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| J&K’s first STP to open today SRINAGAR, Jan 5: Jammu and Kashmir’s first Software Technology Park (STP) set up at a cost of Rs 9 crore at Rangreth here would...more Over 52
lakh pilgrims Excelsior Correspondent KATRA, Jan 5: A record number of 52.17 lakh pilgrims has visited the Holy Cave Shrine of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Ji during.....more WEEKEND
- CHAT By Dinesh Manhotra Being a ‘Down to Earth’ man he is apparently not satisfied with the job assigned to him for maintaining traffic.....more Panchayati
polls an Excelsior Correspondent UDHAMPUR, Jan 5: Pradesh Congress Committee workers held a meeting here, which was presided over....more SSF
condemns RSS for Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Jan 5: Sikh Students Federation (SSF) has taken a strong exception to the alleged distorted version...more |
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Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Jan 5: Domana police have worked out the blind triple murder, which took place in the house of a BJP leader Ram Nath Manhas.....more Concern
over Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Jan 5: Youth Congress Migrant Cell has expressed serious concern over the frequent power cuts by the Power Development......more Mustafa
for bolder view of Excelsior Correspondent SRINAGAR, Jan 5: Minister for Industries and Commerce, Dr Mustafa Kamal has called for a bolder view of State's Development strategy for providing adequate economic......more Maulana
Jawahar award to Farooq Excelsior Correspondent NEW DELHI Jan 5: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Dr Farooq Abdullah has told Pakistan and secessionists.......more |
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SRINAGAR, Jan 5: Jammu and Kashmir’s first Software Technology Park (STP) set up at a cost of Rs 9 crore at Rangreth here would become functional tomorrow. The park would have immediate capacity to provide connectivity to 104 software development and other IT-enabled service units. To start with, the park would provide employment to 2,000 skilled persons and in the long run generate one lakh jobs, Managing Director of Jammu and Kashmir State Industrial Development Corporation (SIDCO), G Q Wani told PTI. The STP will also provide microwave linkage to units located outside the complex to integrate them with international gateway. One of the basic and fundamental infrastructural facilities at the park is the ‘high speed data communication centre’ and the STP will provide gateway for global connectivity and promote cyber media. He said a school of executives will be established in the next phase of the software technology park project as an autonomous institution for providing high quality IT education and training to conduct research and development sponsored by industry. A two-day seminar on promotion of investment in IT has already started here as a prelude to the inauguration of the STP by Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah tomorrow. Union Minister for Information Technology, Pramod Mahajan, is expected to attend the function tomorrow. Wani said the Government also wants to encourage IT education in schools, colleges and other educational institutions in the state. "The Government would strive for hundred per cent IT literacy by 2010," he said. Wani said the State Government also plans to use IT and e-commerce for promoting tourism in the state. In addition, 50,000 jobs would be created for software development and an additional 25,000 jobs in allied industries in the state. "In all one lakh direct additional jobs would be created through information technology", he added. Highlighting the salient features of the STP scheme, Wani said foreign equity upto 100 per cent is permissible and STP units will be exempted from corporate income tax for five years in the first eight years of operation and duty free imports of capital goods, raw- material, components, and other inputs would be allowed. (PTI) |
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Over 52 lakh pilgrims visit Vaishno Devi Excelsior Correspondent KATRA, Jan 5: A record number of 52.17 lakh pilgrims has visited the Holy Cave Shrine of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Ji during the year 2000 as against 46.70 lakh pilgrims in 1999 registering an increase of about 5.47 lakh pilgrims. According to the Additional Chief Executive Officer, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, Mr. M. K. Dwivedi, about 1.61 lakh pilgrims visited the Holy Cave Shrine during the last week commencing from December 25 to 31,2000. As many as 30,449 devotees had darshan on 31, December only indicating that the new year will have even higher pilgrims traffic. The Shrine is witnessing significant increase in pilgrims traffic after its management was entrusted to the Shrine Board. As a result, several works were put into action which improved the basic facilities for the pilgrims. Besides staunch faith of the pilgrims in the Goddess, the vast improvement in infrastructural amenities for yatries created by the Shrine Board has been one of the factor for heavy influx of pilgrims. The Shrine Board has created number of facilities for the pilgrims including better booking service on website, computerisation of Yatra Registration Counter, renovation of bathing ghats at Bhawan and Adhkunwari. An amount of Rs.15 crore has been spent for the development of the Shrine during the last financial year. |
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WEEKEND
- CHAT By Dinesh Manhotra Being a ‘Down to Earth’ man he is apparently not satisfied with the job assigned to him for maintaining traffic on the ‘Sky’ but still he has proved his credibility through his sincerity and dedication within a span of just one year. Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation Prof Chaman Lal Gupta, projected as undisputed leader of Jammu region by his supporters, has reasons to make tall claims. During his one year tenure, Prof Gupta has not only brought radical changes in the airports of the State but has even convinced the Central Government to allot funds to start big water supply projects for the Kandi areas of Jammu region. Prof Gupta, who has been waging a relentless war against militancy, had joined Rashtriya Sewamsevak Sangh (RSS) in his childhood. Following his appointment as Lecturer in Gandhi Memorial Science College in 1962, he was transferred frequently from one place to another due to political reasons. He, ultimately left Government job and joined active politics in 1972 and became member of the Legislative Assembly in the same year. His popularity can be gauged from the fact that his victory margin has been increasing rapidly in the three consecutive Lok Sabha elections from Udhampur-Doda Lok Sabha seat. In his conversation with Weekend-Chat, Prof Gupta discusses his achievements as Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation and as a Member Parliament. Excerpts. vYou have repeatedly stated that you are a down to earth leader but you have been allotted a department of Sky. It means that you are not satisfied with your department ? No....! There is no question of dissatisfaction. The Prime Minister has imposed confidence in me and with dedication and sincerity I am trying my best to come true to his faith. What I usually say does not mean that I am not satisfied with my department. vBeing a Union Minister for the last more than one year what are your achievements ? One year is a very short span. We have started a big project for expansion of Jammu Airport. Runway of the Air Port has already extended while the construction of building is going on war-footing. Keeping in view the problems of the people, air services to Ladakh have been increased from 2 days to 4 days a week. We will soon undertake a project to construct aero-bridge at Jammu and Srinagar Airport. A project is also under consideration for extension of Srinagar and Leh Air Ports. I want to mention here that Rs 100 crores has been sanctioned for Jammu Air Port for the current financial year. vWhat is the respone of Pawan Hans service started for the holy shrine of Mata Vaishno Devi ? Tremendous ! As it was demand of some people to start helicopter services for the holy shrine. Helicopter service has given an opportunity to those devotees who want to return same day after having Darshan of holy cave. vInhabitants of Doda, Poonch and Rajouri have also demanding helicopter services, what about their demands ? We have already conducted survey. And very soon we are going to start 30 or 50 seater helicopter service for far-flung areas of Doda, Poonch, Rajouri and Zanskar of Kargil district. We have also undertaken a project to expand Kargil Airport. vThere is feeling among Jammuites that they have been cheated by the BJP following its, what they alleged, un-holy and illogical alliance with National Conference. What is your reaction? I want to make it clear that BJP does not have any alliance with NC. Like other groups NC is constituent of NDA but we donot have any alliance. We are opposing tooth and nail all anti-people policies of the ruling National Conference. vDo not you think State BJP has been playing a role of cooperative opposition, despite the fact that people have voted BJP to oppose policies of NC ? Has BJP diluted its ideology for the lust of power ? Absolutely wrong. There is no question of acting cooperative opposition. We have been playing the role of effective opposition. Only and only BJP has been vociferously opposing all anti-people policies of the NC. There is no question of compromising with ideology just for power. We are committed to work for integration of the country. I want to mention here it was all due to the opposition of the local BJP leaders that Central Government has rejected ‘controversial’ autonomy report in one stroke. State BJP is committed to stop discrimination with Jammu and Ladakh region and question of compromising on these issues does not rise at any cost. vDemand of trifurcation has been getting momentum, though, slowly, but the BJP is still in confusion. What is your party’s stand ? As far as the BJP is concern, we have not taken any decision to support this demand. But our party is fully convinced that discrimination has crossed all limits. I am of the view that State Government has forced the people to raise trifurcation demand due to continuous discrimination with Jammu and Ladakh region. Though we are not supporting trifurcation demand but we are for stopping step-motherly treatment with Jammu and Ladakh region. BJP demands equal development of all the three regions of the State. vYou have been in the fore-front of anti-militancy campaign. Now being a Union Minister what steps you are taking to eradicate militancy from the State ? National Democratic Alliance Government under the leadership of Mr Atal Behari Vajpayee is committed to bring peace and tranquality in the State. It is all due to the policy of the Government that militancy has been contained to some extent in Doda district. We have strengthened Village Defence Committees (VDCs) and equipped them with sophisticated weapons and modern communication equipments. |
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Panchayati polls an eye-wash:Khan Excelsior Correspondent UDHAMPUR, Jan 5: Pradesh Congress Committee workers held a meeting here, which was presided over by Mohd Ayub Khan, former PCC president. Addressing the gathering, Khan accused ruling National Conference of its failure to come to the rescue of the common masses in mitigating their sufferings. He said that the time to hold the Panchayati polls was awkward, considering the fact that neither the weather, nor political and law and order situation was permitting to hold this exercise. He said that the Panchayat Act of the State was also not fully in favour of empowerment of the People’s representatives at the Panchayati level. "It is only an eye wash", the former MP asserted. Khan also blamed the authorities for their failure to provide the security to the candidates contesting Panchayati election. Addressing the gathering , senior Congress leader Mangat Ram Sharma said that the party in power has managed to get a large number of candidates elected unopposed. " This indicates a fowl play perpetrated by the misuse of the Government machinery by the local MLAs and National Conference functionaries", he said. The gathering was among others attended by former Minister Yash Pal Khajuria, Raman Bhalla, Sardari Lal Dubey , Brij Mohan, Krishan Chander, Rashpal Singh, Hari Singh, Preetam, Mulkh Raj and Girdhari Lal. |
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SSF condemns RSS for anti-Sikh propaganda Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Jan 5: Sikh Students Federation (SSF) has taken a strong exception to the alleged distorted version of Sikh religion and history by Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and described it as a deep rooted conspiracy to weaken the Sikh community. Spokesman of the organisation, Majit Singh Khalsa said that after detailed consultation with senior Federation leaders of the State settled abroad, an emergency meeting of the Federation activists was held at Gurdwara Sahib Fatch Singh Gandhinagar wherein anti-Sikh propaganda by RSS was condemned. It was appealed to Jathadar Shri Akal Takhat Sahib and Jagdev Singh Talwandi, SGPC chief to seriously counter this deep rooted conspiracy against Sikhs. The meeting in another resolution said that due to the self and "puppet" approach of certain Sikh leaders, Sikh community is J&K State is being suppressed and victamised in every filed of life. The meeting further hailed the peace initative of Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee, All Party Hurriyat Conference and people of Kashmir. The meeting appealed to the Prime Minister to postpone the scheduled Panchayati elections in J&K, terming the exercise as " futile and to sabotage the peace process in J&K". It was impressed upon the Sikh community to boycott such elections. In its another resolution , it was said that SSF was ready to play active role to bring the dedicated Sikh leaders and intellectuals at a common platform so as to initiate peace initative in Jammu and Kashmir. |
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Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Jan 5: Domana police have worked out the blind triple murder, which took place in the house of a BJP leader Ram Nath Manhas, ex-MLA at Lower Barnai on December 3. All four murder accused were arrested by police from Nayagarh district of Orissa. A senior police officer said the accused were arrested by a special party of Domana police station from Nayagarh where they had taken shelter after slaughtering three labourers. Accused have been identified as Parbhat, Sudha, Parlhad and Rattna. The victims Parmod Pandoo Warik, Ganga Swain and Mehar Swain, all residents of Nayagarh, Orissa were slaughtered as they had snatched a contract of construction at lower rates from the accused. The killer had also snatched Rs 8,000 from the victims before fleeing. The sensational blind triple murder was worked out by Additional SHO Domana Mohd Sadiq under the instructions of SP East Johnny Williams and the supervision of DySP Akhnoor Jagjit Singh, DySP (Probationary) Swaran Singh Kotwal, presently posted at Domana and SHO Domana Rawail Singh. All accused, who were arrested by Sadiq from Orissa, were brought to Domana police station today where a case of murder already stands registered. |
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Concern over power curtailment Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Jan 5: Youth Congress Migrant Cell has expressed serious concern over the frequent power cuts by the Power Development Department. According to a release, a meeting of the members of cell was held here today in which the members strongly criticised the Chief Engineer PDD and the minister concerned for making the life of the people miserable in these chilling winters. Mr Shuben Raina, president of the Association expressed anguish over the attitude of the concerned PDD authorities and alleged that additional cuts on the scheduled power curtailment, are being imposed in migrant camps of Jammu. He said that students’ studies are suffering as their exams are drawing nearer. |
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Mustafa for bolder view of State's development strategy Excelsior Correspondent SRINAGAR, Jan 5: Minister for Industries and Commerce, Dr Mustafa Kamal has called for a bolder view of State's Development strategy for providing adequate economic strengthen to Jammu and Kashmir. "Our State has to take bolder view of its development strategy which shall require measures for massive investments by harnessing national resources for providing adequate economic strength", Dr Kamal said at a two day seminar-cum-work shop on Promotion of investment in Information Technology Sector in J&K inaugurated here on Friday, a day ahead of the inauguration of the Rs 9 crore Software Technology Park at Rangreth. The seminar was jointly organised by the Electronic and Computer Software Export Promotion Council (ESC) and the J&K State Industrial Development Corporation Limited (SIDCO). The Minister said with the installation of an elected Government in the State and consequent improvement in the security scenario, a bolder view of our development strategy was imperative for a State like J&K which is a late entrant in the area of industrialization and new technologies. About the importance of the information technology, the Minister said its development would help the State catch up with the Express Highway of growth besides increasing income for the people by creating employment opportunities. He said additional resources would also be generated which would be mainly invested in social sectors like eradication of poverty, improving education and health sectors and providing basic services like housing, water and power to the people. Dr Kamal said the State had adequate human resources including engineers and computer professionals who could be used for information technology and Software services. He said the Software Technology Park at Rangreth would bring information technology into the service of people in all parts of the State and create the J&K Knowledge Corridor for providing education, employment and further boost to the economy of the State. He felicitated the Union Government, Software Technology Parks of India and J&K SIDCO for setting up the technology park in a record time and urged the industrialists of the country in the Information technology sector to invest in Kashmir and contribute to the nation building in general and the development of the State in particular. The Minister said the Information technology sector was rapidly developing in the country, and the National Information Technology Task Force has an annual software export target of Rs 60 billion by the year 2008. He said the software exports which stood at Rs 3,000 million in 1990 went upto Rs 90,000 million n 1998. The average growth rate, he said was 73 per cent adding the capital investment in the Indian software companies had risen to Rs 1000 billion. In his keynote address, the Principal Secretary, Industries and Commerce, Mr Mohammad Shafi Pandit said the inauguration of the software technology Park tomorrow was an auspicious occasion for the State as it would open new avenues of development. He said the information technology was useful not only in creating greater job opportunities and eradication of poverty but also in strengthening democracy and bringing about social justice. Mr Pandit said India has made great striders in the Information technology sector so much so that Indian professionals were in great demand in developed countries like USA and Germany. Earlier, the Manging Director, J&K SIDCO, Mr G Q Wani, Executive Director, Electronic and Computer Software Expert Promotion Council, Mr D K Sarin and Director General, Software Technology Parks of India, Mr S N Jindal also spoke on the occasion. The Chairman, J&K Bank, Mr M Y Khan, members of the Chamber of Industry, Kashmir, Chamber of Commerce, Kashmir and Information Technology Players from various states were present. |
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Maulana Jawahar award to
Farooq Excelsior Correspondent NEW DELHI Jan 5: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Dr Farooq Abdullah has told Pakistan and secessionists to face truth on Kashmir, even an inch of which India can never part with. Speaking at a function here last evening after receiving Maualna Mohammed Ali Jauhar award, the Chief Minister said the chosen path of joining India by the people of the state cannot be reversed and those thinking otherwise should reconcile with reality. Kashmir will never become Pakistan or azad as some tend to believe, he said, adding that such dreamers or Pakistan will never succeed in even snatching an inch of our territory. The wisdom lies in appreciating the ground realities and working for bettering the relations between the neighbours for people to visit each other freely and fearlessly. The dividing line has put a barrier and the situation is such that 'I have not been able to offer fateh to my grandfather and maternal uncle buried in Pakistan', the Chief Minister said. He said it is a matter of time for Islamabad and secessionist elements to face the truth. But, militancy unleashed with Pakistan's active abatement has already taken highest toll as innocents are dying in the name of Jehad. ' Killing of innocents is no Jehad', he said, adding that Islam does not preach violence. Asking Pakistan to take concrete steps in stopping blood shed in Jammu and Kashmir, Dr Abdullah said his heart bleeds for the grieving mothers, sisters and brothers who lost their dear ones in the strife. India, he said, has always been eager to have normal relations with Pakistan and what could be a greater proof to demonstrate it than the visit of Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee to Minar-e-Pakistan. Dr Abdullah reiterated that the people of all the three regions, Kashmir, Jammu and Ladakh have been giving and would give any sacrifice for the unity of the country. The Muslim majority state has been abode of all faiths with people living in harmony for centuries. 'This uniqueness has been eye sore to enemy who doesn't want see us prosperous and happy', he said and cautioned that Pak agents are not active in Jammu and Kashmir only but they have spread their tentacles across the country also. Tracing the historic decision of the people of the state under the stewardship of visionary Sher-i-Kashmir Sheikh Mohammed Abdullah in the wake of partition of the country, the Chief Minister said that joining India was a conscious decision and time has proved that it was a step in right direction. In India 20 crore Muslims are living with amity with brethren of other communities. 'Pakistan should better take care of their own people who are deprived of their basic rights and let us live with peace and dignity', he said. Pakistan, he said, is responsible for killing of innocent Hindus, Muslims and Sikhs in Jammu and Kashmir. They are not calling an end to the cult of violence and continue with their mischievous machinations but 'Inshalla, they will never succeed', he added. He asked India and Pakistan to adopt realistic approach by declaring Line of Control (LoC) as international border saying that this will be good for both the countries and their peoples. Dr Abdullah regretted controversies over Mandir-Masjid issue saying that God does not belong to a specific religion. The message of Prophets is for one and all and those making distinction are in fact creating wedge between the people. The Chief Minister appealed to the people of the country to visit the state in large numbers and enjoy the scenic splendor of this part on the earth. Earlier, the former Governor and Rajya Sabha MP, Mr A R Kidwai presented the prestigious award to Dr Farooq Abdullah at an impressive function at Ghalib Academy here. Others who were presented awards on the occasion were Dr M Khalil Ullah, a renowned heart specialist, Dr W H Siddiqui, Raza Library Rampur, Mr Vijay Kumar Chopra, Chief Editor Hind Samachar, Mr D C Pandey (Nazar Kanpuri) and Mr Satish Kapil, educationsit. Dr Abdullah is the 12th recipient of the award. The award, instituted in 1974, in the name of Maulana Mohammed Ali Jauhar, who played a leading role in country's freedom struggle and was a close associate of Mahatma Gandhi, is conferred to distinguished persons making name in fields like journalism, poetry, publication, social service, sports and politics. The Chief Minister paid glowing tributes to the Maulana and said that the youth must take inspiration from the life of this great patriot who gave tremendous sacrifice for the nation. |
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Panchayat elections
2001 Excelsior Correspondent Poonch, Jan 5: The Deputy Commissioner Poonch has strongly denied a report appearing in a local daily that ears and nose of four panchayat election candidates in Suronkote area were chopped off. Reacting to the report, the Deputy commissioner said no such incident has taken place. He regretted that the press carried the report without verifying it causing unnecessary panic. Meanwhile DIG Rajouri-Poonch has also got the report verified and found it incorrect The Election Authority has sought cooperation of the media and urged them to verify the election related incidents from him or senior law and order authorites before publishing it. Rumours might be floated to derail the election process and it would be appreciated if such reports are cross checked |
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Appeal for minimum use of power Excelsior Correspondent Jammu, Jan 5: The Principal Secretary Power Development, Mr. Ajit Kumar has said that the Northern Region is experiencing acute shortage of power due to very low discharge in most of the rivers whereby hydel power has gone down substantially. The J&K State being part of the Northern Grid has also to cooperate in the management of available power and at peak hours there is a shortage of more than 50 per cent. The Northern Grid, he said had collapsed on 2nd January, 2001 and in order to protect it, curtailment of the load is being done by the Grid authorities at the central level. The power system in the State cannot be sustained without effective cooperation from all consumers and all sections of the society he said and appealed that the public in general may utilize the power to the minimum possible extent as they will do in case they use their invertors. All gadgets which are not immediately required should be switched off and power be utilized only for lighting purpose. The Power Development Department, he said, will find it totally unmanageable unless the cooperation as requested is extended. It is also for general information that as and when supply at source is disconnected by the Grid authorities, a sizeable area of the State will plunge in total darkness. It is hoped that with the full and active support of the people, the crises will be effectively managed. |
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Elect honest persons for Panchayat Halqas: Harsh Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Jan 5: Mr Harsh Dev Singh, Panthers Party MLA from Ramnagar urged the people to gear up for the forthcoming panchayat elections and elect honest, dedicated and sincere persons for representing their respective Panchayat halqas. He called upon the electorates to ensure maximum participation in the said elections as it would pave the way for decentralisation upto grassroots level. Addressing a deputation which called on him from the different villages of Majalta block, he announced that he had got approved Rs 1.87 crores for the construction of various roads in Majalta block. He said that important roads including Thalora-Tajur road, Majalta-Peoni road and Dassian-Sail Kori Bair road would be taken up for construction and blacktopping and would be completed on top priority. He said that adequate grants had been got sanctioned by him for the aforesaid roads under National Rural Roads for village connectivity scheme and would ensure the priority completion. He asked the Rural Development Department to immediately proceed with the construction work in view of widespread public demand. Mr Singh further urged the PHE Department to ensure immediate construction of reservoir at Raipur and to further ensure provision of water supply in the villages of Neeli, Koohian Pader, Khien Bhien, Dole, Pinger, Banja Naal and Sarmali at an earliest. He expressed grave concern over the extremely slow pace of developmental works in R&B Department particularly with regard to the tendered works. He said that only a few roads where department concerned had engaged machinery had shown some progress. He regretted that tendered works were moving at extremely slow pace and some of the works had been abandoned mid way by the contractors causing enormous loss to the public as well as to state exchequer. He called for action against defaulting contractors and initiation of appropriate measures to ensure early completion of roads. He further urged the M&RE Department to ensure early electrification of Khail, Damak, Gadain, Kandi, Nagrota, Garh Samnobha and Patti, said a release issued here today. |
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Sharma nominates
office bearers of new team Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Jan 5: Mr Shiv Kumar Sharma, newly elected president of the PHE Employees Association, has urged the State Government to accept long pending genuine demands of the employees. He also appealed to the employees to remain united to intensify fight for their just and genuine demands. Addressing a press conference, Mr Sharma demanded regularisation of daily wagers who have completed seven years of service. Expressing sympathy with the conditions of daily wagers, Mr Sharma demanded enhancement of daily wage from Rs 45 to Rs 100 per day to save the daily wagers from starvation. He further demanded removing disparity in the rates of daily wagers. He also demanded two and half days salary in favour of PHE employees as the same has been provided to other departments under Essential Services Act. Expressing concern over non-payment of 3rd instalment of the 5th Pay Commission, Mr Sharma asked the State Government to release remaining instalments of the Pay Commission. He also demanded 3 percent DA from July 2000 in favour of PHE employees. Mr Sharma also demanded holding of Departmental Promotion Committee (DPC) meeting regularly. Earlier, Mr Shiv Kumar Sharma constituted the new body for smooth working of the Association. Mr Charanjeet Singh was nominated as vice-president Jammu (N) while Mr Bishamber Nath for Jammu City division. Mr Vinod Sharma has been nominated as general secretary G.Water Jammu. Other office bearers who were nominated included Mr Som Nath, Secretary PHE Udhampur, Mr Sadeeq Khan, secretary PHE Rajouri, Mr Sanjay Dubey, secretary, G.Water, Jammu, Vijay Kumar, organiser secretary mechanical (N) Jammu, Madan Lal organiser secretary rural division, Jammu, Girdhari Lal Lakhotra, office secretary, city division, Jammu, Brij Lal, publicity secretary mechanical (N) Jammu, Mr Vijay Sharma, joint secretary, PHE Poonch, Sham Lal, joint secretary, PHE Nowshera, Ch Mohammed Aslam, joint secretary, PHE Akhnoor, Brij Mohan, joint secretary mechanical (N) Jammu, Aziz Mohammed joint secretary PHE Kishtwar, Mohammed Shaffi, joint secretary PHE Doda. Later, he exhorted the employees to work honestly and dedicationly to render effective services to the people. He asked the members of the newly constituted team to work for the betterment and welfare of the PHE employees. |
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Mufti warns vested elements for disturbing peace process Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Jan 5: Cautioning Centre against the nefarious designs of some vested interests who are hell bent to disrupt the ongoing peace process in Jammu and Kashmir State, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) supremo and former Union Home Minister, Mr Mufti Mohammed Syeed stressed on continuation of the initiative taken by Prime Minister, Mr Atal Behari Vajpayee at any cost for restoring normalcy in the violence plagued State. Addressing the office bearers of the Jammu Urban and Jammu Rural PDP, he expressed satisfaction that the process started by Mr Vajpayee to defuse tension and restore peace seemed to be working well. The peace process started by Centre in the holy month of Ramzan has received a good response, he said, adding it is high time to take some further steps to build confidence. Mufti Syeed said the extension of ceasefire by Mr Vajpayee has brought a ray of hope among the inhabitants of the State who have been witnessing bloodshed and violence since last 10 years. Expressing the hope that the ceassefire will be extended beyond the January 26, he said the process should continue to fulfill the aspirations of the masses who are totally fed up with gun culture. He however, cautioned the vested interests against their nefarious designs who he alleged were desperately trying to create hurdles in peace initiative. The PDP chief said besides holding negotiations with all sections of the society it is necessary to frustrate the designs of the vested elements. Responding to the decision of the All Party Hurriyat Conference (APHC) to send a delegation to Pakistan to hold dialogue with different groups to reach at a consensus on Kashmir, Mufti supported the decision of Hurriyat Conference. He however, urged the Central Government to give permission to all APHC leaders to visit Pakistan saying there is no reason in giving permission to few selected leaders to visit there and not to others. During their discussion at Pakistan at least some consensus will emerge he said and added it was a positive signal that Pakistan taking out troops from Line of Control. Coming down heavily on NC Government for its failure to mitigate the misiries of the people, Mufti regretted that instead of heeding woes of the masses the NC has inflicted more misiries to them due to its anti people policies. He alleged that it is all due to the callous , non serious and anti people attitude of this Government that alienation of the masses has increased during the last four years misrule. The PDP chief who conducted an extensive tour of twin border districts of Poonch and Rajouri said people in both these districts are enthusiastic to participate in the Panchayat elections. Among the prominent party leaders who were present in the meeting include Messrs Ved Mahajan, S Trilok Singh Bajwa, Jagdish Jaggi, Surinder Singh, Daman Bhasin, Ashaq Hussian Khan, Mrs Shana Devi, Sukhvinder Singh and others. |
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