ensure effective management of load and also collection of tariff as per consumption. Special schedule has been framed to ensure power supply from 6 p.m to 8 p.m and 8 p.m. to 10 p.m in rotation and from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m to all consumers in Jammu to enable the students to persue their studies. In the morning hours also power is supplied for the benefit of students upto 6 a.m. The Minister further said that the efforts are being made to provide adequate power supply to the industrial units at times other than peak hours. According to All India survey, the projected demand of power in Jammu and Kashmir State is 1363 MW, against which only 465 MWs are available. He said the availability of power particularly in winter months from self generation projects is only about 30 MWs due to very low discharge in the rivers which has affected the generation of power from hydroelectric projects. He said the Northern Grid provides another 430 MWs of power to the State. Against the daily requirement of about 200 lakh units per day, only 130-140 lakh units are available, he added. He said that Kashmir Valley has its own schedule different from Jammu but the average curtailment is almost equal in all cases. In view of the facts, the Minister sought co-operation of the people in restricting their consumption to the sanctioned load besides making prompt payments of the power consumed. The Minister said that the curtailment of power at peak hours can not be avoided in view of high load. There is large scale misuse and unauthorised drawal of power by the consumers, he said and added that unless the load is kept within the manageable limits, the shortage and curtailment of power would remain. He said the State was spending over Rs. 1000 crores on power whereas the revenue collected has been less than Rs. 200 crores. Unless the power tariff keeps pace, it would not be practical to obtain additional power from Central power utilities, he added. |
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| Joshi should clarify his role in
illegal Med admissions case Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Feb 15: Dogra Saddar Sabha president and vice-president, Pradesh Congress Committee, Mr Gulchain Singh Charak has said that Union Minister Murli Manohar Joshi should clarify his position on his role in the 57 illegal admissions of Prime Medical College Budgam to Govt Medical Colleges of Jammu and Srinagar which has created law and order problem in the winter capital city and other major towns of the region. Addressing a press conference here today, the Congress leader said that Chief Minister Dr Farooq Abdullah in citizens meeting held on the issue made sensational disclosure alleging that it was done on the instructions of Central Government and especially Union HRD Minister Murli Manohar Joshi who personally directed him to ensure admissions to these 57 candidates of private Medical College. Mr Charak who visited Udhampur yesterday, condemned the Police and local Administration for mis-handling the situation. He said the police knew about the activities of the gangsters involved in sex-scandal but ignored it as some politicians and top men in the Administration were fully involved. He also condemned the role of local MLA and maintained that during his visit, the locals complained that the MLA did not visit the house of abducted girl or even the houses of those people who were severely lathicharged by JKAP men and their property damaged. It very shameful on the part of J&K police and the SSP that women peace marchers were severely beaten up and abused by cops. They barged into their houses, broken/ damaged their house-hold items and showered abuses on them. Commenting on the killing of two persons at Daulian village in Bari Brahmana (Birpur) over a land dispute, Mr Charak alleged that locals of the village hardly a week before the incident had given written complaint to the police regarding possible clash and threats being given by the rivals but no cognizance was taken by cops. He further condemned a report published in a section of press giving a reference of police handout, alleging that Charak forced the cremation of two bodies on the disputed land. He said this police statement seems to be misleading and politically motivated and he never played any role in it and had went there to participate in the funeral. Moreover, it was not the issue whether cremation is performed at disputed land or elsewhere. " The cremation was performed in presence of District Magistrate and SSP Jammu besides a minister in Farooq’s Government, then how did they fail to stop me if really I did it? It seems to be a part of conspiracy against me. I never encouraged communal acts and during my past record of 35 years in the social and political fields, give any single instance where I encouraged communal violence," he maintained. He also demanded a probe into this episode. |
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