Saxena greets people on Gurupurb

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Jan 1: The Governor, Mr Girish Chandra Saxena has extended his warm greetings to the people of the State on the auspicious occasion of the birth anniversary of Guru Gobind Singh Ji, the tenth Guru of Sikhs.

In a message, the Governor said that Guru Gobind Singh Ji was an apostle of righteousness, truth and universal brotherhood. The Governor added that the message of this fearless revolutionary and social reformer spread fast and played an important role in the spiritual and cultural renaissance of a multi-racial society among his followers and other people of the region.

Mr Saxena pointed out that Guru Gobind Singh Ji’s teaching are relevant in every age and society as they lay emphasis on the evolution of a strong, noble and selfless individual and an enlightened social order. The Governor expressed the hope that the people will rededicate themselves to the values propagated by the great Guru and will celebrate the day in a manner befitting our rich heritage.

High Court to observe holiday today

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Jan 1: Jammu and Kashmir High Court will observe 2nd January 2001 as a holiday on account of birthday of Guru Gobind Singh Ji instead of 5th January, 2001.

Touching farewell to retiring lecturer

Excelsior Correspondent

KATHUA, Jan 01: The staff and students of Government Higher Secondary School Ghagwal, near here today accorded a touching farewell to Mr Avtar Krishan Kashtkari, Lecturer Economics who attained age of superannuation yesterday after rendering 33 years meritorious service to the Education Department.

As per a release, while highlighting the role of Mr Kashtkari the School Principal, Mr Surrender Singh Salathia described him an active trade unionist and a good teacher who has served different places during his service career.

Seminar on economy at JU
India poised to be major global economic power: economists

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Jan 1: The 3-day conference of Indian Economic Association (IEA) concluded, with a bright outlook that India is emerging as a major economic power in the world, at a function held in the University of Jammu here this evening. The 83rd conference at Jammu was attended by over 700 leading economists, academicians and administrators from all over the country.

In his valedictory speech, the Minister for Parliamentary Affairs, Mr P L Handoo said that this is time to assess the real impact of 10 years of New Economic Policy being followed in the country. He said despite difficulties the economy is making strides in all spheres. The Minister stressed that while pursuing the globalisation of economy, attention and focus has to be targetted towards the poverty alleviation programmes as well. He lamented that the word " socialist" incorporated in the preamble of the Constitution through amendment on January 2, 1977 has been forgotten.

Mr Handoo praised the University of Jammu for organising the conference in which over 700 eminent economists from all over the country participated and made vital contribution in reviewing the economy.

Professor R R Sharma, Vice Chancellor, University of Jammu said that holding seminar of such a vast dimension was a challenging task, but the varsity faculty, staff as also students have done a good job of it.

Prof Sharma stated that the deliberations have proved useful with eminent economists putting searchlight on various aspects of the economy and its prospects in the new phase of liberalisation and globalisation.

The Vice Chancellor said that a special session was devoted to economy of Jammu and Kashmir in which a broad spectrum of economists put forward their suggestions and viewpoint. He said the University intends to bring out in due course of time a volume on the 3-day conference.

Expressing gratitude to the State Government and the Jammu University for arranging the high-level conference, Prof G S Bhalla, president, Indian Economic Association, said the deliberations of this conference will be beneficial for improving the economy of the country. He expressed the hope that India is and will remain a secular and democratic nation of which Jammu and Kashmir is an important part.

Prof R S Bawa, president-elect of Indian Economic Association spoke various dimensions of the New Economic Policy and its overall impact at different levels. The outlook for the 21st century will be good, he said and added that IEA will make its contribution it, he asserted.

Prof A N Sadhu, Dean, Academic Affairs,JU, while presenting vote of thanks said that Jammu and Kashmir is on the path of normalcy and development. He spoke about significance of the special session during the conference on economy of Jammu and Kashmir.

Prof R L Bhat, Head, Department of Economics, JU, gave detailed account of the three-day conference, which has offered some fruitful suggestions to improve the economy.

The prestigious conference was inaugurated by the Chief Minister, Dr Farooq Abdullah on December 30 and keynote address was presented by Prof A M Khusroo, Chairman, 10th Finance Commission. The Governor, Mr G C Saxena was also present. A number of leading economists and experts including renowned Monteck Singh Ahluwalia and many noted economists participated in this three-day conference which concluded today.

Monopoly of three wheeler operators

Avtar Bhat
Consumer   Column

It has become a routine practice now that the colonisers lure the people to purchase the land in the colonies developed by them. Hard to believe these colonisers promising all the basic facilities till the parties are trapped and deal is fixed, later play traunt by paying scanth attention to their promise.

Same has happened with the residents of Swaran Vihar, Durga Nagar, Jammu who were even promised sky by the Management of Cooperative Housing Federation while disposing of the residential plots at throw away prices in the area way back in 1994 but to the chagrin of these residents and plot holders not a single promise has been met till date.

This is not a single occasion where one comes across to such problems made by the colonisers with their customers but it has been often seen that huge funds are being extracted by them from the people and instead of utilising this amount on the development of that particular colony, it is being used for making huge personnel assets by leaving the people in lurch.

While disposing off the plots the coloniser Swaran Vihar promised that basic amenities of life like link road, lanes, by lanes, drains, water supply and electricity including the street lighting arrangements will be made by the Federation. Even in addition to it the customers were asked that colony will be provided with a community hall, health centre and School.

Today the plight of people who have constructed their houses in the area is worst and they curse the day when the land was purchased by them in this secluded area which sans the basic facilities like link road.

The Colony is also without the drinking water supply and no sincere efforts have been made by the coloniser to solve this problem though the people were promised that a tube well will be dug in the area with construction of a separate reservoir to supply the water to the colony soon after the construction of houses takes place. They were also promised that till the construction of reservoir is completed the inhabitants will be supplied the water daily through tankers. But instead of sending the tankers daily the residents even do not get water after a duration of eight days.

Storing the water for drinking purposes for over a week can not be hygenically pure. Besides, it can expose the people to health hazards but whom they will narrate the tale of their woes as the management of the Federation has now turned cold shoulders to them.

Not to speak of providing street lights, even the poles have not been erected in the entire area and a couple of families who have constructed the houses in the colony are paying huge amount as house rent due to the failure of the Federation to electrify this entire Colony.

The colony is totally cut of from rest of the city as it has no proper road link. The people have to cover a distance of over two kilometers to catch a matador near Chinore when the Durga Nagar Sector Two Matador Stand which is less than half a kilometer from the area is the nearest link. Though, the residents of the area have been demanding linking of the Colony with Durga Nagar since a long time but to no avail. Besides, no steps have been taken to construct the link road due to the nonseriousness of the coloniser in this matter. For the face saving and on the constant pressure of the the residents the labourers were engaged on the road and drain but later the work was abandoned.

The coloniser has not only delayed the development of the colony but even some people who have purchased the plots feel cheated and have decided to move the Consumer Court against this behaviour of the Federation.

One Hiralal who had purchased the land in the Swaran Vihar from the coloniser was given the possession of a plot in a private land that belongs to some other individual which falls outside the boundary of the colony.

When he later laid the foundation of his house, the land owner raised strong objection and stopped the work on the plea that the land belongs to him. After bringing the matter in the notice of the Colony management they admitted it. They gave the possession of the another plot to the person and assured him that he will be compensated the full amount spent by him on laying the plinth but till date not a single peny was paid to this poor fellow.

Another party which had booked a cornor plot in 1994 when came to take the possession of the land few days back was not only deprived of the said plot but has been asked to take the possession of another plot over a nallah. This way the consumers feel totally cheated by the coloniser who they alleged this way is violating all the fundamentals of the trade.

Moreover, the coloniser has abandoned the construction of about 50 quarters since 1990 at lintel level. These flats have now turned into ruins and become the hide-outs for anti social elements.

People faring worst even apprehend that militants can take refuge in these flats for any type of anti national activity. Recently the residents have lodged a complaint with Domana Police Station after seeing the movement of some unscrupulous elements during the late evening hours in these flats.

Front on J&K organises convention at Kathua

Excelsior Correspondent

KATHUA, Jan 1: The Front for trilateral resolution of J&K problem held a one day convention at Kathua town and felt the necessity of settlement of this issue for ever.

The programme was held under the chairmanship of Mr Kuldip Dogra, president of the Front. A large number of people from all walks of life participated in the programme. The programme was held in two sessions.

The prominent speakers at the convention were former MLA, Mr Saraf, Shabir Ahmed Slaria (Ex-MP), Haji Abdul Majid, I D Khajuria, Karan Singh, Sardar Singh, Dayanand, Raghbir Singh, Sardar Deep Singh, Jameel Kazmi, M R Qureshi, Kiran Sambyal, Santosh Khajuria and others.

The convention observed that various United Nations Resolutions and mission on Kashmir problem, the three Indo-Pak wars of 1947-49, 1965-66, 1971-72 , the recent Kargil War and earlier dialogues held between two countries could not resolve the problem. A large number of human lives have lost so far and human rights violations have occurred. It also felt that India, Pakistan and the people of J&K are the necessary parties for resolving the issue. The speakers observed that the only peaceful solution to the problem is to have purposeful dialogue between India and Pakistan and the real representatives of J&K state.

The Front has decided to hold conventions at various places for awakening purpose. On January 7, similar programme will be organised at Chuala in R S Pura.

NC may adopt unfair means in Panchayat elections: Cong

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Jan 1: The J&K Pradesh Congress Panchayat Coordination Committee today aired apprehension that ruling National Conference may adopt unfair means during forthcoming Panchayat elections.

According to a press release, a deputation of the Committee met Chief Electoral Officer Jammu to apprise him about the apprehensions and defects in the process of Panchayat elections. The Committee consisted of Mr M N Koul as convenor and Mr Gulchain Singh Charak, Abdul Ghani Vakil, Pardhuman Singh and Teja Singh as members.

Later Committee held a press conference Committee members have said that election authority has issued a notification in the rule 8 calling upon to file the nominations of districts Kupwara, Rajouri and Poonch on December 26 and 27 on the same day which was humanity impossible and thus the Government has deprived large number of candidates from filing nomination papers in time. Committee members said that weather conditions are not favourable during the election period.

Expressing concern over continuous killings of innocent people, Congress leader said that it was difficult rather impossible to provide security to all candidates. "Security scenario has been deteriorating and it is difficult for the Government to provide security to each and every candidate", Congress leader said.

Congress leaders expressed surprise that State Government has not taken any political parties into confidence before announcing Panchayat elections.

Committee members urged the election authorities to issue notification for the other phases of the elections well in time, giving wide publicity through different means like electronic and printed media and through their local concerned authorities so that the electorates are properly informed. Congress leaders asked the State Government to follow the code of conduct in letter and spirit.

They further appealed the electorates to vote and elect such a persons who image in public is need and clean.

State Panchayat Act full of lacunas: Congress

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Jan 1: Finding many lacunas in the State Panchayat Act, the Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) today alleged that the Act has damaged the basic purpose of holding the elections.

Talking to media persons here today, the PCC vice president, Messrs Gulchain Singh Charak alongwith, convenor of five member Poll Committee and former Minister M N Koul and Party general secretary Abdul Gani Vakil said that the manner and time on which the Panchayat elections were declared by the State Government indicates that it is not interested in handing over the power for development to people at grass root level.

Fearing the apprehensions of rigging they said that the voter lists are not update and entire process is defective as it has been started at a wrong time.

Mr Charak while suspecting the intentions of the Government said it is a total mockery of the democratic system as the poll notification was issued on December 26 and the candidates were asked to file the nomination papers by December 29 when there was official holiday on account of Id-ul- Fitr on December 28.

He said 52 nominations were filed for 27 Panchayats on December 29 which indicates that no wide publicity was given to holding of these elections in the state.

He said Congress has taken up the issue with the Central Government and expressed serious concern over the schedule.

He said no doubt the announcement of Panchayat poll in the state after a gap of 23 years was a welcome step but the time of announcement was not opportune.

Mr Charak said besides the poll has been announced at a time when the security situation is not good in the state. He asked why the Central Government agencies are not interfering in the matter knowing fully that the situation is not conducive for holding the Panchayat elections at this juncture.

The time on which the elections have been announced is not conducive for participation of grass root level people in the development process said Mr Koul, adding that the temperature in Kashmir is minus zero at many places and under these circumstances do we expect that people will participate in this process?

He said there are some glaring defects in the Act which kills the basic purpose of holding the elections.

He said by nominating the chairman and women members the basic purpose of holding the elections is lost. He wanted to know why the chairman will be nominated when vice chairman, sarpanchs and Panchs are elected.

This has been done deliberately by the ruling party to serve its own interests he said.

Mr Vakil said the Government has announced the elections on non party basis but it has adopted the undemocratic and anti people policies as candidates were not given the opportune time to file the nominations.

He said it indicates that the Government is not interested in transferring the power at grassroot level and restoration of peace in the state.

He asserted that even restoration of peace should be given priority to elections and regretted that before the declaration of Panchayat poll the views of the political parties were not ascertained.

Ladakh 2020
Vision for a future by choice, not by chance

Tashi Morup

From Leh, January 1:At the turn of the century, all the successful countries of the world are working on a long-term development vision for their people. It is time we Ladakhis get together and choose the future of Ladakh, rather than leaving it to chance. This content of the invitation letter by SECMOL for a seminar Ladakh 2020 was in fact reflected in the whole-day meeting attended by nearly a 200 people from all walks of life today at Cultural Academy Hall in Leh.

Hearing the debate it indeed seemed that so far development in Ladakh occurred by chance, not by choice. And everybody emphasized to have a vision for the future Ladakh now or else situation will worsen in the coming 20 years. Lighting a lamp by 96-year-old Tsering Phunchok Shunu and another lamp by a little boy Stanzin Gyatso marked the symbolic inauguration of the seminar. The main topics of discussion were Education, Development and Economy.

However, there were more sad stories than the bright ones in the situation of these three fields in Ladakh. except for Zanuel Abidin Shia Community representative, who termed the last 20 years as the Golden period of Ladakh in terms of development (to everybody’s surprise) almost all the rest of the intellectuals and others expressed remorse over the present situation of Ladakh while describing the developmental hindrances and problems and future perils.

Describing some unfortunate trends in education Sonam Angchuk Director SECMOL lamented the unmindful spending of crores of rupees on the students studying in Jammu, Delhi, Chandigarh for BA and MA degrees that have only decorative values. He said, about three crores of rupees is spent annually on a 1000 students in Jammu, one crore for 250 students in Chandigarh and over two crores for the students in Delhi and three crores for those in places like Massurie, Dehradoon etc. in addition to this parents spent about three crores in the local private schools. And above all Government spends 20 crores of rupees on education, which comes around 1500 per student. An if this money is spent judiciously to improve our own facility than Ladakh itself can attract students from outside.

Skill based education is the dire need of the time, said Skarma representing LNP while specifying some of things seriously lacking in the Ladakhi students on the basis of a research carried out. He said, unlike the past students nowadays tend to ‘lean on’ parents too much, they are indecisive and lack communication and management skills. And then points like stress on moral education, need to have polytechnic institutes, importance of English language skill, inappropriate British legacy of summer vacation in schools were also raised in the meeting. We should have an education that teaches the people to know the limit of desires (‘Ta Dig’), which is the greatest wisdom as said in Buddhism, said Sonam Angchuk. In wake of the present trends, he said, a situation might arise when the disgruntled victims of the present education system will take to violence and attack the elite and rich class of the future Ladakh.

However, Sharief Bhatt of SCF pointed out that rather than just education a wholesome approach to development is needed. Economy and development, he said, is equally important. Then Abdul Ghani Shiekh introduced some of the sectors of development that needed attention, which include primarily power. Handloom and Handicrafts are other important sectors, he said adding that about 500 students are trained annually in the government Handicraft center, but most of them end up becoming laborers. Water crisis is another issue that is likely to worsen in the future in view of the less snowfall. However, he said, tourism will likely to improve in the coming 20 years when the situation will normalize on the borders. But that will bring in problems of unemployment also as Ladakhis are heavily dependent on Army establishments in Ladakh that will continue if peace like situation.

Although the liberalization wave is there in India yet Ladakh should have value based trades, said Tsering Samphel President LBA, while describing that four crores of rupees are spent on cigarette alone in Leh and nearly a two lack is spent on wines. He also mentioned the great scope in trades like floriculture, dairy and vegetables in Ladakh.

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