SCW for social security; economic & political empowerment to women

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Jan 24: Dr Girja Dhar, Chairperson J&K State Commission for Women (SCW) has stressed the need for social security to women besides political, legal and economic empowerment.

Addressing a crowded press conference here today, Dr Dhar said that today’s woman was a deprived lot. The women account for 60 per cent of work force but men still consider them as non-productive. The women share only share 10 % of the world’s income and only one per cent of the assets of the world. They again get only two-third of the wages compared to men for the same type of work.

In view of the increasing domestic violence, harassment, dowry deaths, bride burning, desertation, bigamy, sexual harassment, torture incidence the necessity was felt to set up State Commission for Women and provide them speedy justice in today’s male dominated society.

Set up under the Act of the Jammu and Kashmir State Legislative Assembly and passed in March 1999, it was constituted by appointing full time chairperson and two part-time members in March 2000 only. The office accommodation, some skeleton was made available to the commission by mid-June 2000 and office became partially functional hardly by the end of July 2000.

Replying to a question she stated that the aim and objective of this Commission is to ensure security, development and well being of women in every sphere of life, to suggest and ensure implementation of steps against gender discrimination, ensure adequate provision for women’s advancement in the state policies, plans and programmes besides taking up their other issues.

The Commission, she maintained, is expected to review State’s constitutional provisions, new legislation and suggest amendments to the existing laws to meet the objectives of gender equality and empowerment of women. It will also investigate and examine all matters relating to the safeguards provided for women under the constitution, besides reviewing from time to time, the existing provisions of the constitution of J&K and other laws affecting women and recommend amendments for the remedial legislative measures.

The other functions of the Commission included—inspect a jail, remand homes, women’s institutions or other place of custody where women are kept as prisoners or otherwise and take up with the concerned authorities for remedial action, fund litigation involving issues affecting a large body of women, participate and advise on the planning process of socio-economic development of women and make periodical reports to the Government on any matter pertaining to women. She regretted that women in J&K have not received due share in the legislature, Administration and other fields. The beginning has been made in the recent Panchayat elections by according them 33 % reservation by the State Government and it’s hoped that the process would continue.

In response to another question Dr Girja said that there have been some reports of harassment or sexual harassment of women by security forces or militants in Kashmir as appeared in a section of press/media but Commission has not received such specific report so far. The commission will definitely take cognizance if any such report comes to it, she maintained.

Due to the paucity of funds, the functioning of the Commission is affecting and it is hoped that state Government would provide liberal funds for the smooth functioning of the Commission. The networking with the NGOs, social, activists and the academicians and the functioning of the counselling cell are the major thrust areas besides involvement of media in propagating the plans and policies and also to create awareness among the masses.

India keen to have friendly relations with Pak: Chaman

Excelsior Correspondent

KATHUA, Jan 24: Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation Prof Chaman Lal Gupta has said that India is keen to have friendly relations with Pakistan and wants her to behave like a good neighbour.

Addressing a public meeting at Hiranagar on Tuesday evening, the Union Minister regretted that Pakistan has never been sincere in its efforts to normalise relations with India and has been instrumental in aiding and abetting terrorism in J&K state. He blamed Pakistan for the turmoil and miserable plight of people of Kashmir.

The BJP leader said that Vajpayee had extended hand of friendship to Pakistan and started bus service between the two countries but instead of reciprocating generously to India’s friendship , that country waged a war in Kargil sector.

Referring to the unilateral cease-fire announced by the Prime Minister he said that this move was aimed at restoring peace and normalcy in the state and providing yet another opportunity to Pakistan to show its sincerity in finding a solution to Kashmir problem

and stopping cross border terrorism in J&K state. The minister, however, regretted that Pakistani rulers did not respond to this kind of gesture but continued to sponsor cross-border terrorism.

Prof Gupta described the cease-fire offer made by the Prime Minister a bold one for initiating peace process and cautioned Pakistan not to consider the ceasefire initiative of the India Government as her weakness and warned Pakistan to desist from aiding and abetting terrorism in India or be ready to face dire consequences.

He said that Pakistan is living in fool’s paradise if it thinks that it can snatch Kashmir from India by infiltrating armed militants.It it has any love for the Kashmiri people then it should come forward and work for establishing peace and normalcy in the J&K state.

The Union Minister said that the countries like USA, UK, Russia and France have come to understand that Pakistan is breeding place for Pan-Islamic terrorism and as such Pakistan stands isolated in the world fora. He said world has begun to appreciate India’s stand and many countries who were annoyed with India for undergoing nuclear tests at Pokhran have started again to support India.

3 BSF Bns being raised for border people: Gupta

Excelsior Correspondent

HIRANAGAR, Jan 24: Senior BJP leader and Union Minister of state for civil aviation Prof Chaman Lal Gupta has said that three battalions of Border Security Force are being raised from the border belt of in the region soon.

Addressing a function organised to celebrate birth anniversary of Netaji Subash Chander Bose here last evening, the minister disclosed that during his recent meeting with the DG, BSF Mr Gurbachan Jagat he was informed that three BSF battalions are being raised soon by recruiting youth from border belt of J&K and Punjab.

Prof Gupta who is also MP from Kathua-Udhampur-Doda Lok Samba constituency asked the people living in border areas to remain vigilant and help the security forces in foiling the nefarious designs of militants and their mentors across the border. He appealed the youth to strive hard for preserving the hard earned freedom. Describing the Netaji as a great leader and true patriot Prof Gupta said that his words " You give met the blood, I will give you the Freedom" had a great effect on the masses who joined together and made the British rulers to flee India.

The BJP leader said that Central Government was fully aware of the problems of the people of the area. The Government is keen to mitigate their problems and provide all basic facilities to the people. The Government also plans to provide drinking water to each village by 2003 and connect all villages with link roads in coming five years. An Amount of Rs 60,000 crores will be spent for this purpose.

Later, the Minister met the Sarpanches and Panches of the area and assured them that Centre would provide all possible assistance in development of their respective areas. They asked them to ensure proper utilisation of funds in their respective Blocks and Panchayats.

YC demands high level inquiry to probe recent attacks

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Jan 24: The J&K Pradesh Youth Congress has said that Central Governmet has extended unilateral cease-fire without taking into account the ground realities and to demoralise the security forces in the State. Youth Congress demanded high level inquiry on the recently attacks on Chief Minister, Dr Farooq Abdullah.

In a statement issued here today, Youth Congress leaders said that BJP led Government has extended cease-fire without realising the ground situation in the State. They expressed surprise that attacks on security forces have increased and killings of innocent people are also going unabated but Centre has again extended cease-fire.

Highlighting increasing militancy incidents, YC demanded a probe into, what it called, so-called, attacks on Dr Farooq Abdullah and office of National Conference. Leaders said that recent statements of NC leaders particularly of Chief Minister, Dr Farooq Abdullah clearly shown that the party was deadly against any peace in the Valley. They alleged that attacks of Chief Minister, Dr Farooq Abdullah was manipulated by the ruling National Conference.

Youth Congress leaders suggested to the Prime Minister to constitute a all party peace committee on Kashmir so that the right decision at right time can be taken instead of different type of suggestions.

The statement was signed by Mr Yogesh Sawhney, Ravinder Sharma, Hukam Chand Sharma A S Micky, Ashwani Puri, Gurdeep Singh, Raj Kumar, Rajesh Bittu, Kanwal Singh and Surinder Gupta.

Measures to improve Fruit & Vegetable trade
16 Satellite & 2 terminal markets being established

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Jan 23: Sixteen satellite fruit and vegetable and two terminal markets are being established in different parts of the State for providing better marketing facilities to the fruit and vegetable growers of the State.

These markets are being developed under rural infrastructure development fund from NABARD with an investment of Rs. 23.40 crores. Of this, the NABARD assistance would be of the order of Rs. 20.90 crores, while the State Government would provide Rs. 2.50 crores. The NABARD has advanced Rs. 10 crores as its share to the State Government for the purpose.

In an interview, the Director, Horticulture (P&M), Mr. B. L. Bhat said here today that these satellite markets would be in addition to the three existing markets of Sopore and Parimpora in Kashmir and Narwal in Jammu. The new satellite markets are being established at Kupwara, Handwara, Baramulla, Charar-i-Sharief, Shopian, Pulwama, Kulgam, Batingoo and Anantnag in Kashmir valley, Udhampur, Kathua, Doda, Bishnah, Samba, Rajouri and Poonch in Jammu region and Leh and Kargil in Ladakh division. The two terminal markets are being established near Qazigund in Anantnag district and Bari Brahmna in Jammu province. The possession on 46 kanals of land for establishing satellite market at Kupwara, 48 kanals for Chrar-i-Sharief, 44 kanals at Baramulla, 32 kanals at Shopian, 39 kanals for Kulgam, 19 kanals for Leh, 67 kanals for Handwara mandi have already been taken, while the land acquisition process for establishing mandies at other places is at final stages. Nearly Rs. 8.34 crores have been expended on acquisition of land so far.

Mr. Bhat said the Government has also drawn up plans to further strengthen and develop the existing three markets established in the State. The premier fruit market Sopore spread over 372.47 kanals is being developed on modern lines on self financing basis. It will have 700 shop sites, besides provision for common facilities like banking, post office, dispensary, growers sarai, guest house, restaurant, car and truck parking. The revised development plan for this prestigious mandi has been formulated and the notification for allotment of shop sites is being issued shortly.

The Parimpora fruit mandi presently under the control of Srinagar Development Authority (SDA) is also being given a new look. The mandi is being developed on the pattern of Sopore Mandi in consultation with the representatives of fruit growers and traders. The SDA has formulated a comprehensive development plan involving Rs. 8.69 crore for the purpose. Similarly, the Narwal Fruit Mandi in Jammu when established fully would be spread over an area of 800 kanals, Mr. Bhat added.

The proposed mandies and satellite markets on completion would remarkably contribute in improving the fruit and vegetable trade in the State, besides ensuring local sales, buyer-seller contacts and help in making especially our fruit commodity as ‘sellers produce’ instead being at the sweet will and choice of outside arties and agents. These markets will help in securing and guarding primary interests of the growers through proper grading and packing for better returns to their produce besides enforcing checks on exploitation.

The local markets shall also have the provision for on-farm and market storages to hold fruit temporarily avoiding glut for regulated sales as per the requirement and demand. These markets would also help the fruit producers in export bypassing Delhi thereby reducing the transit gap delays and post harvest losses, mal-practices and other traditional overheads in Delhi for higher gains to the producers.

The State has already passed the Agricultural Produce Marketing (Regulation) Act, 1997. The Act is grower friendly and is being applied for ensuring due returns to our growers. The Act also provides for securing infrastructural development support from Government of India through APEDA, National Horticulture Board, Directorate of Marketing Government of India and other agencies.

Army School, Nagrota celebrates its annual day function

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Jan 24: Army School Nagrota celebrated its annual day function with fan-fare and enthusiasm today. Brigadier R K Malhotra, Station Commander was the chief guest at the function which was conducted in Usman Auditorium Nagrota and attended among others by the parents of the students, prominent citizens of Jammu and Nagrota, senior army officers besides people who matter in educational field.

The programme started with the release of the third consecutive issue of the School magazine ‘Reflections’ by the chief guest. It was followed by flag song by the students.

Highlights of the programme were the cultural items presented by the students under the able guidance of school teachers of special mentions are Hindi skit under the direction of Miss Dalveer and Mrs Sunita Hak, Ballad under the direction of Mr Anil Tickoo and Mrs Pushwinder Walia, english play under the guidance of the Principal Mrs Dimple Anil, Miss Kiran and Mrs Bindiya, hindi play under the direction of Mr Anil Tickoo, Mrs Urvashi Marwaha and Mr Ramesh Chander, the item of folk dance and folk song with sweet tune, harmony and mood was organised by Mr Ramesh and Mrs Swaran Sharma.

The Principal read out the annual report which highlighted the achievements of the school during the past one year.

Speaking on the occasion, Brigadier R K Malhotra laid stressed on the importance of moral education. He also highlighted role of the army schools in strengthening national integration, development and excellence. He praised the Principal and staff of the Army School Nagrota for their endeavour to achieve this national goal.

Govt will not take any chance: Goswami
Foolproof security for Republic Day Parade

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Jan 24: To thwart the militants designs and make this year’s Republic Day function a complete success, the State Government has made all foolproof security arrangements inside the Moulana Azad Stadium, the venue of the Parade.

This was disclosed by the Divisional Commissioner, Mr Anil Goswami and Inspector General of Police, Jammu Range, Mr R V Raju to media persons here today.

Expressing the hope that we will come up with flying colours, Mr Goswami said elaborate pre-emptive security measures have been taken so that we are not caught by surprise as happened in 1995.

He said this year every inch of the Moulana Azad Stadium has been dug up and work is still going on as we don not want to take any chance. He said the digging of the Stadium has been done for the security purpose and it will continue even tomorrow.

He said every inch of the Stadium will be dug and detected so that enemy does not take any chance.

He while regretting that people of late have stopped to come to watch the function appealed them to come for witnessing this year’s parade with out any fear as the Government has made complete security bundobast and there is nothing to worry.

The Divisional Commissioner said the people should understand that this is their Republic Day and they should come in large numbers to witness the function to boost the morale of the school children participating in it.

Maintaining that he has talked with some prominent citizens and urged them to ensure the full participation of the people in the function, he said our message to people on this Republic Day is that it is function for people of the people and by the people as their children are presenting the variety of programmes to make it a grand finale.

He said unlike past there will be no curfew like situation this year and barring the heavy vehicles the movement of light vehicles will be allowed to ensure the peoples participation in the function.

He also maintained in order to ensure proper security check of the people before their entry into the stadium a high official meeting will discuss the same today.

Giving further information he said the preparations for the Parade are in full swing and the function will be as per the earlier practice. The Governor’s salute will be followed by a cultural bonanza in which 5000 students of different schools from all over the City will participate.

Seeking the cooperation of media he denied that the Stadium has been made out of bond for press persons saying that all frisking on the part of security men was to ensure foolproof security.

In reply to a question the IGP Jammu, Mr R V Raju said the Mishriwala incident is not the result of security lapses but is linked with infiltration from across the border and still we killed all six terrorists.

He said the security in the City has been beefed up in view of the Republic Day and growing threats of attack by suicidal squads. "We are maintaining a constant vigil and nakas have been laid on all entrance and exit routes so that the militants do not take any chance, he added.

The Director Information, Mr K B Jandial said the Stadium has not been closed for media persons and the reports published in this regard are baseless.

The challenge before the administration is not new and preparations are on he said,adding we will not only overcome the challenge but come out with flying colours.

He said there is a loud and clear message for people to come and see how attractive the programme is.

Meanwhile, the preparations were given final touch with a full dress rehearsal was held in the Stadium today where hundreds of school children attired in their multi coloured costumes and a number of smartly dressed contingents of Army, Police, BSF, NCC cadets and school children presented a most auspicious and unprecedented part of preparation for the first Republic Day of this millennium.

The releasing of baloons from the Stadium in the bright Sun light towards the clear blue sky presented a rejoicing and enchanted view.

The marchpast by the contingents amidst background commentary and martial tunes by the bands presented a scintillating effect on the minds of viewers present in the Stadium.

The secular values and unity in diversity of the country came before the eyes of the spectators when the students o different schools presented their cultural programmes in Kashmiri, Dogri, Punjabi and other languages accompanied by melodious music arranged by Department of Youth Services and Sports. Bhangra with beating of drums rejoiced the spectators on this auspicious occasion.

The feats and exercises presented by the children enthralled every body. However, the march past and drill presented by the tiny tots coupled with the patriotic song "Sarfaroshi ki Tamana Ab Hamarey Dil Main Hai" of different schools was much charming and entertaining.

Every little face was hopeful of bright future and prosperity of his nation and state which is going to celebrate the 52nd Republic Day on Friday.

Calendar on Madr-e- Meharban released
Intelligentsia can play important role in uniting
people: Farooq

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Jan 24: Chief Minister, Dr Farooq Abdullah today called upon intelligentsia to work for bringing closer the divergent religious and ethical sections of India’s homogenous society for collectively facing the challenges confronted to the nation.

Dr Abdullah who was speaking at a function organised in connection with releasing of Madr-e- Meharban wall calendar here this morning said "unity in diversity is the real strength of India and by maintaining amity and brotherhood we can march ahead towards peace, progress and prosperity.

The Chief Minister regretted that some elements with vested interests were out to create mistrust and wedge between various sections and expressed confidence that people would frustrate their designs unitedly. "Here comes an important role for the poets and intellectuals to unite people and foil the attempts of disruptive elements" Dr Abdullah said.

He expressed the hope that people would tread the path shown by great leaders and visionaries that would lead to return of peace and normalcy in the state, which has undergone a traumatic phase. "We have to work together to steer the state out of difficulties" he added.

The Chief Minister however, parried questions when the media persons wanted him make any comment on extension of cease-fire in J&K by Prime Minister, Mr Atal Behari Vajpayee, saying there will be no comments on cease-fire.

Paying glowing tributes to Madr-e-Meharban, the Industries Minister, Dr Mustafa Kamal, recalled the great role she played for betterment of the people , especially women and down trodden sections of the society. She bid adieu to ‘pardah’ and traversed length and breadth of the state, especially far off places, with a missionary zeal to organise women for their rights, spread of female education and fight against the evils, he said adding that alongside Sher-i-Kashmir, Begum Akbar Jahan played her role in the freedom struggle. When Sheikh Sahib was imprisoned, Begum Sahiba took upon herself the onus and responsibility for keeping lit the lamp of the movement.

Dr Kamal threw light on different facets of Madr-e-Mehrban’s life and elaborately discussed her role during Kashmir struggle and as a mother. He said she was too inspired from her illustrious husband and braved many challenges in political and social upheavals.

He said on the death of Begum Abdullah the people of the state in general and intellectuals and various organisations paid a befitting tribute to her and as a result of strenuous efforts a calendar has been brought out depicting cultural diversity of the three regions of the State. He complimented the Information and Tourism Departments for their cooperation in this effort. He also complimented Mr M Y Teng, MLC and Farooq Ahmed Mugal for bringing out the calendar.

Paying tributes to Sher-i Kashmir and Madr-e- Meherban, Mr Mohammed Yosuf Teng gave historical perception of close affinity between regions and the people. In this context he traced the historical origin of present Jamalta in Srinagar as ‘Jamwal Hata’, a habitation of Jammuites and said Kashmiris contributed in the construction of historic Raghunath Temple in Jammu and Kashmiri artists also did a lot of paintings in gumpas in Ladakh.

Earlier the CM released the calendar and presented its first copy to former Chief Minister, Mr Ghulam Mohammed Shah.

Among others present on the occasion were NC general secretary Sheikh Nazir Ahmed, Minister of Information and Transport, Mr Ajat Shatru Singh, Minister for Works, Ali Mohammed Sagar, chief whip of NC, Mr Mubarak Gul, Minister of State for Home, Mushtaq Ahmed Lone, Minister of State for Agriculture, Tsering Narboo, Minister of State for Housing Tokdun Rinpoche, Minister of State for Agriculture, Ram Paul and N C Provincial president Mr Bodh Raj Bali.

A poem on Begum Abdullah was also recited by Mr Kesr-u-Din Kesar on the occasion.

Shah calls for cost-effective housing technology

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Jan 24: The Minister for Housing and Urban Development, Mr. Gh Mohi-ud-Din Shah has stressed the need for using cost-effective, quality controlled and eco-friendly housing technology in building constructions.

Mr. Shah was presiding over a board meeting of Building Centre Jammu here today. Mr. Shah said that people should be made aware about the availability of cheap housing technology and services in the State through different building centres. For this purpose, the media can play a significant role.

Mr. Shah said that the working of the existing building centres must be encouraged by the Government agencies so that these centres can render their services and building materials to common people at affordable costs.

The primary objective of the Building Centre at Jammu which is a joint venture of Government of India and HUDCO with grant in aid assistance from the Housing and Urban Development Department aims to conduct research on local building materials and to develop cost effective housing relevant for the climate and topography of the State.

The Building Centre proposes to hold exhibitions, seminars and demonstrations for disseminating the technology to the professional architects, planners, engineers, builders and other interested persons.

It was said in the meeting that presently nine building centres are operating in different districts of the State and few more are being established to cover more areas of the State.

The meeting fixed targets for 2001-2002 for the Jammu Building Centre at Rs 90 lakhs as against Rs 75 lakhs for 2000-2001. The Director Local Bodies, Jammu and Managing Director J&K Housing Board offered their ongoing projects to the Building Centre with respect to low cost sanitation, project community complexes and other building materials to be prepared and supplied by the Centre.

The meeting decided to establish two more building centres at Kathua and Udhampur during the current year. The meeting also decided to transfer 65 kanals of land at Gool Jammu from Jammu Development Authority to the Jammu Building Centre without transferring proprietary rights for a period of 5 years. The land will be used by the Jammu Building Centre to start a building material manufacturing unit. It was said in the meeting that for the purpose of a demonstration site in Jammu city Jammu Development Authority and Jammu Municipality will identify the land.

The meeting was attended by Principal Secretary Housing and Urban Development, Managing Director J&K Housing Board, Director Local Bodies Jammu, Vice-Chairman, Jammu D9evelopment Authority and Director Building Centre, Jammu .

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